Here's what you need to know if you plan to take a trip to Manila Ocean Park, the first marine themed park in the country.
How to Go
It's located at the back of Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Manila. For a detailed map: https://www.manilaoceanpark.com/main/maps/
To those who will commute, you can take the LRT, alight from UN Station and get a pedicab at P30 per head. You can also take a jeep going to Kalaw and walk 15 minutes to Quirino Grandstand.
Entrance Fees
MOP offers package rates ranging from P580 to P900 per head depending on the number of attractions that you want to see. They don't offer individual rates of attractions. You can also check out year round promos and buy vouchers at www.manilaoceanpark.com or www.metrodeal.com for online specials. They currently have Araw ng Maynila and birthday promos. Children 2 feet and below are free of charge. Above 2 feet, adult rates shall apply. They accept cash and credit card transactions.
Park Rules
Food and drinks are not allowed to be brought inside the park. You can buy from the restaurants and food outlets inside. For the list of these establishments visit https://www.manilaoceanpark.com/main/amenities/dining. There are food kiosks for those who have limited budget. There is Filipino menu lunch buffet at Liquid Pool and Lounge for only P250 per head from 11am to 3:30pm daily.
Flash photography is not allowed in the aquariums for the benefit of the fishes but you can take photos and videos. There is no dress code, you can wear any comfortable attire. Winter jackets are provided in Trails to Antarctica's Snow Village.
Best Time to Go
The ideal day to go is always on weekdays like Monday to Thursday if you want less crowd, more time to meander and appreciate the attractions. Best time to go to the park is at 2pm onwards since the musical fountain show (Symphony) only has one schedule at 6:30 pm. 4 hours are enough to see the sights. It's best to know the show schedules of the following so you won't miss them:
Sea Lion Show - 2pm, 3pm & 5pm
Penguin Talk Show - 10am to 7pm (every 30 minutes)
All Star Bird Show - 1:15pm and 4:15pm
Symphony Evening Show - 6:30pm
Please do not attempt to go during Christmas or within the holiday period due to the volume of people. Also if you see field trips or corporate events at the gate, you can choose to go at another time.
The rest of the attractions such as the Oceanarium, Trails to Antarctica, Fish Spa, Jellies Exhibit, the Amazing Stories of Yexel's Museum, Glass Bottom Boat Ride, Back of the House etc. are open during the entire day, weekdays from 10am to 7pm and weekends 9am to 7pm. Bird of Prey Kingdom is open from 10am to 6pm.
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| Oceanarium underwater tunnel |
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| Moon Jellies |
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| All Star Bird Show |
Attractions
For a description of what to see, you can check it here: https://www.manilaoceanpark.com/main/attractions/page/attraction. If you ask me, my top 5 are Oceanarium for its stunning fishes and underwater tunnel, Jellies Exhibit is still my personal favorite because of its mesmerizing dancing sea fairies, Sea Lion Show because of their funny antics, Trails to Antarctica for its adorable Humboldt penguins (you can feed them fish up close at P250 for two and get a souvenir photo) and Symphony Evening Show - dancing fountains and water screens to dazzle your night.
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| Trails to Antarctica Penguin Exhibit |
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| Amazing Stories of Yexel's Museum |
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| Birds of Prey Kingdom brahminy kites |
Encounters
If you want to try an extreme adventure in the city, it's a must to do Aquanaut at P1,500 per head inclusive of use of wetsuit, shower area, orientation with diver guide. It's a 10 minute underwater walk at the Oceanarium's main tank or at the Giant Grouper tank. You don't need to be a swimmer or be a diver to do this activity since you can breathe freely with the specialized helmet.
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| Aquanaut |
The Sharks and Rays Encounter provides half body (P800 per head) and full body (P1,500) interaction with various stingrays and nurse sharks in the outdoor pool. It's a 30 minute session with a guide. Schedule is at 10:15 am and 2:45 pm. You need to bring your own swimwear. Photo packages are available. No personal photography allowed.
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| Sharks & Rays Encounter |
The Mermaid Swim Experience is at P1,500 with 4R photo (no personal photography allowed). Bring your own swimwear and a guide will teach you how to glide underwater like a real sea siren and pose ala Dyesebel. It's 30 minutes in the pool for this activity. Pool is open from 10am to 5pm.
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| Mermaid Swim Experience |
Hotel and Spa
For those who wish to sleep with fishes, there's Hotel H2O - the first marine themed hotel in the country with its aquarium rooms, park view rooms and bay view rooms. It is located in the 3rd level of the park complex. They have ongoing deals in online sites too. The hotel also has function rooms for various events. The Pacific function room is located near the Oceanarium with a view of the underwater tunnel and can accommodate 100 pax. Zenyu Eco Spa at the 3rd level offers hot bed treatment, facial and massage. For details, see http://www.hotelh2ophilippines.com/
Restaurants and Bars
Nightlife is fun with White Moon Bar facing the bay, located at the 2nd level. It is open from 6pm onwards, perfect for the sunset watch. There's also the Club Lounge at the 3rd level for intimate acoustic acts and chill out time. Liquid Pool and Lounge is open at night as well beside the pool area near the park entrance. Makan Makan Asian Food Village is your ultimate Singaporean and Chinese food fix located at the 2nd level.
If you haven't been here at least once or your last visit was 2009, please go. There are lots of attractions to see now and it's still cheaper than going abroad. You will sure to find Nemo and more.
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