Joanna James
Manila's Ocean Park is a great place for the entire family to appreciate the beauty of the ocean and its creatures while enjoying a host of fun games and activities.
One of the most exciting attractions for both kids and adults alike is the Sharks and Rays Encounter. Located at the aquarium area, three crystal clear pools are filled with numerous species of sting rays, sharks and even starfish. You can get even closer with one of three options that allow you to swim in the pool with a safety instructor. Choose from the dry encounter, half body encounter or full body encounter to experience the thrill of being so close to these magnificent marine creatures. The park's official photographers are allowed on hand if you want to capture your fun on camera.
If you are gaga over penguins, you will definitely love this place! This special exhibition takes you through Antarctica, providing plenty of information about the continent and its inhabitants. Cute Humboldt penguins can be viewed in the Penguin Exhibit, and if you are lucky, you may spot one of the colony's hatchlings. Young children will enjoy the Penguin Talk Show - a digital puppetry act set in a theatre. The star of the show, Hamboo the Penguin, interacts with all the children in the audience, proving plenty of laughs for the young ones.
The Aquanaut Voyage is a safe and fun way to the underwater world of the park. A special diving helmet is used to allow you to breathe normally underwater as air is pumped in. Swimming experience is not required so even none swimmers can enjoy this. It's a great way to get up close to the fascinating underwater creatures and even interact with them, all while a trained diving instructor guides you along.
One of the newer additions to the park, the Birds of Prey Kingdom presents one of the most regal birds in the country, the mesmerizing Brahminy Kites. Visitors to the bird sanctuary can get close to these majestic creatures or view them as they perch along a hanging bridge within.
One of the main attractions at the park, the Oceanarium is home to over 14,000 sea creatures, endemic to the Philippines and Southeast Asia, this enormous aquarium is a must see. The main exhibit is the stunning a 220 degrees curved, walkway tunnel which provides an amazing view of the sea life as they swim above and around you.
This unique experience allows you to fulfill your dream of swimming like a mermaid. A 45-mintute session that features swimming, how to glide with a fish tail in the water, and breathing techniques to help you stay under water. The monotails provided recreate the mermaid experience and are surprisingly easy to wear and comfortable as well.
Before you think of heading back to your comfy hotel, like Citadines Millennium Ortigas Manila, one of the hotels in Ortigas, Pasig, make sure you stay to watch the symphony evening show. Using the latest technology, the symphony uses water fountains that reach a spectacular 120ft high along with coloured lights to illuminate the night sky with characters from the sea.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
