Manila Ocean Park

Background

Manila Ocean Park is one of the best public aquariums in the world which is located at the back of Quirino Grandstand in Ermita, Manila. It is just nine kilometers away from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and tourist coming from the airport can reach the ocean park around forty minutes. The park exhibit a collection of marine creature such as bird, fish, penguins and sharks. The most visited attractions in the Manila Ocean Park is the Oceanarium which contain fourteen thousand aquatic life from around two hundred seventy-seven breed in Southeast Asia region which include the Philippines. The Oceanarium has seven part and it encompass a three thousand cubic meters of brine water.

The main trademark is the 82 feet glass rounded walkway tunnel after the 180 feet walked through inside the park where tourist can experience marine life. It is located at the center of the oceanarium which provide fish lover a tremendous unique underwater view of different aquatic life. The water used at the ocean park originated from the historical Manila Bay which is distilled in order to be appropriate to aquatic life. In addition, the Oceanarium is home to an educational activity area and function rooms for important events. For this reason, the Manila Ocean Park became one of the world’s best public aquariums for all tourists coming from different parts of the world.

The main contractor of the Manila Ocean Park is the E.R. Hitosis and Associates. The construction involved assembling complex pillars at the shoreline and establishing the platform that would serve as the main foundation of the whole establishment. The base structure and platform served a secondary purpose as a esplanade footpath. According to its illustrious history, in the year 2007 when the Manila Ocean Park was constructed near Manila Bay and it was opened to the public in the month of March in the year 2008 as the first world-class seawater theme park in the Philippines. It is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Incorporated.

In the year 2017, Manila Ocean Park is home to thirteen baby penguins that hatched inside the park and the Birds of Prey Kingdom which showcase Brahminy kite and the World of Creepy Crawlies which reveal different kinds of insects, spiders, worms and frogs. Presently, Manila Ocean Park is a unified urban resort with numerous seawater attractions and features one marine-themed hotel named Hotel H2O which gives hotel guest a stunning natural underwater elegance.

Hotel H2O is a first-class resort located just beside the Manila Ocean Park and Quirino Grandstand. It is a modern hotel and the only aquatic-themed urban resort hotel in the Philippines which provide guest themed suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, marine walls, subaquatic theme, conference room and unwavering fitness gym. Hotel H2O anchor areas for event gathering which has a total size of 37673 square feet and has a capacity of nearly one thousand people.

Hotel H2O has a total of 128 rooms and 19 suites which are well furnished from sandalwood marble, artworks and natural fabrics. The visitors of the hotel also have access to the outdoor jet pool. The swimming pool and outdoor jet pool is open everyday from 8 am to 5 pm. In addition, the hotel have a restaurant named Makansutra Asian Food Village which promotes the joy of eating in a different type of dining experience. So if you want a fun day then book and visit Manila Ocean Park and Hotel H2O as soon as you can.

Name: Manila Ocean Park
Address: Behind Quirino Grandstand, Ermita, Manila 1000, Philippines
Features: superb display of reptiles, birds, mammals, and aquatic life

Attractions in Manila Ocean Park:

Oceanarium – is the main attraction in the Manila Ocean Park which features a 220 degree immense glass passageway tunnel. Tourist can have a great view of different kind of marine creature such as giant fish, tuna, lionfish, sharks, jellyfish, eels, groupers, starfish, blue hippo tang, stingrays, manta ray and corals in the big fond of small and large aquariums.

From my experience, the Oceanarium is huge and compound which is very akin to a labyrinth. Nevertheless, this is my favorite spot to educate myself more about various types of marine life found in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. The view of the hundreds of amphibious animals floating around me is astonishing and impeccable that I cannot stop taking pictures of them because I am so very happy and full of emotions at that time. There were numerous sea creatures in the Oceanarium that it was a hard time for the visitor and staff to name it all.

