The Planner (Quick Facts)
If you are skimming this guide while stuck in NLEX traffic, here is everything you need to know at a glance.
| Category | Fast Facts |
 Location |
Sacobia Valley, Mabalacat City (Clark Freeport Zone). Approx. 15 mins from SM City Clark. |
 Best For |
Families with toddlers (petting zoo) and Barkadas (gravity cars/ATV). |
 Est. Budget |
₱250 – ₱500 per head. (Budget strictly depends on how many rides you add). |
 Must-Try |
The Zooc Ride (Gravity Car). It is the flagship attraction. |
 Pet Policy |
Strictly NO Pets Allowed. Leave the fur babies at home. |
 Best Time |
8:00 AM Sharp. The valley gets intensely hot by noon; arrive early to beat the heat. |
Introduction
Zoocobia Fun Zoo is not just a place to look at animals—it’s the only place in the Philippines where you can hand-feed a parakeet and drift down a gravity track in a luge cart within the same hour.
Located in the breezy hills of the Sacobia Valley, this facility operates as a unique hybrid: one part interactive petting zoo, one part adventure park. While the “Birds of Paradise” aviary and “The Barn” offer tactile experiences for toddlers, the park’s claim to fame is the Zooc Ride—a gravity-driven car modeled after the Skyline Luge in Singapore. It converts the park’s hilly terrain into a kinetic playground, making it a hit for thrill-seeking barkadas as much as families.
Crucial Local Insight: Do not confuse this with Zoobic Safari. It is a common mistake to mix the two up. Zoocobia is in Clark (Pampanga), focusing on domesticated animals and physics-based rides. Zoobic Safari is in Subic (Zambales), roughly 90 minutes away, and is famous for its tiger safari. If you are in Clark for the day, Zoocobia Fun Zoo is your local target.
Pro Tip: Skip the P495 Gate Price. Never pay the full “Walk-In” rate. You can consistently find vouchers on apps like Klook or KKday for as low as ₱250. The gate price is essentially a “lack of planning” tax. Buy digital, scan at the counter, and use the savings for an extra gravity car ride.
Pro Tip: Skip the P495 Gate Price. Never pay the full “Walk-In” rate. You can consistently find vouchers on apps like Klook or KKday for as low as ₱250. The gate price is essentially a “lack of planning” tax. Buy digital, scan at the counter, and use the savings for an extra gravity car ride.Table of Contents
Zoocobia Entrance Fee 2025: Gate Price vs. Online Hacks
The standard Zoocobia Fun Zoo entrance fee is ₱495 for walk-in adults, but you can slash this cost to approximately ₱250 by booking in advance through online travel agencies like Klook or KKday to avoid the “gate penalty.”
The park operates on a “Freemium” revenue model, which can be deceptive if you haven’t done your homework. While your base ticket grants you entry to the Garden Maze, The Barn, and the Birds of Paradise aviary, the “fun” in Zoocobia—specifically the Zooc Ride and the Zing Ride—requires additional micro-transactions. If you walk in without a voucher, you’ll find yourself constantly reaching for your wallet to pay for individual ride tickets at the internal counters.
Budgeting for your family depends entirely on height rather than age. This is a strict operational rule in Clark to prevent disputes:
Below 3 Feet: Free entry for toddlers.
3 to 4 Feet: Discounted child rate (often ₱395 at the gate).
Above 4 Feet: Classified as an adult for all ticketing purposes.
| Ticket Type | Gate Price (Walk-in) | Online/Promo Price | Best For |
| General Admission | ₱495 | ~₱250 | Day-trippers on a budget. |
| Night Owl Ticket | ₱250 | ~₱230 | Seasonal LED shows & night encounters. |
| Ride Bundles | Varies | ₱450 – ₱600 | Those wanting the Luge + Zipline + 4×4. |
Be prepared for the “Upsell Alley” at the exit. After you’ve spent the morning sweating through the Sacobia Valley heat, you’ll be funnelled through a souvenir area where printed photos of your Zooc Ride descent are sold for around ₱200. They look great on a fridge, but if you’re on a budget, keep your phone ready at the observation deck to snap your own photos for free.
