Manila Ocean Park - An amusement park in the Philippines
A desire was held within me for a long time to be amidst the aquatic life under the dark blue sea. In fact, dreams frequently visited me since my adolescence to have a macro view of the wonderland under the sea.I could not make it possible in my home country but had the determination to transform my dream into reality in some foreign country.
'All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.'
The above line is so true. Wondering how?
Here comes the answer.
It was on January 25, 2020, that a sudden plan was crafted (with lots of brain storming and suggestions) to visit the Ocean Park, the marine paradise in Metro Manila, Philippines. The place has plenty of positive reviews thereby pushing us further to pay a visit.
Location of Ocean Park-
Quirino Grandstand, 666 Behind, Ermita, Manila, 1000
Metro Manila
From Makati to Ocean Park-
It took around 20-25 minutes to reach the destination and we reached at around 04.30 in the evening. The weather was complementing to our enthusiasm and curiosity for visiting the Ocean Park for the first time. It was cool and super-breezy thereby bringing relief to the visitors including kids.
The Ambience -
It was more of an amusement park which attracted huge mass of people from all walks of life and ages. Parents were busy taking care of their mischievous kids who kept running here and there. The entrance was bustling with colorful hoardings of the events scheduled for that day along with the prices for the respective event. Visitors were free to choose the shows they wish to see and then head towards the ticket counters.
The Ambience -
It was more of an amusement park which attracted huge mass of people from all walks of life and ages. Parents were busy taking care of their mischievous kids who kept running here and there. The entrance was bustling with colorful hoardings of the events scheduled for that day along with the prices for the respective event. Visitors were free to choose the shows they wish to see and then head towards the ticket counters.
 |
| Ticket counter at the entrance |
The Entrance and the entry fee-
There were ticket counters at the gates wherein you can ask for tickets as per the shows you are interested in and make the payment.
For us, it was 'Deep Sea Rush 6' which came at the price of PHP 1,190 for 2 pax. Along with the bill receipt, we were provided with 2 tickets with barcodes imprinted on them (this has to be worn on your wrist until the time you are in the Ocean park) and the itinerary of the day as per the ticket value. You may also choose the shows from the show card available at the ticket booth and then make the payment accordingly.
Which shows are included in 'Deep Sea Rush 6'?
This included 6 attractions like the following-
- Oceanarium
- Sea lion show
- World of creepy crawlies
- Barnyard and birdhouse
- All star bird show
- Symphony evening show
All the above shows will be elaborated except the All-star Bird show as it was scheduled in the morning and we missed to be a part of the show.
The pathway/guide-
Guides are available who will guide you to the venue of each show, moreover, you may also follow the guide boards for the direction.
According to the timings mentioned in the itinerary, first, we headed towards the Sea Lion show. It was a huge gallery with a good seating arrangement. I was too excited to see sea lions right in front of my eyes as they always fascinated me on-screen.
In no time, two sea lions arrived along with their trainers, playfully giggling at us. It was such an eye-catching scene that my eyelids stood still for a minute wondering whether I am in a wonderland or is it reality.
Oh my God! the sea lions are actually in front of us.
They were so well inculcated with the skills that when the show began, it was a mighty revelation.
I have added a video clip to have a real view:
The spectators were a mixed bag of all ages and countries. In due course of time, the sound of applause resonated across the crowd bringing smiles to all our faces. It was such an overwhelming experience. The show spanned for 30 minutes and we all were saddened by the full stop.
The sea lions bid us goodbye with their tiny gestures and left the spot.
Next show- Barnyard and birdhouse
If you want to have a feel of being surrounded by bright colored birds flying here and there, this is the best place to visit. The place is quiet enough to hear the chirping of birds and watch them play on the twigs. They will come flying on the floor and you may be lucky to feed them with your hands.
Barnyard-
Are you fond of small cute pets? If yes, then you must visit the barnyard.
Adults can enjoy watching the bunnies, hamsters, guinea pigs and rats hop, run and play, while the kids can learn more about these animals. A detailed scientific write-up of all the animals is displayed on the board.
Show 3 - World of creepy crawlies
A place where you will be able to see a diversity of the reptile and arthropod kingdom which includes lizards, spiders, frogs and snakes. As we entered, there was an aquarium with turtles and it turned out to be even more interesting as we moved forward.
Basilisk lizards are a species of lizards which are endemic to Central and South America and possess the ability to run on the surface of water. Two of the six Basilisk Lizards that hatched last October 28 are kept for display in Manila Ocean Park.
Knight anoles are native to Cuba, but have been widely introduced into South Florida, where they reproduce and spread readily. They are diurnal and fiercely territorial.
In addition to the above species of lizards, you will discover a plethora of wild spiders, frogs and snakes.Few of my clicks are given below:
The Oceanarium-
Next, we headed towards the Oceanarium to have a much awaited view of the underwater life. It was almost 7 PM and we had to rush because the time of last entry was 07:15 PM and we had no intention to miss it.
Also there are a lot of small eateries in the premises so you may keep munching while having a tour of the park.
Among all the shows, this was the best.
Just imagine! you are walking past and amidst the marine life who are totally indulged in their own playful mood. When I found huge sharks and sting rays swimming above your head, I could not contain my excitement within me and out came the word "Wohooo...."
For me, it was a dream come true.Let us have a view of the paradise...
The Oceanarium is home to over 10,000 marine creatures from around 300 species, all indigenous to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. It is amazing walkthrough of the watery depths featuring 7 sections and containing 3,000 cubic meters of sea water.The water source for the Oceanarium is filtered water from Manila Bay. A special process is done to ensure that the seawater is suitable for marine life.
