Ironwulf.net: En Route – The Philippines, Travel, Photography Blog

I’m currently handcuffed on my new job so I think I won’t be able to have any major travels until the end of the year. So trying to find a decent weekender getaway would be my challenge now. And what better way to start would be my neighborhood. Just a short tricycle ride worth 40 pesos for special trip or a jeepney ride to Stella Maris is Pasig then a tricycle worth 7 pesos will take you to one of the neat attractions in Pasig in the Mercedes area – The Rainforest Park.

The Rainforest Park was fully developed three years ago by Mayor Eusebio. It was a gift to Pasigueños that’s why there are no entrance fees here. The Park itself cost about 2 million pesos to maintain daily if I was informed correctly, but the Mayor said that Pasig have enough funds to still make the park free for everyone. The first time I actually went here a couple of years ago, I never expected it to be so grand. The place was well manicured and maintained. The landscaping was great and the place is clean. And two years after, there were additional stuffs there like the new adventure section where you can wall climb and some trashers and bikers can do some ramps.

The park isn’t high end, but for a park which has a little bit of everything from playgrounds, gardens, fitness centers, swimming pools, mini zoos. It’s worth checking out. From the entrance, you’ll get to see the Butterfly Garden first inside the mini Japanese Garden. There’s this amusing sign at one of the pagodas there though prohibiting indecent acts. Haha. Since the garden is covered with shrubs, people may be caught here doing something isn’t for public eyes to see. Anyways, just there is the butterfly Garden best seen early morning when new butterflies hatch. By the afternoon, their numbers would have dwindled already.

Walking on the right path passing by the central Fitness Center Gym you’ll be on the path towards the Children’s Playground and Senior Citizens Park (hey there’s a playground for the old folks?!) which is really cool, a place where the elderlies could walk around. Also if you continue you’ll get to the amphitheater. I remember some morning show being held here.

Continuing from there still on the right, you’ll pass by the Botanical Garden, then the mini zoo. There’s also the man made lake there which has a nice landscaped garden. Really nice. There are more animals around the area from monkeys, chimpanzees, ostrich, and aviary as well. Unfortunately though we didn’t have a chance to get into the aviary and the petting zoo at that time since they only open from 9am to 3pm. The sign said that the “Animals have to Rest“. Tsk tsk. The price of stardom in the zoo.

Other facilities included are the usual basketball, tennis, badminton courts and swimming pool. The swimming pool looks great with really nice slides. I should try the pool sometimes. Picnic is really ideal, the breeze is really good and there are enough trees for cover.

What I’m really amused with is the new Train which goes around the whole park! Unfortunately the train isn’t operational at that time but the Train itself is really cool! It looks like a giant toy! Geez I’m excited to ride it. Hopefully next time I get back I can ride this train. Hehe.

For more and larger pictures of the park, head of to the gallery.