Pro Tip: If you are visiting on a weekend, the redemption line for Klook vouchers is often much faster than the cash lane. Take a screenshot of your QR code before you reach the gate, as the cellular signal in the hills of Mabalacat is notoriously weak and might fail just as you reach the teller.
How to Get to Zoocobia (And How Not to Get Stranded)
The most reliable way to get to Zoocobia Fun Zoo is by private vehicle via the SCTEX Clark North Exit, as public transport does not service the Sacobia Valley directly.
If you are driving from Metro Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and transition into the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). Follow the signs for Clark North or Dolores; once you exit, the drive toward the hills of Mabalacat takes about 15 minutes. The roads are paved, but be prepared for a few steep inclines as you approach the Paradise Ranch area.
For commuters, the journey begins easily but ends with a significant logistical hurdle. You can take a Genesis P2P bus from NAIA Terminal 3, Trinoma, or Pasay directly to SM City Clark. From there, however, the standard public jeepney loops only service the industrial zones and duty-free shops—they do not go to the zoo.
The “Last Mile” Problem: Why You Need Blue Taxi
Do not rely on Grab for your return trip. Mobile signal is spotty at best in the Sacobia Valley, and drivers do not loiter in this remote area waiting for bookings.
To avoid being stranded at the gates when the park closes at 5:00 PM, you must use Blue Taxi Pampanga, the authorized taxi franchise for the Freeport. Unlike independent ride-hailing drivers, Blue Taxi operates via radio dispatch and is accustomed to the “dead zones” of the valley.
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The Strategy: Negotiate a “Wait and Return” or “Contract” price with the driver at SM Clark.
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The Cost: Expect to pay between ₱1,500 and ₱2,500 for a round-trip charter, depending on how many hours you stay.
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The Protocol: Save the dispatch numbers (+63-45-599-8337 or +63-907-931-8778) in your phone before you lose signal.
The “last mile” is the most expensive part of the trip, but it is the only way to ensure you aren’t left waiting on a dusty roadside with tired children and no cellular bars.
Pro Tip: Download an “Offline Map” of the Clark and Mabalacat area on Google Maps before you leave Manila. This ensures your GPS will still guide you back to the SCTEX entrance even if your data connection drops to zero in the valley.
The Attractions: More Than Just a Petting Zoo
The main attractions at Zoocobia Fun Zoo are the Zooc Ride gravity cars and the Birds of Paradise aviary, offering a blend of high-speed thrills and tactile animal interactions.
While many visitors arrive expecting a standard zoo, the facility is actually an “adventure zoo” that prioritizes engagement over passive viewing. The layout is built into the natural slopes of the Sacobia Valley, which provides the elevation needed for its mechanical rides while housing a collection of both endemic and domesticated animals.
The Zooc Ride is the park’s flagship experience, functioning as a gravity-powered luge on a 400-meter concrete track. The physics are purely analog: you sit in a low-profile cart and control your speed using a handlebar—pushing forward releases the friction brakes to accelerate, while pulling back brings you to a stop.
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The Thrill: You’ll navigate three sharp hairpin curves that provide genuine lateral G-force. The vibration of the wheels against the concrete gives it a raw, visceral feeling that “polished” theme park rides lack.
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The Loop: Once you reach the bottom, a 4×4 or park vehicle shuttles you back to the top. Because individual rides cost only ₱99 – ₱150, most visitors opt for a “looping” strategy, riding three or four times to master the corners.
Animal Encounters (Birds of Paradise & The Barn)
For those looking for social media-ready moments, the Birds of Paradise aviary is the high-value zone. The parakeets and lovebirds here are completely habituated to humans; for a small fee, you can buy a packet of seeds, and the birds will immediately land on your hands, shoulders, and head for the perfect photo.
At The Barn, the experience is geared toward toddlers and families. You can purchase Animal Chow or milk bottles to feed baby goats, sheep, and pot-bellied pigs. It is dusty and can get crowded, but the hands-on nature of the exhibit is a major draw for younger children.
Beyond the animals, the park utilizes the rugged terrain of Mabalacat for its mechanical adventure portfolio:
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Clarkzilla 4×4: This ride takes you through a lahar-filled obstacle course created by the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption. It is a bumpy, dusty, and authentic way to experience the region’s geological history.
