Magaul Bird Park at J.E.S.T Camp: Aerial Amazement with Winged Wonders Bird Show and More in Subic

A few weeks ago, I visited J.E.S.T Camp with my friends Roch and Justin.  After more more than a decade, I'm quite surprised with the development of the Subic Area.  The last time I went there was with the family in a hiking adventure with Aetas to Boton Falls so I guess that was really ancient.  I'm ecstatic to see what's in store for us J.E.S.T Camp.

J.E.S.T Camp is an adventure park that offers activities like the Aerial Adventure (Tree Top Obstacle Course), Goliath Swing (Swing Over A Cliff), Wildlife Walk About (Jungle Trek) and Wall Climbing and Rapelling.   There's also the Jungle Surivival Demo show every 9:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30pm and 4:00pm.   J.E.S.T Camp also offers team building packages just inquire.

The newest attraction at J.E.S.T Camp is the Magaul Bird Park.  It is also paired with the Macaw Market where you can buy dolls and shirts for souvenirs.  And, a Bird Shop where you can buy birds.  It also has the Winged Wonders Bird Show.

So here's thee map of the Magaul Bird Park. 

Here are all the park activities, shows and schedules and their rates.

Magaul Bird Park (Day Tour 200 php)

Blue and Gold Macaw

They have a vast variety of birds.  I saw coloful macaw (Blue and Gold Macaw, Green Winged Macaw and Scarlet Macaw), lories (Red and Blue Lory, Violet-Necked Lory, Black-Capped Lory and Chattering Lory) and lorikeets (Rainbow Lorikeet).  There were also toucans (White-Throated Tucans) and hornbillls (Palawan Hornbill, Rufous Hornbill, Luzon Hornbill and Mindanao Writhed Hornbill).

There are also pigeons (Pouter Pigeon, Fantail Pigeon, Rock Pigeon), Eagles (Honey Buzzard Eagle, Philippine Hawk Eagle), Brahminy Kite and Philippine Eagle owls.

Peahen (Pavo Cristatus)

In the Flightless Section, there' the Peahen, Pheasants (Silver Pheasant, Golden Pheasant and Common Pheasant), Ostrich...

and the Hen.  Magual Bird Park has adequate signs so you always know where you're going and there's lot of informational boards to educate you about the origin, habitat, diet, rarity level and even fun facts about the birds.

Bird Sanctuary

My favorite part is the Bird Sanctuary which had a set up like a natural paradise and birds are flying freely.  You can go close to them and even feed them.


Cuckoo Chitchat

In the Cuckoo Chitchat, you can talk, feed and take photos (50 php) with your choice of birds.   Just take note of the feeding time schedule:

• Parrot 10:30am and 2:30pm
• Bird of Prey 4:00pm 
• Hornbill 11:00am and 3:00pm

Butterfly Sanctuary and Insectarium

There's also the butterfly sanctuary where you can see and touch butterflies and the insectarium where you can learn a lot about insects and more.

Bird Discovery

The bird discovery is an air-conditioned interactive learning hall.  Through lots of their activities, you can learn more about birds.

Winged Wonders Bird Show (250 php)

Every 11:00 am and 3:00pm, they have the Winged Wonders Bird Show at the Amphitheater.  For the opening of the Winged Wonders Bird Show, the General Manager Ms. Katrina Kay Lacap welcomed us and Subic Bay Chairman Roberto V. Garcia gave his congratulatory speech.  In case you're wondering, the park is named after Magaul, the bird in the Filipino creation myth who pecked the bamboo where Malakas and Maganda came from.

The bird show was really an aerial amazement!  Birds where flying across the audience towards the guides back and forth.

Aside from just a display of bird flight skills, we were also being educated about the birds.

I've also been amazed with how Eagles flapped their wings...

There was a fun relay of birds as the audience cheered for their chosen participant.  The birds were couched by Mr. Jordan Bustamante, the Operation Manager of Magaul and the other staff for the Blue and Gold Macaw.

Audience are being called to participate too.

I couldn't help but smile with gladness during the show finale.  There were over hundreds of birds on or above the stage.  There flightless ran while the other birds flew over the skies and some lands on the stage grounds.

The show is approximately 20-30 minutes.  At the end of the show, you can also take a photo of the birds up close.

Aerial Adventure (200 php)

In the Aerial Adventure, you will walk along monkey vines, crawl through barrels and cross rope bridges.  Kids can also play at the Spider Web.

