A park in the city? I love that! Manila is known for something else but not having a park within a park within the city. Did I write it right? He-he! A tour to Manila gets more interesting when you visit not just the historical and old sites but the new and equally famous landmarks. Yes, I am referring to the newly added to Manila's tourist destination - Manila Ocean Park.
Manila Ocean Park is not really "new", new because it was built and opened to public last February of 2008 (If I remember it right). Unlike its surrounding destinations: Manila Zoo; Rizal Park (Luneta Park); Intramuros - this site was constructed within 20th century nevertheless it offers a lot of interesting things to its visitors and a nobility to a place surrounded by Manila's ancient history. It's located at the back of Quirino Grandstand in Luneta.
When the cab stopped to a halt at the entrance of Manila Ocean Park - I was like (to the driver)..."Hmmm, are you sure this is it?" If not of its big welcome signage, I would never thought it was the entry point. Park means to me as: a bed of beautiful flowers, lots of trees, animals and playground but not a grand entrance ramp to its main door. I feel like I am walking towards a hotel or mall's entrance. Come to think of it, a year after that visit, I found out that the park is not just a park after all. It is now a park, mall and hotel combined just like what I thought it suppose to be (color me surprise! He-he!). I haven't checked - in yet in Hotel H20 but I hope to do it soon.:D
Unlike any other hotels or malls where you will be welcomed with the extravagant furniture and decorations and unlike ordinary house where you will be ushered to the visitor's area or the 'sala' that showcase the owners grandiose living, this one is entirely different. You will be walking to an array of booth and kiosk of foods. Different fast food chains, coffee shops and souvenir stores are scattered in every corner of the site right after you enter the entrance. I am confused which one to pick first or taste first.
The entrance fee to the Oceanarium is 400Php/adult, 350Php/4ft and below and you'll get 10% discount if you are Manila resident (makes sure to bring valid ID). You can check the website above for promos and discounts they provide every now and then. What I love most is the part where you'll get to see several kinds of fish swimming above or either side of you. That's when you get inside the 'tunnel' as I call it. Hahaha! But the park call this Oceanarium - the park's main attraction. If you are lucky enough, you'll see some divers feeding some of the fish. This part of the park is divided into "journey": Agos (Flow), Bahura (Reef) and Buhay na Karagatan (Living Ocean). We chance upon going with students who happened to have a field trip and can't help but to smile every time I hear their giggles and see their amused faces every time they see the various beautiful marine life. There's a dark room that showcases different jelly fish, you just need to pay extra 150Php to see it. Other attractions are as follows (I don't have pictures of these since I haven't visited the place yet since 2009): Musical Fountain Show, Aquanaut Voyage, Fish Spa (this one I remember, located above the Oceanarium), Glass Bottom Boat Ride, Marine Life Show.
For Inquiries and Reservations:
Manila Ocean Park
Tel. Nos.: 567-7777 loc. 118-119
567-7777 loc. 150
Email: reservations@manilaoceanpark.com
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