Also you may pay a visit to my post on Puerto Galera at the following URL-
https://randoughts18.blogspot.com/2020/01/puerto-galera-tropical-beach.html?m=1
There were ticket counters at the gates wherein you can ask for tickets as per the shows you are interested in and make the payment.
For us, it was 'Deep Sea Rush 6' which came at the price of PHP 1,190 for 2 pax. Along with the bill receipt, we were provided with 2 tickets with barcodes imprinted on them (this has to be worn on your wrist until the time you are in the Ocean park) and the itinerary of the day as per the ticket value. You may also choose the shows from the show card available at the ticket booth and then make the payment accordingly.
 |
| The itinerary given to us at the ticket booth |
 |
| The Ticket tags to be worn on the wrist |
Which shows are included in 'Deep Sea Rush 6'?
This included 6 attractions like the following-
- Oceanarium
- Sea lion show
- World of creepy crawlies
- Barnyard and birdhouse
- All star bird show
- Symphony evening show
All the above shows will be elaborated except the All-star Bird show as it was scheduled in the morning and we missed to be a part of the show.
The pathway/guide-
Guides are available who will guide you to the venue of each show, moreover, you may also follow the guide boards for the direction.
According to the timings mentioned in the itinerary, first, we headed towards the Sea Lion show. It was a huge gallery with a good seating arrangement. I was too excited to see sea lions right in front of my eyes as they always fascinated me on-screen.
In no time, two sea lions arrived along with their trainers, playfully giggling at us. It was such an eye-catching scene that my eyelids stood still for a minute wondering whether I am in a wonderland or is it reality.
Oh my God! the sea lions are actually in front of us.
They were so well inculcated with the skills that when the show began, it was a mighty revelation.
I have added a video clip to have a real view:
The spectators were a mixed bag of all ages and countries. In due course of time, the sound of applause resonated across the crowd bringing smiles to all our faces. It was such an overwhelming experience. The show spanned for 30 minutes and we all were saddened by the full stop.
The sea lions bid us goodbye with their tiny gestures and left the spot.
Next show- Barnyard and birdhouse
If you want to have a feel of being surrounded by bright colored birds flying here and there, this is the best place to visit. The place is quiet enough to hear the chirping of birds and watch them play on the twigs. They will come flying on the floor and you may be lucky to feed them with your hands.
Barnyard-
Are you fond of small cute pets? If yes, then you must visit the barnyard.
Adults can enjoy watching the bunnies, hamsters, guinea pigs and rats hop, run and play, while the kids can learn more about these animals. A detailed scientific write-up of all the animals is displayed on the board.
Show 3 - World of creepy crawlies
A place where you will be able to see a diversity of the reptile and arthropod kingdom which includes lizards, spiders, frogs and snakes. As we entered, there was an aquarium with turtles and it turned out to be even more interesting as we moved forward.
Basilisk lizards are a species of lizards which are endemic to Central and South America and possess the ability to run on the surface of water. Two of the six Basilisk Lizards that hatched last October 28 are kept for display in Manila Ocean Park.
 |
| Basilisk lizard |
 |
| Knight anole |
In addition to the above species of lizards, you will discover a plethora of wild spiders, frogs and snakes.Few of my clicks are given below:
The Oceanarium-
Next, we headed towards the Oceanarium to have a much awaited view of the underwater life. It was almost 7 PM and we had to rush because the time of last entry was 07:15 PM and we had no intention to miss it.
Also there are a lot of small eateries in the premises so you may keep munching while having a tour of the park.
Among all the shows, this was the best.
Just imagine! you are walking past and amidst the marine life who are totally indulged in their own playful mood. When I found huge sharks and sting rays swimming above your head, I could not contain my excitement within me and out came the word "Wohooo...."
For me, it was a dream come true.Let us have a view of the paradise...
The Oceanarium is home to over 10,000 marine creatures from around 300 species, all indigenous to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. It is amazing walkthrough of the watery depths featuring 7 sections and containing 3,000 cubic meters of sea water.The water source for the Oceanarium is filtered water from Manila Bay. A special process is done to ensure that the seawater is suitable for marine life.
Last but not the least, 'Symphony evening show' was the last attraction of the day. The Oceanarium delighted us so much that we had made up our mind to go back home with those memories but we decided to give the last show a chance.
Symphony Evening Show-
This happened to be at the same venue of the sea-lion show.
As it was the last show of the day, the gallery was not packed with people. We took the seats in the middle row so as to have a full view of the light and sound show.
The show started sharp at 7.30 PM representing a fusion of the basic elements of Earth igniting the night sky of Manila Bay.
Symphony is a majestic display of huge water fountains, the tallest in the Philippines reaching 40 meters or 120 feet. Symphony has more depth, creating a 2D effect as you enter an ethnic and mysterious world filled with new entertaining animated marine life characters in breathtaking fluid motion and vibrancy.
A short unedited video of 17 seconds revealing our level of excitement has been uploaded...
Honest confession-
We visited the place as adults with an element of seriousness and thoughtfulness.
We came out with a playful mood like kids,feeling so rejuvenated and lots of positive vibes as if we have gone back to our salad days.
If you are planning a trip to Manila, then this is a must-visit place with your friends and family (kids and elders). Whether you’re traveling alone or with your family, you will surely experience a world of fun and thrills inside Ocean Park Manila.
Looking for discounts and promos?
You may visit,
https://www.metrodeal.com/deals/Metro_Manila/Manila-Ocean-Park/387332363www.metrodeal.com/deals/Metro_Manila/Manila-Ocean-Park/387332363
Your comments and feedback are most welcome.
Also you may pay a visit to my post on Puerto Galera at the following URL-
https://randoughts18.blogspot.com/2020/01/puerto-galera-tropical-beach.html?m=1
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