Goliath Swing (200 php)

My Friend Justin Having Fun at the Goliath Swing

My favorite is probably the Goliath Swing.  You will be taken up really high so then release so you can swing offer the cliff in a fast velocity.

Magaul Maze Quest

Magaul Maze Quest

The Magaul Maze Quest is a giant maze where you have to find the 5 stations where Magaul is.

Low Elements

Before leaving J.E.S.T Camp, make sure you stop by the Low Elements and take a breath with this stunning view of Subic Bay Port.

Overall, we Travel Tripsters suggest J.E.S.T Camp and Magaul Bird Park as an addition to your Subic itinerary!

J.E.S.T Camp
Address	JEST Camp, Upper Mau, Cubi-Triboa, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales, Olongapo, Philippines
Budget Per Person	250 php to 1,000 php	J.E.S.T Camp Map
Payment Options	Cash
Operating Hours	Monday to Sunday: (except for the December 24 and 31) 8:30 am- 5 pm
Reservation Required	No (Encouraged)
Contact	(6347) 252-1489 |  (632) 218-9023 (manila) |   (63917) 904-8777

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Pugad: Pugo Adventure at Pugo La Union

After watching about Pugad Pugo Adventure on TV, I've been yearning to check it out.  So when we Travel Tripsters decided to head north, I sneaked it in our itinerary.

Since the place is new, we couldn't find any commuting guide from the internet.  We had no idea how to go there so we just asked around.  Luckily, the locals know how to get there and the bus dropped us off at exactly the right place.  

As soon as we entered, we saw this huge wall that indicates all the activities available.  I was so excited!  As we walked further, we saw a sign indicating the the actual Pugad Pugo Adventure is 1 kilometers away.  Of course, I did not let that lower my spirits.  We gladly walked while hearing gun shots from the distance.  

Finally, we reached the registration area.  It is also were the parking area is.  We were given a pamphlet with all the activities available and with their appropriate pricing.  Since I loved ziplines, I quickly viewed the details of each zipline route they had available.  They offered three kinds of zipline experience:

• Zip Line 1 (Superman) (400 php) is the longest zipline route.  It allows you to zipline in superman form through 400-meter cables that connects two mountains. The height of this zipline is at 250 feet above the ground. 
• Zip Line 2 (250 php) is the fastest zipline.  It allows you to go from station 2 which is near the entrance to station 3 which is the pool area and mini zoo of Pugo Adventure.  This is only 250-meters long. 
• Zip Line 3 (250 php) is the opposite of Zip Line 2.  It allows you to go from station 3 to station 2 passing by the pool area, the bridge and the lake.  This is also only 250-meters longs.

I honestly wanted to go for all route.  They have packages available which is lower than the total cost if availed separately.   These are the packages:

• Package 1 (1,000 php): Zip Line 1,2 and 3 + Rappeling + Wall Climbing
• Package 2 (500 php): Zip Line 3 + Rappeling + Wall Climbing
• Package 3 (850 php): Zip Line 1,2 and 3 

However, since we were on a backpacker and budget trip type of an arrangement, I was forced to choose only one.  Although it took me a long time to consider, I opted for Zip Line 2 since a thrill seeker like me loves speed.

Since fellow Travel Tripster Kurt is not to fond of heights, I had to choose an activity we could do together.  We initially wanted to avail the Buggy (350 php) but we were told it was not yet available.  So, we settled for the ATV (250 php per 20 mins).

I also wanted to do the Australian Run Down (250 php) but I was told I'm not wearing the appropriate foot wear.  Too bad since it looks interesting.The Giant Swing is also not yet available during our visit.  

We went back the same way we came in, until we saw the huge sign. We went uphill and saw the kids riding the ATV and having fun.  It was our first time to try an ATV so we were ecstatic.

We watched as out ATVs, were being started and prepared.  When it was ready, we were told to ride it and follow the guide.  

Kurt took this photo of me in front following the guide

It was so much fun.  We were told not to use it in full speed because our ATV might turn over or something.  But, I guess I loved how the speed went and wouldn't want to let go.  As we were signaled to return, we both felt like we wanted to ride more! =p

We also passed by the Horse Back Riding (350 per hour) station.  This horse is left all alone while its companions were busy accommodating customers.  

After the ATV, it was my turn to go Zipline.  I was told to go up this wooden tower.  It is also the same tower for the Wall Climbing (150 php) and the Rappeling (150 php).  In front of the line is a huge family so I thought it would take forever before its my turn.  But, the family was so kind enough to let me go first.  