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Zing Ride: A standard zipline that offers a quick aerial view of the valley. While shorter than dedicated zipline parks, it serves as a great “finisher” for those who bought a ride bundle.
Pro Tip: Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dusty. Between the 4×4 trails and the open-air gravity cars, you will likely leave Zoocobia Fun Zoo with a thin layer of Sacobia grit on your gear.
Critical “Vibe Check” & Survival Tips
The best way to survive the intense heat and rugged terrain of Zoocobia Fun Zoo is to arrive at exactly 8:00 AM, as the Sacobia Valley traps humidity and becomes punishingly hot by midday.
Pampanga’s geography makes the park a “sun trap,” especially on the unshaded concrete tracks of the Zooc Ride. By 11:00 AM, the radiant heat from the pavement can make the gravity cars uncomfortable, and the animals in The Barn often retreat to the shade, making them less interactive. Planning your sequence is vital: hit the exposed rides and the Garden Maze immediately upon opening, then retreat to the covered aviaries as the sun peaks.
Managing your supplies is the next hurdle, as the park enforces a strict “No Outside Food” policy. Security will typically flag large coolers, fast-food takeout, or packed rice meals at the gate to protect their internal concessionaires. However, you can usually bring in personal water bottles or insulated tumblers like a Hydro Flask—which is essential for staying hydrated in the 34°C+ heat.
If you are visiting Clark during the December holidays, don’t miss the
Accessibility and Logistics Reality Check
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Terrain Warning: This park is built on a series of steep, hilly inclines. While there are paved paths, they are not stroller or wheelchair friendly; you will likely find yourself carrying a stroller up stairs or pushing it against heavy resistance on the slopes.
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Connectivity Trap: The Sacobia Valley is a notorious cellular dead zone. Download your Google Maps for “Clark Freeport” for offline use before you leave the main highway, or you may find yourself unable to navigate or book transport when you exit.
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Cash is King: While some outlets at SM City Clark take digital payments, the small stalls for animal feed (₱100) or horse rides (₱50) inside the zoo struggle with signal for GCash. Carry small denominations like ₱20 and ₱50 bills to avoid the “no change” delay.
Pro Tip: If you want to save money on lunch without eating the pricey “dated” cafeteria food, use the “Tailgate Strategy.” Leave your packed lunch in a cooler inside your car in the parking lot. You can usually get a hand stamp for re-entry, allowing you to eat in the shade of your vehicle before heading back in for the afternoon shows.
Zoocobia vs. Zoobic Safari vs. Clark Safari
The main difference between these three parks is that Zoocobia Fun Zoo focuses on interactive rides and farm animals, Clark Safari offers a modern walk-through viewing experience, and Zoobic Safari is a predator-heavy tiger sanctuary located 90 minutes away in Subic.
Choosing the right destination in Central Luzon depends on whether you want “Instagrammable” animals or high-speed gravity cars. While their names are nearly identical, the logistics and experiences are vastly different:
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Zoocobia Fun Zoo (Clark): Best for budget-conscious families and thrill-seekers. It features the unique Gravity Luge, ziplines, and petting zoo interactions like bottle-feeding goats.
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Clark Safari and Adventure Park (Clark): Best for modern aesthetics and cleaner walkways. It is roughly 15 minutes away from Zoocobia but lacks mechanical rides, focusing instead on a polished, traditional zoo layout with lions and tigers.
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Zoobic Safari (Subic Bay): Best for “Big Cat” enthusiasts. This is the original tiger safari where you ride a protected jeep through a tiger enclosure. Note: It is 88km away from Clark; do not try to visit both Zoocobia and Zoobic on the same afternoon.
If you are already in the Clark Freeport Zone, it is physically possible to visit Zoocobia and Aqua Planet or Clark Safari on the same day because they are within a 15-minute radius. However, if your heart is set on the Tiger Safari, you must commit to the 1.5-hour drive via SCTEX to Subic.
For families who prefer classic carnival rides and a view of Mt. Arayat from a Ferris wheel,
Pro Tip: If you only have half a day, stick to Zoocobia Fun Zoo. The “interactive” nature of the bird feeding and the adrenaline of the gravity cars make it feel like a more “active” adventure compared to the passive walking required at the other two parks.