Also I noticed that some fish in the aquarium are as large as a full grown individual. The Oceanarium is so neat and well-organized. The air conditioning and ventilation is well maintained. After the tunnel section, fish lovers can find themselves at a vast open pathway where the biggest tank can be spotted. Also, several milkfish can be found at the right side of the walkway. The last section of the amazing oceanarium is a souvenir store. Without a doubt, this is my favorite attraction in Manila Ocean Park.

Trails to Antarctica – is located at the second floor of Manila Ocean Park and it is just above the Oceanarium and beside the Fish Spa. It is home to a penguin park in the Philippines. Throughout the years, Manila Ocean Park development program for the penguins have been prosperous. The Penguin chase and exhibit brings visitors to the most strange scene on the whole world. Trails to Antarctica showcase a playful Humboldt penguin swim in the chilly water which can be found only at the continent of South America.

Visitors will need to pay certain amount to see the live penguins eye-to-eye for ten to fifteen minutes only. The penguin exhibit features an educational area about the ice-cold landmass where the penguins live and play. During the early Christmas season in the Philippines, the small Christmas Village is introduced to the visitors to allow them to witness the Christmas feast in Manila Ocean Park. The houses in the Christmas Village are decorated with spangle and holly. Moreover, the guest can dress on a snowsuit while exploring the snowy cold village on ice and taking Instagrammable photo. At the exit point of Trails to Antarctica, restrooms can be found and a few meters away an adorable pathway with an attractive view of Manila Bay can be seen. Undoubtedly, this is the best escapade zone for family and group bonding to every single moment.

World of Creepy Crawlies – is located at the first level of Manila Ocean Park beside the line of several restaurants. It is an information area where guests can learn about different species and creatures such as snakes, worms, iguanas, spiders, centipedes, frogs, insects, turtles, lizards, bugs and Madagascar hissing cockroaches. Visitors will connect and gain a perception to various creepy crawlies found all over the world. Also, guests will feel overwhelmed because of the sheer number of spineless animals in a good condition. It is indeed a frightening ambiance to see with your own two eyes this kind of animals flourishing and concealing. Please take note that in order to experience this kind of mystical attraction, guests will need to show their tickets before entering the venue.

Jellies Exhibit – is the most vivid attraction inside the Manila Ocean Park and it is situated beside the Super Toy Collection venue. The Jellies Exhibit features a flickering jellyfish which is very attractive to the youngster. The guest just need to stand and sit in one place and glance at all the beautiful fishes swimming around. They will learn that these prominent seawater animal have existed for thousands or even millions of years.

From my experience exploring this dark exhibit, the various jellyfish are enclosed and covered in a barrel-shaped glass tank with captivating interactive effects and lively music can be seen and heard. Also at the Back of the House there is an educational learning for visitors who want to learn more about marine science. Without a doubt, jellyfish is one of the most imposing marine life. They are well known as the dancing sea fairies because they float elegantly underneath and atop the water surface.

Super Toy Collection – is situated near the food court and it is one of the massive toy collection in the Philippines. Although there are no live animal breed it showcases childhood superheroes such as Superman and other comic heroes which is very enticing to the children and even a grown up person for the unforgettable childhood memories. Also it is home to a well known London public telephone booth. The Super Toy Collection is indeed an exciting place to go because of many Instagrammable pictures to be shared.

Sea Lion Show – is an outdoor auditorium located near the main hall exit of Manila Ocean Park. The schedule for the Sea Lion Show lasts for seventy-five minutes during the weekday, weekend and public holiday. The great show runs for three to five times a day where visitors can get a chance to make a souvenir photo with the lovable sea lions coming from South America. The characteristic of the sea lions is unique with great ability and velocity to perform.

They entertained visitors by having uncomplicated mystical trick, ball games, swimming, dancing, balancing and splashing on the deep blue water of the wide pool. Moreover the Sea Lion Show is perfect in harmony involving fountains that shoots water 131 feet high together with the energetic tunes, multimedia effects and superb background music. Then after the Sea Lion Show, Manila Ocean Park will provide a crucial environmental conservation message that the guests will be able to learned how to conserve the environment by means of recycling the sea garbage and protecting the environment.

