๐ Another Piece of Boracay’s Fun Is Gone
While browsing through my old blog posts, I stumbled upon my Happy Dreamland entry — and curiosity led me to check how the park is doing today.
To my dismay, Happy Dreamland Theme Park is permanently closed. And with it, gone are the thrilling rides, creative museums, and quirky Korean touches that made this place unforgettable.
I guess they were also among the many businesses affected by the pandemic. Truly heartbreaking, especially for those of us who experienced the magic — and even more so for the new generation who won’t get to see it.
๐ก The First and Only Theme Park in the Visayas
๐ Located in Brgy. Pinaungon, Balabag, Boracay Island, Happy Dreamland was said to be the first and only theme park in the entire Visayas Region. Spanning over 22,300 square meters, it offered more than just beach vibes — it brought amusement park thrills right on the island.
From classic rides like the ๐ Merry-Go-Round and ๐ Bump Cars, to unique attractions like the Sky Cycle and Trick Art Museum, it was a place where both kids and kids at heart could escape into fun and fantasy.
๐ฒ Sky Cycle: The Ride That Tested My Nerves
๐ธ Php99.00 ($2.25) for a 5–7 minute thrill, the Sky Cycle was said to be the first of its kind in the Philippines. Suspended 15 feet off the ground, you’d pedal a side-by-side bike along narrow tracks. It felt like flying — with a healthy dose of fear!
Right below the Sky Cycle’s winding tracks was a Go Kart runway, and beside the entrance, we spotted ATVs and Buggy cars (though technically not part of the park’s official lineup, they were conveniently stationed there).
๐ Rides You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Happy Dreamland had a mix of standard and extreme rides:
- ๐ฃ Zorb Ride: Not the typical water zorb — this one had you rolled downhill inside a giant ball along a 100-ft trench!
- ⚓ Galleon: A huge swinging ride that reached 90 degrees side-to-side. Screams guaranteed.
- ✨ Aladino: A dizzying 360-degree spin, the wilder cousin of the Galleon. Not for the faint of stomach (like me).
- ๐ Flume Ride: A log boat ride that floated through water channels — fun and slightly wet!
And everywhere you looked? ๐จ Statues, vibrant colors, and a unique Korean influence — including a statue of Psy in a Gangnam Style pose!
๐ผ️ Trick Art Museum: My Favorite Spot
I almost skipped this part of the park, thinking it was just a random gallery — but the Trick Art Museum truly blew me away.
Inside, the walls were filled with 3D visual illusions, and each one came with a sample photo to help you pose creatively. ๐ง It was fun, funny, and surprisingly artistic!
๐ฆ Upstairs was the Butterfly Museum, but we didn’t have enough time to visit it. It wasn’t included in our package — giving me another reason to come back. Sadly, now I never can.
๐ฆ Other Park Highlights
- ๐ค Bird Farm — A small aviary inside the park that’s perfect for nature-loving kids.
- ๐จ Statues and selfie corners — The park was full of whimsical decor and photo ops.
๐ The only downside was the proximity to a nearby dumpsite, which sometimes gave off an unpleasant smell. But even that couldn’t completely ruin the fun.
๐ Park Schedule (Before Closure)
- Monday to Friday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- ๐️ Some rides were bundled in tour packages, so ask and haggle when booking!
๐ Contact (Historic):
- Phone: +63(36) 288-2112
- Email: happy.dreamland@yahoo.com
๐ How to Get There:
Take a tricycle from D’Mall. Fare ranged from Php20.00 to Php50.00 per
person depending on the time and your haggling skills.
๐ท A Sad Goodbye, But Not Forgotten
Happy Dreamland gave us more than just rides — it gave us joy, adventure, and surprising discoveries on an island often known only for its beaches. For many visitors, it was the “extra” experience that made their Boracay trip even more memorable.
๐ญ I still wish I could take my nephews and nieces there someday.
To those who missed it: I hope this post paints a picture of
what it once was.
To those who visited: Let’s keep the memories alive. ๐
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for reading! Please share and like my Facebook page :)