Manila Ocean Park: A Holiday Destination

Finally, I am writing this just a day after our trip. I love long holidays! :) Anyway, since it was a holiday yesterday because of Eid'l Flt'r and we were able to score discounted tickets for Manila Ocean Park from Metrodeal, we decided to use it for the Holiday.

MOP Wall - most of the visitors have their pictures taken with this wall. :)

It was my second time in Manila Ocean Park, but it was a first time for my mom and my sister. We arrived at Manila Ocean Park at 10:30, got in the line for redeeming the coupons (the line is very long), and finally we were able to get in by 11:15. Our first stop, The Birds of Prey.


The Birds of Prey Kingdom

This was the first attraction that will greet you as you enter the main building. The Birds of Prey Kingdom houses several brahminy kites - also known as red backed sea eagle from Australia. They would fly freely as you walk at the boards. You can also have your pictures taken with them.

The Brahminy Kites of MOP. 

Main Oceanarium

After a quick visit with the birds, the main oceanarium was our next stop. The main oceanarium houses about 250 species of marine life, endemic to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Some of the famous fishes that you can find are the kois, regal tang (just like the short-term memory loss Dory from Finding Nemo), clownfish (Nemo of Finding Nemo), manta rays, sting rays and sharks.

(From left, clockwise) Golsfishes, Parrot fish, Albino fish, Scorpion Fish

(From Left, clockwise) Sting ray, Koi, Longhorn cowfish, Sac shark

(From L-R) Clownfish, Nautilus, Stonefish

It will be a quick walk, if you don't stop and take pictures of everything, in an hour, you'll be out of the big aquarium. You can proceed to the fish spa which is located at the upper floor of the oceanarium.


Trails of Antartica

You will pass by the Fish Spa and Glass Bottom Boat ride as you walk towards Trails of Antartica. There are three mini-attractions inside: The Slide O'Fun features a slide ride for a minute. You can have your pictures taken as you go down the slide.

Trails of Antartica houses several penguins, which you can personally feed.

Penguins

Aside from these two, you can visit the Snow Village as well, to experience the coldness of Antartica.

Jellies

After the Trails of Antartica, we were up to our next stop at the Jellies. It was probably my favorite attraction - the Jellies are like dancing sea creatures and very colorful.

Marine Life Habitat and Sea Lion Show

There are two main shows at Manila Ocean Park - The All-Star Bird Show and The Sea Lion Show. Our tickets originally include The All-Star Bird Show but by the time we get our tickets, the All Star Bird Show was already full. The Sea Lion Show was part of the original ticket, we managed to get at the 3:30pm show.

The Sea Lion Show features two sealions - Aira and Isha - two of the four sealions living at Manila Ocean Park, aside from one male (a total of 5 sealions). The show is interactive, it involves the audience as well, and if you're lucky enough, you get to see them upclose and have them kiss you. :D

Manila Ocean Park is a far cry from Hong Kong Ocean Park - which also features rides and other attractions. Aside from the features, the access to the Ocean Parks are far from one another. I hope there was a shuttle bus to Manila Ocean Park from Mall of Asia and vice versa. By this, they can attract more visitors by ease of access.


Directions to Manila Ocean Park:

From North and East of NCR (Caloocan, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Makati, Taguig, Pateros, Pasay)

1. Take EDSA.
2. When you get to Roxas Boulevard, take a right turn towards US Embassy and Luneta Park.
3. Turn left when you see Quirino Grandstand (Manila Ocean Park marker can be seen).

When coming from Manila:

1. Take a PUJ to Luneta.
2. Walk for about 30 minutes toward Quirino Grandstand, passing by the Rizal monument and carabao monument.
3. Manila Ocean Park can be found at the back of the Quirino Grandstand.

When coming from South of NCR (Muntinlupa, etc)

1. Take Baclaran road towards Roxas Blvd.
2. Traverse Roxas Blvd until you reach the US Embassy and turn left when you see Quirino Grandstand.

Travel tips:

1. Visit Manila Ocean Park at its opening hours. You can avoid the rush of guests.
2. Take the afternoon shows for All Star Bird Shows and Sea Lion Show. If you can get the succeeding shows, get it. :)