As I buckled up, I could feel the cool breeze sweeping through my hair and across my face.  I could also see the view of Station 3 or the poolside and mini zoo area which was separated from this side by a lake.  I loved the view but it only took me a few seconds to observe because the staff gave the signal and I jumped of the ledge letting the cable lead me downward in fast speed.  I swiftly passed over the lake, the bridge, the pools and landed where I was supposed to.  Somehow I did not feel much thrill from this because it ended too quick but the experience of passing through the pools was magnificent.  

If I had not taken the Zipline 2, this is the way to the poolside area from the registration area and the parking lot.  

Upon entry, you'll see this small cafe style restaurant.  The menu is posted on the chalk board.  From what we observe, it is quite pricey which is typical for a resort or adventure park. 

You'll also pass by this beautiful grotto.  It's nice that they've set up something like this.  I love fountains. 

You will encounter a few Kubo and a small pool on this side before you go through the a long wooden shaky bridge that will allows you to go to the other side.  The entrance fee of 150 php for adults and 100 php for kids includes the use of pools.   The rates for kubo rentals are as follows:

Kubo	Capacity	Rate
Small	10	500 php
Medium	15	800 php
Medium with Room	10	800 php
Small up and down	15	1,000 php
Up and Down	25	1,500 php
Tree House	30	2,000 php
Rock House	30	2,000 php
Long Kubo	50	3,000 php
Long Kubo Up and Down	70	4,000 php

The bridge passes through the lake and it shakes whenever many people cross so people had the courtesy to oblige each other to take turns.  I am a afraid of heights so it was quite of a challenge for me.  But, I felt the bridge was safe because even toddlers were passing through it.  In addition, it had a lot of ropes and some nets on the side so you won't fall of.  

Behind this Pugad plant sign is the pool area.  There are also a couple of huts.  All of them are occupied.  The occupants are a mix crowd of locals, tourists from the city and westerners.  

They charge a fee from the usage of the swimming pools.  And, they strictly require the use of swim suits.  It was such a hot day and I was eager to go for a swim.  But, we didn't bring any extra clothes.  

Like all other public pool areas, they have a shower.  It looks like the drainage is a bit clogged though.

If I recall correctly, there were three large pools on this area.  

There is also a playground where little children can play.  It even has a mini wall climb.  

There is a wishing well.  There were quite a number of coins tossed in it.  I wanted to make a wish too but I didn't have any coins on me. =(

There is a rental store for the swimwear and other swim items.  There's also drinks and ice cream available.

There were a few roosters there where you can touch and see.  

They also have a cooking area where you can grill.  

My favorite part is the Mini Bird Zoo.  Its FREE to view too.  It had many types of birds like Black Head Ibis, Wood Ducks, Mandarin Ducks, Peacocks, Black Caped Lory, Black Lory, English Budgies, Red Wing Parrots, Red and Violet Lory, Rainbow Lory, Chattering Lory, Indian Ringneck, Red Mask Conure, Sun Conure, Gold Caped Conure, Roseifrons Conure and Green Wing Macaw.  There's also a Python and Iguanas.  

Once we were over with our activities, we thought we were going uphill again towards the entrance.  Good thing the lady from the registration saw us and told us they they can take us there for FREE.  So we got on as the only passengers and we were brought to the nearest bus stop.  It was such a nice service because it spared us so much time.  

Overall, we Travel Tripsters recommend Pugad: Pugo Adventure at Pugo, La Union as a must visit for adventurers and even for those who just want to relax and have a good swim.  We heard that they are going to offer more activities soon.  We're not surprised since it covers a wide area.  The location is pretty good because it is near Baguio City too.  It's only around 40 minutes from Baguio City.  The place is just new but I'm sure it will gain a lo more customers in the future.  We hope to come back whenever we can!

Pugad: Pugo Adventure		Pugad: Pugo Adventure  Map
Price Per Person	150-2,000
Payment Options	Cash
Business Hours	8am-7pm
Reservation Required	No
Contact	(0917) 506-6931
Other	Facebook Fan Page
Address
Sitio Kagaling, Palina, Pugo, La Union
Transportation to Attraction
Bus
Commute Guide
From San Fernando, La Union: Ride bus to Agoo (50 php) and from Agoo ride bus to Baguio (40 php) From Baguio City: Ride bus to Agoo

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