The Philippines boasts several tourist destinations. Itβs like a big world out thereβso big that it can be daunting to plan which to visit. From natural to man-made masterpieces, wildlife to city-scapes, the choices are endless. Can’t decide? Here’s a tip: if you’re interested in theme parks, SUBIC must be the ideal place for you.
Roberto Garcia, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman says Subic should be popularized as the theme park capital of the Philippines.
Why? Subic houses the five major theme parks in the country, namely: Ocean Adventure, Zoobic Safari, Tree Top Adventure, Holy Land and the Jungle Environment Survival Training (JEST) Camp. In this post, let me share with you about our recent trip to JEST Camp.
Top 3 Activities We Did in Magaul Bird Park
1. Winged Wonders Bird Show
This was primarily the highlight of our trip to Magaul Bird Park at JEST Camp since it was officially launched last Saturday, May 3, 2014. The event was warmly graced by CEO Joselito Lacap and his family who manages the bird park and the operations team who takes care of their collection of birds in the park. Adventura, the Marketing Arm of Magaul Bird Park, partners andΒ Canon PIXMA Printers (sponsor) were also present.
We had a sneak preview of their birds at the outdoor amphitheater. Before that, a group of dancers performed and successfully took everyone’s attention.
Later we learned through Operations Manager Katrina Lacap that the dance number was not carried out only to display talents and entertain guests.
Rather, it was used to signify an important story in the most creative and compelling way. This story is about the birth of Magaul Bird Park and why it was named “Magaul.” Apparently, Magaul is the Sarimanok, a Philippine mythical bird, who pecked the bamboo where Malakas and Maganda came from (the Philippine version of Adam and Eve).
All the birds look interesting and equally charming species! They are human-friendly and well-trained. With that, I bet that this amusing open-air bird show in JEST Camp will be a huge hit among tourists. It will be held daily at 11AM and 3AM if weather permits.
2. Giant Swing: Goliath’s Swing
Perched on the edge of JEST camp’s ground, this giant swing is a self-releasing swing over a cliff where you get to see Subic’s best view. At PHp 200/pax, you get to experience the coolest ride in the camp. Imagine being hoisted 30 meters in the air with the staff pulling the rip cord behind for exhilarating drop and swing!
3. Bird Watching
JEST Camp’s Magaul Bird Park features different types of birds you can watch and feed. Labels and descriptions of the birds are placed outside their respective cages. Additionally, staffs of the camp offer help in providing more explanations. Hence, I guarantee that you will go out of the bird park with new-found knowledge.
Wrap Up
We all need an escape from our daily lives from time to time, yes? If you’ve run out of places to go to in the city, Magaul Bird Park at JEST Camp may come to the rescue. Give yourself a break and enter its wondrous world.
There are much more fun and exhilarating activities (Jungle Survival, Maze Quest, etc.) we didn’t try, given the limited hours ofΒ our stay. For those who intend to go ahead and tour around Subic, I suggest you visit Magaul Bird Park at JEST Camp.Β Pick one activity or pick them allβyou canβt go wrong! π
The daytour (PHp 200/head) can be completed in two hours, excluding the shows.
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
such lovely birds and that Goliathβs Swing looks little scary for me.
The birds have incredible talents. π As for the Goliath’s Swing, participants are hauled to the highest point, with the safety harness attached, as they feel necessary.
Take note of the requirements: minimum age of the participant is 7 years old; minimum height is 4 feet; and maximum weight is 10 tons.
We need more places like this in the Philippines. If Subic wasn’t so far away, I’d visit here in a heartbeat! Haha! π
It’s 3-4 hours drive from Manila. If you’re traveling, bring a good company of friends so you can chat without getting bored on the way. π
Great! More activities to do in Subic =D
Yes! I still haven’t gone to the Treetop Adventure and Holy Land. Anyway, we got other time to conquer them all.
Thanks for the invite!
Did you try the Giant Swing Roch? There’s also ziplines in Jest camp right?
Haha nope. My blogger friends did and I just took the pictures. Yes, there’s the zipline but we didn’t see them on that day. With so many activities one can do here, it’s best to arrive with comfortable clothes and forget about glamor. π
Yes, I agree. Comfortable clothes is better than glamor when it comes to going around subic.
Another option is to bring extra clothes. There are clean rest rooms around the park so you can change clothes before or after the activities. π
You also came with a really pretty outfit for this event.
We have many zoos and animal parks like this in London, its great to go especially when its the holidays nice way to spend the day! Hope you had fun!
Yes, we did! Oh wow, I suddenly become excited to visit London’s zoos and animal parks because they are mostly unheard of – well, not as much as the British Museum, Tower of London, London Eye and other famous sites. π
The Goliath’s swing caught my interest.
I know most people would be interested in it! π I was like WHOA! when I first saw the 100% adrenaline-rushing Goliath’s Swing.
I think I’ll enjoy the interaction with the birds the most.
