Manila Ocean Park is a no-fail attraction for families visiting Manila. Our first visit was in 2008, just a month after it was opened to the public. My eldest was then less than 2 years old and I thought it would be nice to bring him again because from our first visit, I felt that he was “disconnected”.
I bought cheap vouchers from Metrodeal that include the Ocenarium, Foot Spa, Sharks and Ray Encounter and lunch buffet. A great deal and perfect for us who don’t have the whole day to explore this marine-themed park in Manila.
My little cutie curly baby Akira back in 2008.
He was less thrilled that time. Maybe his age or because we just came back from Misamis Aquamarine Park where his marine encounter was closer.
He spent more time here. haha!
I included Manila Ocean Park in our itinerary to balance his cultural tour in Intramuros. We went last Monday, just before we left Manila. It was a good decision because weekends in Manila Ocean Park mean long lines. We arrived at 10am, just in time for the redemption booth for online tickets to open. (P.S.purchasing tickets online means shorter lines)
We sort of had the park for ourselves. Again, Akira didn’t spend much time in other exhibits. We have an aquarium at home and just a stone away from Guimaras Island. In short, we are used to marine animals. 🙂 But he was interested in species he seldom see like sea horse, rock fish and frog fish.
We spotted one diver checking the oceanarium.
Akira way back in 2008. He can still remember that stingray swimming over him.
Akira at present, now 7.
I hope they can keep up with the maintenance, especially the older attractions. It is nice to note though that more and more attractions await visitors, even for those who have been to Manila Ocean Park before.
I find this scary, putting you on a cage with swimming sharks around you.
We were looking forward for the Sharks and Rays Dry Encounter and got lost for a while. hehe. Went to the wrong entrance but a nice place for a photo.
Petting a leopard sting ray! It was smooth and slimy. I touched it for less than 5 seconds while my son was touching it for a few minutes while asking some questions to the one in-charge.
I learned a lot of things though – how the leopard ray adopted the color of the corals, how to distinguish male and female and where the “sting” of the ray is really located.
Cameras are not allowed. They have an official photographer. Photo for 150php.
We got lucky to see two sea lions passed by for their show. We then went to the fish spa. Comfortable because we were the only ones there except for a couple. Check out Aki’s reaction.. 😉
Our pants got wet. Good thing they were quick-drying. Haha. Another thing to remember when visiting Manila Ocean Park. At 11am, we head to Liquid Restaurant for their buffet. Regular price is 300 pesos, very cheap for Manila.
The food is so-so but I love their buko pandan and my son had 2 “rounds” of rice. He must love their grilled pork. The place looks is really dark but it is still a good deal for those on a budget. Worth mentioning is the service of their staff. Very friendly, quick and always with a smile even if they were sweating already when hordes of diners came. I hope all Manila establishments provide that kind of service.
We still have time before going to the airport so we went back to the main entrance for some shopping. And he had a nice time playing this real airplane simulation game ( 70Php/game)
Last photo before saying goodbye to Manila Ocean Park..
And that concludes our Manila Ocean Park adventure. What do you love the most about Manila Ocean Park?
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