Abandoned Fantasy World is a theme park and water park located in Lemery, Batangas, just a four-hour drive away from Manila. Fantasy World may not be as grand as Disneyland but this is closest thing we can get so far. What really makes this attraction so unique is the fact that the place itself is almost abandoned.
Fantasy World intended to be the Disneyland of the Philippines but due to the lack of funding of the Japanese owner, the medieval-themed park left unfinished up until today. In fact, construction had long stopped years ago. It was never opened to the public.
History of Abandoned Fantasy World Theme Park
It was built in 2001 by Japanese Businessman, but It was left unfinished. It could have been an amazing attraction but the potential huge success was unfortunately wasted. Fantasy World, endorsed by the Department of Tourism, was designed to have a castle, main gate, access road—the former three were already finished when the article ran—a club house, a 504-room hotel, a chapel and rides.
Although the castle seem spectacular on the outside, a walk-through showed it was just a facade with nothing more. 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.
First thing you should know, abandoned Fantasy World is open to public but it is not freely accessible. There is an entrance fee of Php1000. Aside from its castle like structures, there are still rides installed on the area. Though, it is no longer operating you can still take photos on it.
The Medieval inspired castle is the centerpiece of Fantasy World. However, unlike real Castle, the attraction only offers facades. They are all accessible but there’s really nothing much you can find inside.
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How To Get to Fantasy World via Public Transport
From the van terminal in front of Starmall (EDSA-Shaw), look for the van bound to Tagaytay. Ask the driver if they will pass by the Fantasy World (some vans don’t). If they said yes, go for it. They will drop you off to Fantasy World.
Things to Know Before Going to Fantasy World
- Bringing of foods are not allowed upon entering this park but there is a cafeteria inside if you wish to eat but food serving takes time.
- There’s an additional P5000 fee if you wish to do photoshoots inside Fantasy World. This includes pre-wedding and pre-debut pictorials.
- This can be a sidetrip of your tagaytay trip or you can go beach swimming in Nasugbu or Lemery after visiting Fantasy World depending on your time and choice.