All Star Bird Show – is performed inside the Manila Ocean Park. It is very akin to the Sea Lion Show where different kind of birds such as cockatoos, macaws and eagles showcase their amazing tricks in the air that will surely stunned and entertain the visitors. However, to see clearly the bird performance, perplexing stunts and visitor participation, the visitors need to be seated in front of the bird show.

Things to bring on your visit to Manila Ocean Park

Wallet
Cash and ATM Card
Mobile phone with waterproof case
Change of clothes
Hand sanitizer
Stylish facemask
Umbrella
Small Backpack
Small handkerchief
Valid ID and fully vaccination card
Water tumbler
Packed snacks

Sample itinerary to Manila Ocean Park

10:30AM – Ride a public transportation jeep going to Rizal Park
11:15AM – Arrive at Rizal Park, walk towards Manila Ocean Park
11:40AM – Arrive at Manila Ocean Park
12:30PM – Watch the Sea Lion show and all-star bird show
2PM – Proceed and explore the Oceanarium
2:40PM – Walk to trails to Antarctica – Penguin Exhibit
3:20PM – Explore the World of Creepy Crawlies
3:45PM – Explore the Super Toy Collection
4:20PM – Explore the Jellies Exhibit
4:40PM – End of tour
5:30PM – Watch the sunset at Manila Bay
6:20PM – Dinner
7:30PM – Going back to your home
9PM – Home sweet home

Note: prepare yourself for a four-hour walking tour inside the ocean park. You may adjust this itinerary at your preferred time and availability.

How to Go to Manila Ocean Park

By commute

Option 1:

From Quezon City, ride an MRT (Metro Rail Transit) train going to Taft Avenue station.
From Taft Avenue station, ride an LRT (Light Rail Transit) train and alight at United Nations station.
Then walk for thirty minutes going to Manila Ocean Park. You will pass Rizal Park or also known as Luneta Park. Also, you will pass Roxas Boulevard and Quirino Grandstand before the ocean park.

Option 2:

From Gilmore Avenue, Quezon City, ride an LRT-2 (Light Rail Transit line 2) train and drop off at Recto station.
Then transfer to Doroteo Jose station in LRT Line 1 and alight at the United Nations station. From there you need to walk for twenty-five to forty minutes to reach the Manila Ocean Park.

Option 3:

From Kalayaan Talipapa Market in Makati City, ride a passenger jeep with signage of Cartimar. Tell the jeepney driver to drop you off at LRT Gil Puyat station at Buendia corner Taft avenue.
From Buendia corner Taft avenue, ride a jeep or LRT train and drop off at the United Nations station. Then walk all the way towards Manila Ocean Park. The oceanarium’s building is located beside the Hotel H2O and at the back of the Quirino Grandstand.

Option 4:

From Quiapo Manila, ride a jeep or UV Express van bound to Taft Avenue.
Then from Taft Avenue walk across the Rizal Park and Quirino Grandstand.

Option 5:

From Guadalupe, Makati City, ride a jeep with a signage of Leon Guinto or Paco Taft in front of Guadalupe Commercial Complex. Tell the jeepney driver to alight you at Pedro Gil Intersection in Manila.
From Pedro Gil Intersection, ride a jeepney bound to Rizal Park and drop off at at United Nation Taft Avenue or in Kalaw Avenue. Afterwards, walk for thirty-five minutes going to Manila Ocean Park.

Note: if you have a car then pin the Manila Ocean Park on your Waze app.

Reminders and Tips:

The closest train station near the Manila Ocean Park is the United Nations station which is 1.3 kilometers away. It is a five minute bike ride.

The Manila Ocean Park operating hours is from 10 am up to 6 pm every Tuesday to Sunday. Please take note that last admission time is one hour before the closing. Also they are open on public holidays. Note: the operating hours is subject to change without prior notice.