Yup, it’s fun when you can not only watch but also feed them. π I think you’re more adventurous than me and so you’d be able to go through all these in one go: Jungle Survival Demo, Bird Exhibits, Magaul Maze Quest and 4 Walk-in Aviaries Enchanted Birds.
ohh my birth place… id been to JEST i guess a decade ago . and i missed it dearly . wish to come back and take a peek on the developments they made in the area. I wish to see the bats on trees,
This place has really been developed to attract tourists. I also see JEST Camp as a center for conservation education. Tours here can be marketed as supplementary activities to science subjects, suited for students from elementary to college to consider for outbound education.
Wow! The swing looks sooo thrilling! And they have cute, witty little parrots of different colors! I bet you had sooo much fun! Thanks for sharing! π
Hehe I wanted to try and be a camp survivor but because of lack of time, we weren’t able to pursue the activity. Instead, we took delight in bird watching and taking pictures of the “playgrounds.” π
I have a new reason to go back to Subic soon! π
Yay! When you do go back, get ready for JEST Camp’s Jungle Environment Survival Training as you will certainly be in for a spin. π Here, you will be put to scenarios where you’ll be tested out of your comfort zone (living through basic means just like how indigenous people have done for hundreds of thousands of years).
They should build more parks for the Filipino people all throughout the Philippines.
Yup. They’ll get there. Now I think the focus is on developing and maximizing the lands that are available plus targeting more tourists to come visit.
Hey Roch! Would you know if Magaul Bird Park is easy to get to if you’re commuting (if not taking a private vehicle)? It’s usually a problem for me when planning to go to Subic (or around it). I haven’t been able to see any of the theme parks there due to our commute situation.
Hi Mai, thank you for your wonderful question! π My mom and I tried to commute before via bus to Olongapo (go to any Victory Liner Bus Terminal). Once you’re in Magsaysay, ride a taxicab. If you’re saving money though, you can take a bus and just tell the driver drop you off at JEST Camp near CUBI/Airport.
I’m not a bird person actually, but the idea of visiting a camp to experience some kind of adventure sure looks exciting!
I’m also not a bird person, but touring in bird parks once in a while is also a fun and enriching experience. Yeah, adventures inside the camp look quite intense! Expect to get perspired and tired at the end of the day. π
One thing I can’t do is the giant swing.. Were you able to ride it?
No hehe I thought it’s suitable only for children. At least to my view, once I’ve already experienced the more thrilling rides, I would not anymore want to settle for the lower-rate. (I’ve tried G-MAX and the Battlestar Galactica in Singapore.)
What a fun place!! I would absolutely love to do the giant swing :)!! And I’m a big fan of birds.
Those two are enough reasons for you to visit Magaul Bird Park at JEST Camp. I’m sure they will be worth the trip! Be in good physical shape so you can attempt to perform all activities on a clear day. π Your reward? Bragging rights, seeing breathtaking views, meeting birds and if you survive the camp, probably a certificate of the training.
I’ve been to Ocean Adventure, Zoobic Safari, and Tree Top Adventure. Obviously, Holy Land and JEST Camp are new to me. You just gave me two new reasons to visit Subic again. It’s been close to three years since I last went to Subic. It’s one of the places in PH that I really love.
Yay! I also want to go to the two remaining theme parks which I have not visited. π
I’d like to try that giant swing. I also like the dance part where they told a story. That’s an interesting way of telling a story that’s not boring. Would like to see this.
It’s like interpretative dance on a fast beat. The dance number was so captivating and it gave a different view to how presenters typically tell a story.
the swing looks so cool to me! i love swing! prng singapore zoon lng ang peg ng place na to! hope to come back in philippines and visit this
Haha. Believe it or not, I have not been to Singapore Zoo. I had tried to go there three times before but it was just far from our place and I didn’t want to go alone. Yeah, bring your family here!
reminds me of my two african lovebirds! such a nice and really entertaining place to go with!!
They are friendly, social and affectionate small parrots. π
Wow! I think you had a lot of fun. I would like to see the birds show and to swing in the Goliath swing. I think it’s awesome that swing.
I used to think that only dogs can be trained that well. Through the demo presentation, we have learned that birds are talented animals, too. π The swing – yeah, you should try it!
Hey Roch,
A great blog post with fantastic photos, I’ll love to visit the Philippines some day.
That swing ride looks absolutely ace! How big is the cliff below?
The ride sort of reminds me of Grand Canyon Swing Ride – which also looks ace but terrifying! Do you know of it?
Thanks!
Hi Haydn, thanks for dropping by! On the website, it says 30 meters. I found another resource saying it’s 40 meters. In any case, that’s really high – well, high enough to get someone dead from falling down wahaha. Hmmm Grand Canyon Swing Ride? First time to hear about it from you. I’ll check it out. π
Sounds like so much fun, I want to go there too.
Yeah, it would have been more fun if I was with my family. I know they would love to watch the show, too.
Before the show, precautions mentioned were that nobody should stand, raise his/her hand, and bring out food and drinks during the show as these might cause interruption. Thankfully, everyone was cooperative that day. π
Those birds are amazing! I thought Sarimanok was a king of rooster :))
I don’t know about the names haha. Obviously, I still need to read and research about the different types of birds and their families.
I would be bird watching while watching others on that swing.. looked like a fun place to go!
One of the acts I found most amusing was when the parrot said hello. So cute! π
Looks like you had a great experience. Great pictures too.
