So I realized that I haven’t written anything for the past month. Well, just one. Wow, guess I’m just super lazy to do anything.
But now that I have some time to write, let me tell you about our experience at the Manila Zoo last month.
Yep, it’s been weeks since we went there and this is such a late post, but I hope you still read on.
So hubby’s friends wanted to meet up or so and I have no idea why, but they chose Manila Zoo as the venue. Probably because some of them had kids or some of them haven’t gone there a while or haven’t gone there at all. I thought it was a good opportunity for my daughters to visit a zoo and see real animals. Eldest has gone to Ark Avilon Zoo before whereas Bunso has never been to one here in PH. (They’ve visited Jurong Bird Park in SG years ago)
My last visit to Manila Zoo was eons ago — I was still a student then. So going there was like a new experience for me, as the city government renovated it and improved its facilities.
We had a great time going around. Like before, the first thing you’ll see is the elephant, Mali. Then you can follow the trail going to the apex predators, savannah, and the aviary. There’s also an area for the reptiles and a butterfly sanctuary.
It can get pretty tiring but what’s nice is that there are benches in some areas and they have an extensive food park inside.
Here’s a short reel of our fam’s day trip to Manila Zoo:
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It’s actually worth the trip! Hubby and I have shared our experience to others and they’ve shown interest in visiting Manila Zoo soon.
If you want to drop by Manila Zoo, here are some tips based on our experience:
1. Book tickets online. We recommend booking prior at https://www.manilazoo.ph/ so that you’ll just present your QR code and enter the premises. One of our friends didn’t book online and when he went there, he was told to buy a ticket online! Basically the same process. What if he didn’t have data that time?
Note on online bookings: I don’t think there’s an option for bulk bookings. In my experience, what happened was I had to go through the booking process (from picking dates to filling out info to payment via GCash) FOUR TIMES. So yeah, I think that’s an area for improvement for them.
Tickets price for non-Manila residents is Php300. For students, Php200. Manila residents pay only Php150 (Php100 for students). Discounted rates are given to senior citizens and PWDs, and children below 2 years old can come free of charge. But there will be a minimal service fee upon booking, additional price would depend on your payment option.
2. Food and bottled water are not allowed. But you can bring your personal tumbler. There are a lot of food options inside so you won’t go hungry.
3. Bring extra cash not just for food but also for souvenirs and for entry to the play area in the Primates and Children’s Park (I know, the name is so funny!) since you have to have shoe covers to enter. Shoe covers are at Php20 a pair.
4. Expect Manila Zoo to be packed during weekends. We went there on a Sunday. Arrived at the place at 9 a.m. and there was a queue already.
5. Parking space is limited, so if you’re bringing a car, be early. Or you can just commute or take a Grab so it’s less hassle for you.
6. Hydrate and wear sunscreen. Also bring small towels and extra shirts because it can get sweaty.
And of course, enjoy and keep safe! It’s an amazing place for family bonding and learning.
Been to Manila Zoo? Share your experience, too!
