Fantasy World Batangas, PHILIPPINES : The Abandoned Palace

Jean Diaz Palabrica

6 years ago

By: Jenny Rose Aurella

The fantasy world in Lemery Batangas, Philippines. The abandoned medieval theme park was meant to be the “Disneyland of the Philippines.” Located at Lemery Batangas. A castle sits atop a hill in the Philippines, its colorful walls adding an unexpected pop of color to the surrounding greenery. The stalwart structure, which looks like an image straight from a fairytale, seems oddly out of place. There were grand plans for the castle and its surrounding theme park to become the “Disneyland of the Philippines.” Called Fantasy World, it was meant to rival the beloved international amusement parks.

But for the people behind Fantasy World, opening the park was a dream that never came true. The businessman who backed the project ran into financial issues before construction was complete, forcing him to abandon his plan.

Fantasy World ng Pilipinas

Now, the castle’s once-bright exterior is fading. Paint peels from the walls of its unfinished rooms. The rides lay dormant, never able to grumble to life beneath hordes of delighted children.

Though the park couldn’t open as planned, you can still enter and explore the Disneyland that could have been. You can walk across the rope bridge that leads to the park’s tree house, which offers beautiful views of the local scenery. You can even climb the castle’s towers and feel like a real-life Rapunzel surveying the empty kingdom.

Inside, some parts of the castle weren’t even painted. Some of the empty rooms have peeling walls. All the rides were unfinished and not operational.

Though there’s nothing much inside Fantasy World, the park is still a sight to behold. It’s perfect for photographers, those who wanna pretend they’re royalty inside their own castle for a day, and remains a favorite for pre-nuptial shoots.

At an affordable Php1000 good for up to 10 people, the park is open for those who want to take a break from their busy lives and live in a fantasy world for a while.

HOW TO GET THERE?

From Manila (via Lipa)

Go to Jam Liner bus station. You can choose from two branches – 1) in Timog Avenue in Quezon City; and 2) the other is in LRT Buendia in Pasay – and look for the bus with “Lemery” signage. Trips to Lemery are available as early as 4am, and a bus departs every hour or depending on the number of passengers. (Php 186)
Alight at Lemery Jam Liner bus station.
Look for a tricycle to get you to the jeepney terminal going to the “boundary”. Beware, however, some tricycle drivers might offer to take you directly to Fantasy World in a very steep price. (Php 10)
Just take a jeep. (Php 32)

Total: Php 228 one-way