Thanks, Michelle! Go to the Magaul Bird Park the next time you visit Subic.
Wow! So much fun. I love all the photos! Enjoyed my visit.
Thanks, Paula. Traveling three hours and more to get here was a bit tiring, but the overall experience was just worth it.
i love to try zoobic safari! but anyways, the giant swing is frightening.. and the dance number was like an interpretative one?
We’ve been to Zoobic Safari two years ago and I advise you to reserve a whole day for the tour. You will learn more about the animals and you can even interact and touch some of them. π It’s much bigger than the bird park.
Yup, the dance was like a mix of interpretative and jazz.
For just 200 pesos, I can mingle with those lovely species of birds, Hindi na masama. I’ll add this sa wishlist ko.
I just checked online sites and there are ongoing deals you can avail so you get to have discounted prices pa. π
Your blog is so neat and pretty. Love the header design. As for the topic, I’ve yet to visit Subic for summer. I was told that place is the closest thing to any American state due its cleanliness.
Thanks, Cristina. Yes, everywhere in Subic is orderly and neat. π There are lots of places to go and activities to do ideally for a group.
Looks Like You All Had A Great Time Lots To Do & See Would Love To Go!!
Yup. I would like to dine in their Kawayan Kitchen (restaurant) next time. π
looks like a super fun place to visit. Those birds looks amazing! I bet you had a blast!
Yes. Don’t forget to bring your camera when you visit. π
Looks like great places to go. Would love to go some day.
It’s more fun in the Philippines. π
The Winged Wonders looks wonderful. You look like you had so much fun!
Yes, we had fun watching the birds but it was only a sneak preview. The actual show would run longer and for sure it would be better. My only complain is that it’s too hot as we were under the sun without shade.
That place looks great.Seems you had great fun there.
Yeah. It’s best to come in the summer. Otherwise, touring will be a hassle during rainy days.
Do they really have dancers their or is it only because it was a special event?
That I’m not sure. I think the bird show will be enjoyable even without the dance number, but it must be shown so that guests would understand how the bird park was named “Magaul.” π
This looks very cool! The bird show looks like one I went to at the San Diego Wild Animal Park! I think I’d wet my pants on that swing lol
Haha that’s a result of extreme nervousness and fear I guess. Thanks for sharing. π
That looks like a very fun place. I wish I could visit it. My family loves animals.
This is a site where you can bond with your family and learn new things. π
Oooh another place to add to my list of places to visit. What beautiful birds!
This also is a great place to teach kids about nature and environment conservation.
sounds like a great place to visit! Lots to do and see!
The park is great and the collection of birds is diverse.
OH MY GOD… thats a real BIG massive swing…. That looks scary and thrilling… Would love to be on it :p
The swing looked scary from afar but seeing that so many people took turns in riding it, it didn’t seem too scary after all. π
Looks like a great time was had. I love the bird picture. π
Thanks, Becka. While some of the birds unfortunately did not look happy caged up, others seem to have enough space flying around. There is so much to see there in Magaul Bird Park! A visit to the park can easily take half a day.
Just in time to see this before our planned Subic trip later this month. Now we have another place to look forward to. I wonder if the swing here is the same as the swing in Porac?
Oh nice. They are quite similar but this one in JEST Camp is above the cliff. I don’t know if you figure it as more exciting. π
I must go there, Thanks for sharing it. They got more activities wow.
Yes, I’ve heard that before, it would take hours before guests can reach the center of the park and there is not clean trail. Grounds were all slippery and there were no attractions designed for tours. Now with the development, they have made Magaul Bird Park in JEST Camp more fun. π
I think my son will enjoy here π The only thing I wanted to see is the giant swing. I want to ride there!
Wow! Your son must be a brave child if he’s not afraid to ride the giant swing. π
I love birds. Seems like an awesome place to spend the day with your family.
Yes, this place is basically a bird lover’s dream come true. Organize a trip with your family here some time. π
This is totally so much fun, it’s been awhile since I’ve been in Subic – makes me want to go again!
Go, Aisha! Support Philippine tourism. π
The pictures are great! I would love to go visit the park with my son. I’m sure we would love it!
Thanks, Joanna! Yes, he will. If possible, try asking his school to have a field trip here. You will have discounts on the entrance fee.
Looks like great fun! That giant swing definitely looks a little scary!
Hehe at first you’d think that especially when you’re afraid of heights. But once you get to see many people trying it and nothing dramatic happens, you will realize that it’s nothing whaha. OK lah, unique experience! Go for it. π
Wow. I usually get bored around bird parks and aviaries, but this one is good because they put in a lot of possible activities other than just watching caged birds π
I’m the same as you. I don’t normally appreciate birds by just looking at them in cages. That’s just too boring. With this park, you can have more interaction with birds. Take pictures as many as you want and leave remembrance. π
this sure looks like a very interesting place to visit with the kids. I am sure my little man will love those birds. hopefully i can visit this place with my boys soon!
Yup. The current generation of kids is more fortunate for having these parks that are both educational and fun. π This paves the way for another chance to have boundless learning (outside the four walls of the classroom).
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