Manila Ocean Park – not just for the kids
Manila Ocean Park is an oceanarium located in Ermita, Manila (behind the Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park). In terms of floor space, it’s massive. At 8,000 square metres (86,000 sq ft), it is larger than the Sentosa Underwater World oceanarium in Singapore. It also features a 25-metre (82 ft) underwater acrylic tunnel (source: Wikipedia).
There isn’t too much I can write about Ocean Park that can’t be found on their website. However, I will say that this is one of the Manila’s biggest attractions. It is well and truly a state of the art oceanarium. There are many attractions such as the Aquanaut Voyage, Sea Lion Show, Swimming with Sharks and Stingrays, as well as a Birds of Prey and Creepy Crawly Insect Encounters.
Sleep with the fishes
Another feature of the area is the Hotel H2O, which is right next door to Manila Ocean Park. With marine-themed rooms that allow you to literally “sleep with fishes”, this is the most unique hotel in the Philippines and allows you to fully capture the ocean and marine experience.
Manila Ocean Park is definitely a place worth a visit as there are also other local attractions in the area, namely Intramuros and Rizal Park, which I have covered in other write-ups. If your budget allows, spending the night at Hotel H2O is also an amazing experience
The view from my favourite (seafood) restaurant in Manila, Harbor View Seafood Restaurant. This is taken from the jetty. Here you can dine with glorious views looking back towards Roxas Boulevard and the Pasay City skyline. You also have amazing views across Manila Bay.
The jellyfish display is an amazing spectacle. Different coloured lights illuminate the jellyfish.
The 25-metre (82 ft) underwater acrylic tunnel is a massive feature of Manila Ocean Park
The fountain outside Manila Ocean Park is a brilliant display when the sun goes down