Calaca Church: Saint Raphael’s Sacred Home in Calaca
Calaca Church, formally the Saint Raphael the Archangel Parish Church, was established shortly after the founding of Calaca on May 10, 1835. By 1836, local
Lemery, Batangas
Fantasy World
The Unfinished Kingdom of Batangas
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- Lemery, Batangas
Fantasy World sits along Diokno Highway in Barangay Mayasang, Lemery, Batangas, a surreal sight for travelers and photographers alike. Originally envisioned as a grand amusement park with Bavarian-inspired castles, sprawling rides, and luxury resort facilities, it has remained unfinished yet draws curious visitors seeking unique photo opportunities. Its quiet grounds now provide a canvas where the imagination takes center stage.
Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Fantasy World with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!
Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Fantasy World. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.
Fantasy World sits along Diokno Highway in Barangay Mayasang, Lemery, Batangas, a surreal sight for travelers and photographers alike. Originally envisioned as a grand amusement park with Bavarian-inspired castles, sprawling rides, and luxury resort facilities, it has remained unfinished yet draws curious visitors seeking unique photo opportunities. Its quiet grounds now provide a canvas where the imagination takes center stage.
Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.
Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.
Origins and Grand Vision
Conceived in the late 1990s under ECE Realty & Development Inc., construction began in October 1999 after initial land acquisition in January of the same year. The Department of Tourism endorsed the project in 1997, and the Board of Investments granted incentives in 2001 to support development. The ambitious plan included a 195-hectare theme park, 35-hectare water park, 45-hectare golf course, 30-hectare country club, and a 504-room hotel near the central castle. Fantasy World aimed to be the “Disney World of the Philippines,” blending fantasy architecture with large-scale tourism infrastructure.
What Stopped the Magic
Despite its potential, Fantasy World never opened. Construction stalled in the mid-2000s due to financial shortfalls, and leadership issues arose when Emilio Ching, the company head, faced health problems. In August 2009, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued a suspension for failing to comply with disclosure rules, cutting off further funding. Consequently, none of the planned rides operated, and major facilities remain unfinished.
A Surreal Photo Playground Today
Today, Fantasy World thrives as a photography destination. The castles, towers, and entrance structures are intact but unfinished, with fading paint, occasional graffiti, and silent rides adding to its dreamlike appeal. Visitors capture shots of the medieval-inspired architecture, wandering along pathways, climbing towers, or exploring vantage points for panoramic views of the Batangas countryside. While rides remain non-operational, the empty grounds provide freedom for creative photography.
Visiting Tips and Practical Info
Fantasy World is open from roughly 8 AM to 5 PM, with an entrance fee around ₱100 per person. Optional professional photoshoots and medieval costume rentals are available for a more immersive experience. Located about two hours from Metro Manila, it makes a feasible day trip. Nearby destinations such as Caleruega Church, Taal Lake, and Tagaytay complement a visit to the park, offering a combination of nature, architecture, and adventure.
In Media and Popular Culture
Despite its unfinished status, Fantasy World has appeared in Philippine TV shows and films, including Wansapanataym, Majika, and Fantastica. Its visually striking castles and backdrops have made it a popular spot for urban explorers, photographers, and travel influencers alike.
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Reflections on a Kingdom That Almost Was
Walking through Fantasy World, it’s easy to feel the tension between ambition and abandonment. Its silent towers and dormant rides tell a story of dreams paused in time. For a travel photographer, it is a place where every corner offers a frame waiting to be captured — a space of imagination, mystery, and surreal beauty that thrives precisely because it never became fully real.
I’m looking forward to the stories and images leaving a lasting positive impression on you, just as they have on me. Stay connected with us on social media for a weekly exploration of travel assignments and breathtaking visuals. Our focus is on championing local tourism, showcasing small businesses, and honoring the magnificence of the Philippines through the content we curate. Join us in spreading the word by clicking the ‘share’ buttons below. Your support means the world to us.
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