Ocampo Deer Farm in Camarines Sur has been enjoyed by animal lovers of all ages since its establishment in 1996. A short, enjoyable drive from the Hibiscus Farm, this sprawling deer sanctuary located at the foothills of Mount Isarog is one of the biggest deer farms in Asia. At the moment, the farm is home to at least 200 deer.
We went to this deer farm after visiting Consocep Falls. The last time I was in a deer farm was when I was in Nara, Japan. Wild deer roam around the city’s national park. Here in Ocampo, Australian species of deer roam around the 5-hectare farm. It is fenced but tourists can get up close up close and personal with the deer inside.
I’ve always thought deer were adorable but they’re naturally skittish in the wild so it was such a unique experience to be up-close and feed them! Although, it was mating season when we got there. So, all we can do was feed them from the other side of the fence… It was still fun! You will have a blast here if you are an animal lover!
Inside Ocampo deer farm
How to get to Ocampo Deer Farm from Naga City
From Naga:
1. Go to Naga Bus Station (beside SM Naga City)
2. Take a bus bound to Goa, Sagnay, Tigaon, or San Jose
3. Ask the conductor to drop you at the intersection of Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Ocampo or state directly that you are headed to Ocampo’s deer farm
4. Get off at Ocampo town proper
From Ocampo town proper:
Take habal-habal or tricycle to Ocampo Deer Farm (Fare: Php35.00 per way)
From Albay:
The farm can be reached via car approximately 2.5 hours from Daraga, Albay, or 30 minutes from the town of Pili.
Charming but skittish deer of Ocampo Deer Farm in Camarines Sur
Entrance fee to Ocampo Deer Farm
Php0.00. This deer farm is owned by the local government. The entrance fee is free.
Have you been to a deer farm before? What do you think about the Ocampo deer farm? Would you like to visit this place? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Erica is a former PR pro turned entrepreneur. Her greatest joys are family, blogging, music, skin care and social justice. As a Muay Thai enthusiast, Erica prides herself on working with increased focus, humility and diligence. She believes in living a fit life doing everything with a flair of creativity and love! Stalk her social channels @thegirlwiththemujihat
There’s something about museums that makes them more special than any other place you’d visit in your free time. It’s deep, dramatic, meaningful, and… not for everyone! It is enclosed in walls but somehow has the ability to take you somewhere else. It is able to take you back in time. The museum is home to the old souls.
If you suddenly feel tired of the usual loud, crowded commercial places you go to relax, think of the many underrated museums in Manila you can visit. This is especially a good idea in this rainy season when going to the beach seems like the least option for the weekend. You also wouldn’t have to spend a lot of money. To add, you don’t even need to go with someone, as coming by yourself can even be more exciting!
Here are 7 suggestions to put on your list:
Sining Kamalig
Something for those who live in the North. Sining Kamalig is located in Ali Mall, General Romulo Ave, Cubao, Quezon City. From being a gallery space, it has transformed into pop-ups. These exhibits aim to help people of every age discover art by collaborating with other commercial spaces. Be inspired and discover both recognized and upcoming artists in Sining Kamalig.
Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum
While everybody is at the mall and watching some mainstream movies, take a trip to Pasay and visit the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Aerospace Museum. Originally founded as Marcos Museum in 1974, this military museum of the AFP is a world-class facility. It combines heritage, science and technology to honor the PAF airmen. You’ll find it beside Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. It’s open for visitors until 5 PM.
Me at the Upside Down Museum entrance
Upside Down Museum
This one is a 1,700-square feet illusion museum the features upside down, floating, leaning, giant exhibits. Also located in Pasay, you’ll find it at the Boom Na Boom Grounds CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd. It is now improved with new and more exciting attractions for all ages. Get ready to be amazed with the power of art illusion, unique images, and sculptures. Check sites like Metrodeal for discounts.
Bahay-Nakpil Bautista
Let’s go back in time–like way back in time–to 1914. Located at 432 A. Bautista, Quiapo in Manila, Bahay-Nakpil Bautista is one of the oldest houses in the city by Arcadio Arellano. The two-house occupies two lots with a total land area of 500 square meters. Also known as “Tahanan ng mga Katipunero,” this well-preserved 18th century structure is a gateway to years past.
Museo Sansó
Now for the fourth suggestion, let’s go to the city of San Juan. This museum is found in the same building as Cafe Sanso. ‘Museo Sanso is for those who collect paintings. This private museum preserves and promotes the legacy of Juvenal Sansó, an internationally acclaimed master artist. You’ll find here a few dozen pieces on display that belong to the artist’s personal collection. Fundacion Sansó issues Certificates of Authenticity to the buyers of his artworks.
Museum of Contemporary Art and Design
Most museums open around 10 in the morning, like the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design. It is located at the ground floor of Benilde School of Design and Arts Campus, Dominga Street in Malate, Manila. It offers the experience of and exposure to contemporary art and its various publics, focusing on Manila as context. Interestingly, MCAD seeks to develop an innovative and inclusionary paradigm where “free access for all” addresses more than a cross-section of social classes. Although parking space is limited, admission is free.
Marikina Shoe Museum
Last but not least is this entry from the east. The Marikina City Footwear Museum is an intimate space that features some of the footwear worn by political figures, like Imelda Marcos. The “Shoe Capital of the Country” is definitely a happy place for the shoe nuts. Open daily, entrance fee to the Marikina Shoe Museum costs only 50 pesos for people who visit from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Parting Words
Going to a museum is a great way to feed your mind. It’s also a humbling experience where you realize there are a lot of things you don’t know. For this weekend, let yourself relax, be deep, and be artsy. Take time to discover and appreciate things that are out of your league. There are many hidden gems in Manila like the underrated museums on this list – you just have to be curious enough.
Have you ever been to any of these museums? Do you want to visit them? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Philippine passport holders are now eligible for visa-exempt entry to Taiwan for stays of up to fourteen (14) days. The visa-free program is in effect from September 29, 2022 till July 31, 2023.
To travel visa-free, make sure to meet the following conditions:
Your passport is valid for at least six months starting from the date of arrival in Taiwan.
You have an onward/return air/ferry ticket and a visa for that destination (if required).
You have proof of accommodation (or host/sponsor’s contact information or arrangements of tour, travel, visit, events and meeting etc.) in Taiwan.
You completed an arrival card (this is obtained from the airlines or cruise ship company)
Is it possible to be denied entry to Taiwan?
The visa-free program does not guarantee entry to Taiwan. The Taiwan Bureau of Immigration reserves the right to authorize or deny admission to Taiwan. If you have a criminal record, have overstayed in Taiwan on a previous trip, or cannot prove sufficient funds to support yourself while in Taiwan, yes you may be denied entry.
If you are staying for more than 14 days and you need an E-VISA:
You can apply for an e-visa online. You don’t have to physically go to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines anymore. It costs TWD 1,632 to apply for an e-visa and it takes three (3) working days to process.
