One peculiar attraction in the province of Camarines Sur that makes you feel like you're not in the country anymore is the Deer Farm in Sta. Cruz, Ocampo. Here, one is allowed to get close and personal with several species of deer and it makes for a truly unique experience being with these shy, gentle creatures.
Situated about four kilometers up in Mt. Isarog, this five-hectare farm is considered as the Deer Farm of the country. The farm was stocked entirely with Australian species such as blackbuck antelope, fallow deer, chital deer, red deer, and elk. Owned by the Camarines Sur government, it was started late in 1996 with only 60 heads of five species from Australia. Today, the number had increased to over 300 heads. Its goal is to make the province a supplier of deer meat (venison) which is a delicacy in restaurants while the hides can be used as materials for bags, belts, and other goods. The antlers can be extracted for medicinal value.
How to get there
By Air
The province of Camarines Sur can be reached by plane within 45 minutes. Flights are serviced by Air Philippines (Pal Express), Zest Air and Cebu Pacific from Manila to Naga City Airport.
By Land
Aircon and non-aircon buses from PhilTranco, Isarog Bus Co. and Peñafrancia Bus Lines ply routes daily through Quirino Highway from Manila to Naga.
Going around the province
Buses, vans and jeepneys are mostly used for traveling outside the city of Naga going to the different towns of Camarines Sur For other municipalities, jeepneys, tricycles and trisikad (manpowered tricycles) are the main form of transportation.
Where to stay
• Camsur Tourist Inn - Maharlika Highway Palestina, Pili - Camarines Sur, Bicol
• Moraville Drive-In Hotel - Anayan, Pili - Camarines Sur, Bicol
• Tabuco Homestay - 59 Renacimiento Street Tabuco, Naga City - Camarines Sur, Bicol
• CBD Plaza Hotel - Ninoy & Cory AveCBD 2 Bgy. Triangulo, Naga City - Camarines Sur, Bicol
• Sandton Chalet Boutique Hotel - Victoria Heights, San Agustin Canaman, Naga City - Camarines Sur, Bicol
• Cherrard Apartelle - Husk St. Villa Virginia Subd. Concepcion, Naga City - Camarines Sur, Bicol
• Fish Cove Garden Hotel - 154 Abella Street, Naga City - Camarines Sur, Bicol
• Moraville Motorlodge - Mabolo Drive, Naga City - Camarines Sur, Bicol