Where to Stay in Clark
For the best Zoocobia Fun Zoo experience, luxury travelers should stay at the Swissôtel or Hilton within the Clark Freeport Zone, while budget-conscious visitors will find the best value in the RedDoorz or OYO properties located along the Angeles City perimeter.
The Clark Freeport Zone offers a secure, resort-like atmosphere with wide, tree-lined avenues that feel worlds away from the traffic of Metro Manila. If you are traveling with a high-net-worth family, the Swissôtel Clark or Hilton Clark Sun Valley are the premier choices, offering massive pool complexes and proximity to the Hann Casino. Staying within the zone ensures you are only a 15-to-20-minute drive from the Sacobia Valley gates.
For those on a tighter budget, you will need to look just outside the Clark main gate in Angeles City. Aggregators like RedDoorz @ Clarkview or OYO 1141 Healing Condo offer clean, basic rooms for ₱800 – ₱1,500. While these are significantly cheaper, be aware that you will be navigating the bustling city traffic and the nightlife-centric atmosphere of the Walking Street area.
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Luxury Enclave: Swissôtel Clark (₱8,000+) – High-end dining and the newest facilities.
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Mid-Range Workhorse: Quest Plus Conference Center (₱5,000+) – Located in Mimosa, great for golfers and families.
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Budget Perimeter: RedDoorz / OYO Ecosystem (₱800+) – Located outside the “checkpoint” in Angeles City.
Pro Tip: If you are traveling with children, avoid booking hotels directly on Fields Avenue or the Walking Street district in Angeles City. While the prices are low, the area is the center of the local nightlife scene and can be quite loud and overwhelming for families at night.
Conclusion: Is Zoocobia Fun Zoo Worth It?
Zoocobia Fun Zoo is a worthwhile day trip for families with young children or groups seeking a budget-friendly thrill, provided you book online and arrive early to beat the Clark heat.
While the facility shows its age with some “rustic” infrastructure and weathered cages, its interactive nature remains a standout. Unlike larger, more sterile zoos, Zoocobia allows a level of closeness—from birds landing on your head to the tactile rumble of the Zooc Ride—that makes for a memorable experience. It isn’t a world-class theme park, but as a local “adventure zoo,” it hits a sweet spot between education and adrenaline.
If you manage your expectations, bring plenty of cash for the small-scale interactions, and secure your Klook or KKday vouchers in advance, you’ll find it to be one of the most cost-effective and engaging stops in the Clark Freeport Zone.
Zoocobia is a unique entry in our roundup of the best amusement and theme parks in the Philippines, standing out for its ‘analog’ luge experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best time to visit Zoocobia Fun Zoo?
The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (though some seasonal events extend to 5:00 PM). You should aim to arrive at 8:00 AM sharp to finish the unshaded Gravity Car and Garden Maze before the 11:00 AM humidity becomes overwhelming.
Is Zoocobia Fun Zoo pet-friendly?
No, pets are strictly not allowed inside the park. This is to ensure the safety of the zoo’s animals and to maintain the hygiene of the interactive feeding zones like The Barn.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
The park has a strict no-outside-food policy for rice meals and fast food. However, water bottles and small snacks for toddlers are generally permitted. If you have a full lunch packed, plan to eat it in your car at the parking area.
Is the park wheelchair or stroller accessible?
Not really. The park is built on the steep slopes of the Sacobia Valley, featuring many stairs and uneven, unpaved paths. While you can bring a stroller, you will likely spend much of your time carrying it up inclines.
What should I do if I can’t book a Grab for the return trip?
Do not panic, but do not rely on the app. Use the Blue Taxi Pampanga dispatch numbers (+63-45-599-8337) or negotiate a “wait and return” deal with your driver before you drop into the valley’s signal dead zone.
How much extra cash should I bring?
Even with a pre-paid entrance ticket, bring at least ₱500 – ₱1,000 in small bills. You will need this for the Zooc Ride (₱150), Animal Chow (₱100), and other micro-transactions that often require cash due to spotty signal for GCash.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling during a holiday weekend, check the Zoomanity Group Facebook page for “Year of the Snake” (2025) or seasonal promos. They often run “1 Free with 3 Paying Companions” deals that can save you even more than the standard OTA discounts.
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