Manila Ocean Park

Call us crazy to go to the Manila Ocean Park today because a few other thousands had the same crazy idea! The place was really as tight as a can of sardines! The entrance fee as P400 for adults and P350 for children 12 years & below. Manila residents with valid IDs get special discounts though. We didn't mind paying that much because it seemed reasonable if you compare it to prices of similar establishments abroad. Our expectations were not really that high though as we heard that the place is not yet 100% complete.

Did I mention that the place was really full? Makes one think that the Philippine economy is really not that bad at all if that many people could afford to get in. hmmm... but I digress.

Before guests were allowed entry, an usher made several announcements on proper decorum, etc. and emphasized that flash photography was NOT allowed. He even gave a quick demo on how to disarm the auto flash in a camera. Of course when you get in, you'd want to get pictures of the fish. Alas, we Pinoys are not really known for being disciplined in our own backyards and as expected flashes popped here, there & everywhere. Btw, let me assure you that the photos above were taken without flash.

Verdict: My kids totally enjoyed the place despite the huge crowd. The tanks were clean and the fish looked healthy. The manta ray even seemed friendly and loved going near people. We just hope that the clean conditions are maintained. Oh, the place is not exactly stroller-friendly because there are stairs that you have to pass to enjoy the outdoor aquaria. I'm sure though that there is access for wheelchairs because there were a couple of them there.

If you want to be able to linger around the tanks, I suggest that you NOT go on a weekend. Go see it for yourself!