To get a ticket at the Manila Ocean Park you need to purchase it in the ticketing counter, in their official website or purchase it online through Klook booking. Walk in is allowed but if you choose to walk-in then you need to wait for a while before you can get your ticket because of the long queuing line. In order to avoid the long waiting time it’s highly suggested that you come early. In addition, booking online is much preferable because the ticket price is much lower compared to walk-in and you will reduce the time of queuing. Note: The price of the ticket will vary depending on the tour promo and package.

Children two feet below is free of charge because they base it on the children height.

The Manila Ocean Park entrance fee range from 600 to 800 pesos but it will depend on the attractions you avail.

Please bring a valid identification card and your fully vaccination card incase the security guard check it.

You can bring your own food and you can eat at the restaurant or food court inside the ocean park building. Also there’s many option if your children get hungry because you can buy plenty of snacks at the food stall.

Often wash and sanitize your hands for your own safety. Also, always wear your face mask properly and distance yourself one meter from the other visitor. Always follow the afety guidelines and protocols set by the management team inside the building.

Be observant with your belongings because it is the responsibility of the visitor to protect their equipment, item and ticket. Manila Ocean Park will not be responsible for any lost or stolen ticket.

Drinking alcoholic drink and smoking within the building is strictly prohibited. Once you get caught doing this you will be asked to leave the building by a staff member.

You can finish the tour in the Manila Ocean Park by half day. It will take you three to four hours to get in, go around everything, experience all the activities and make the most of what they offered shows.

Tourist are strictly prohibited to give food to the animals without the consent from the staff member. Also avoid touching any surfaces.

All visitors need to undergo a temperature check for safety purposes.

Maximize your time of visit because you wouldn’t want to miss a single thing inside the ocean park.

Because Metro Manila is placed under the less restrictive Alert Level 1, visitors that is 17 years old and below can visit even if the person is unvaccinated. However, they must be accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian. On the other hand, visitors that is 18 years old and above must be fully vaccinated and they must bring their fully vaccination card.

The best time to visit Manila Ocean Park is during Wednesday and Thursday when there’s only few visitors.

If you have extra time after the tour at ocean park you may explore Rizal Park, Manila Bay, Intramuros or other historical tourist attraction.

Bringing of harmful materials such as firecrackers, lasers, knife and other things that may distress other visitors are not allowed inside the building. All visitor must cleave to the ocean park rules, regulations and instructions.

Entry into the Manila Ocean Park is only attainable with a valid ticket. All visitors must be able to present their tickets upon request. Please note that the ticket is valid for one admission only and on the date indicated at the ticket. Re-entry is not allowed.

Hotel H2O check in time is around 2 pm meanwhile the check out time is 12 noon. Only visitors that have a fully vaccination card can stay at the hotel.

Hotel H2O offers different rooms for tourist such as Aqua-themed room, Aqua Jellies room, Aqua Supreme room, Bay Deluxe room, Premiere Classic room, Executive Suite and many more. The Aqua-themed room has a high speed internet access and a thirty-seven inch LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) television set. Meanwhile the Aqua Supreme room has a size of 39 square meters that provide guest a remarkable view of aquatic life. On the other hand, the Bay Deluxe is a fancy room which has a total size of 31 square meter that offers visitors a splendid view of Manila Bay. It has a king size bed and a bathing area with a heated jetpool.

For Hotel H2O booking you may visit the official website of Manila Ocean Park and navigate the menu in their website to see the price, amenities, features, and availability. The Hotel H2O contact number is (+632)7238-6100.

There is a paid parking near the ocean park.

As of August 2022, Manila Ocean Park has offered an aqua dining experience for all visitors.

Last but not least, for any questions about the tour please call this number (+632) 8-567-7777 ext. 118, 119, 123.

Once in a while amidst the humdrum of our ordinary lives, love gives us fairytale moments. Turn your fairytale into a beautiful reality and create the most unforgettable and unique proposal for your loved one to be able to make sweet memories that will last a lifetime. For the most part, I desire this Manila Ocean Park travel guide has been satisfying to you and to your family. Godbless and enjoy your day tour trip.