A Deer Encounter

A very tranquil place about 4 km at the foot of Mt. Isarog, the deer farm could easily be any child's favorite. It has a very relaxing and beautiful rolling hills and greens.

Children and adults alike would enjoy interacting with the deer. The guests are allowed to interact with the deer (but not to chase them) and may feed them with grass. 

The deer seem to love the company and attention from their guests. And they love to pose for pictures!

They are adorable and it broke my heart to find out that they are raised only for their meat to be exported! :( 

The deer farm is run by the local government and located at Brgy Sta. Cruz,  Ocampo, Camarines Sur. Entry to the farm is free but guests need to sign the log book. 

How to go there by car if coming from Manila:

- In Pili, along Maharlika Highway, turn left at the major intersection going to Goa , San Jose and Lagonoy. From the intersection, it is around 45 minutes away. 

- Drive straight past the Ocampo Market and Ocampo Central School. 

- Turn left in the Hanawan intersection before Boss gasoline station.

- Drive straight past the Hanawan Elementary School , Hanawan High School and Sta. Cruz Elementary School.

- After Sta. Cruz Elementary , turn right at the 2nd (small) road . That is the road leading to the deer farm- it will however fit only one vehicle. 

La Huerta de Rosario, Baao, Camarines Sur

I tried Airbnb the first time for our trip to Bicol. I booked the only garden bed and breakfast I found in Camarines Sur , called La Huerta de Rosario. The 2 bedroom casita  costs less than Php1000 per day. The owner is an artist (some of her paintings are displayed in the casita). She was easy to deal with and responded to questions very promptly. The caretakers and the students doing their on the job training were very attentive and friendly. 

The casita is still a work in progress but could potentially become a comfortable vacation house when completed. I like that it is surrounded with porch. 

The bed is made of wood with rattan weave called solohiya). And extra bed meant local mat. :) So when in La Huerta be prepared to sleep the traditional way. To my surprise I slept comfortably and my back pain from the long road trip was gone!

The following day the students served our pre ordered breakfast and offered to give us a quick tour of the farm. 

And the pili trees are a lot shorter than the usual and the fruits are within reach. 

Were staying another night tonight before we head to Sorsogon, our hometown.

Big thanks to Bernadette and her staff and the students for the pleasant stay.