Manila Zoo
Manila Zoo
2.5
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Malate
How to get there
- Quirino - Malate • 8 min walk
- Vito Cruz • 10 min walk
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2,645 within 5 kms
Attractions
318 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Tony2 contributionsThe registration nightmareThe Manila Zoo has to abolish this insane registration requirement. My group of five people went to the zoo today(8 jan 23), we were told we had to register online before we would be allowed to enter. There were more people ouside the zoo than inside because of problems with the registration. We tried to get help but the staff were rude and not very helpful. After wasting almost an hour trying and failing to register and faced with a huge queue for assistance, we did what many others did, we walked away. There was such a disregard for the patrons that i will never return.Visited January 2023Written 7 January 2023
- Peter MMelbourne, Australia1,301 contributionsManila ZooI went there and a sign saying closed since June for renovations so must of been open before June. It had been closed for many years as very run down with not many animals but if closed in June must of opened up again before June! It first opened in 1959 It closed on January 23 2019 as it was found to be dumping sewerage into an estuary that empties into the bay. It reopened on December 30 2021. It must of remained open to June 2022 and then closed for more renovationsVisited October 2022Written 24 January 2023
- Gert WieberdinkBorne, The Netherlands2 contributionsNever againWhat a poor show, first you need to register. For what? Like you go to China . No wifi , only a help thet only could say sorry. Went back again en you wont see me again. G.WieberdinkVisited July 2023Written 8 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
2.5
356 reviews
Excellent
21
Very good
39
Average
105
Poor
81
Terrible
110
jasharts77
Knoxville, TN12 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Its an act of Congress to get in the gate
This is the least efficient place I've been in the Philippines so far elephant was Cool though
This is the least efficient place I've been in the Philippines so far elephant was Cool though
Written 17 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jose N
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
very complicated system of payment; long queue; took us a long time to go inside the zoo; lack of staff assisting people to register
Why do we need to give a lot of personal information in registering? Other places like Ocean Park does not need these information...
Why do we need to give a lot of personal information in registering? Other places like Ocean Park does not need these information...
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gert Wieberdink
Borne, The Netherlands2 contributions
Jul 2023
What a poor show, first you need to register. For what? Like you go to China .
No wifi , only a help thet only could say sorry. Went back again en you wont see me again.
G.Wieberdink
No wifi , only a help thet only could say sorry. Went back again en you wont see me again.
G.Wieberdink
Written 8 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick S
Manila, Philippines9 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
The payment terms..and registration via online. Cannot use Gcash. Finally had to pay by using Kiosk payment. Kiosk pay is available in Manila Zoo itself at the entrance. Long queus. Preferred Exact amount, i was prepared to donate my change to the zooo, but finally, the assisting staff gave me back my change.
There was no parking space available inside the zoo premises. I figured most of the parking spce was used by the Zoo stagf and tenants?
We had to use the parking spaces in front of the Rizal Coliseum. The parking attendant charges 100 pesos... Double the usual parking rates. Tricycles offer to take you back to the zoo.. But we walked the way back.
Inside the zoo. The place looks good. Reportedly spent 1.7Billion pesos for the renovations.
First to the right is the lonesome Elephant. We took photos reminiscent of 11 yrs ago... When my youngest son was just 3 yrs old. Now he is 14.
The Animals. Hippo was missing. I did not see the giraffe. The monkeys are so much less. No big Gorilla, no Bears, no Zebras? The birds.... Are gone.. Although the big blue peacocks were still there putting up a show of its big feathers.
The monkey cage.. Combined with the open air children playground. For safety precautions.. Used floor paddings that gets wet due to the rain. People are required to remove shoes and socks...and have to walk on the wet flooring. I don't know if this is sanitary or safe. The monkey cages are now reduced to one or two inside a big cage. Looks lonesome for the animals.
The circular building itself has overhangs that can injure a walking unaware visitor. At least idiot proofing or warning color signs can be installed to avoid head injury.
Some sections in the zoo are blocked off.
The bird cage.. Is not using the lowest walkways that would have given visitors a closer experience with the peacocks.
Zoo maps are available everywhere. But it should mark the place where you are standing, when looking at the Map. Otherwise, it would be confusing as such was the case.
The amphibians.. Plenty snakes, less of the lizards. Nice airconditioned rooms. But i think, the cages should be more animal friendly. The cages.. The soil is dry.. And using fake grass. I feel sorry fo the animals. The surrounding soil in the cages must be cultivated to mimic their natural habitat.
Plenty of turtles. Very good.
Sadly, Only one Alligator, when there used to be a lot. They should not be lacking for alligators, since we have plenty in Davao and Palawan.
The big lake still there.. Much smaller now. No more boating like we used to do. The island in the middle used to have a lot of free roaming monkeys. Now it is empty bare. Walkways.
Not enough free sitting for tired visitors. No shaded walkways.. Or rest places.. To protect against the heat or rain. No more dancing fountains for the small kids to play.. The Butterflies museum is ok...although the variety could be improved. No more free flying plentiful butterflies inside.
But of course, i did not point these out to the kids. We just had a great time. Nice to be a kid and be oblivious to everything.
There was no parking space available inside the zoo premises. I figured most of the parking spce was used by the Zoo stagf and tenants?
We had to use the parking spaces in front of the Rizal Coliseum. The parking attendant charges 100 pesos... Double the usual parking rates. Tricycles offer to take you back to the zoo.. But we walked the way back.
Inside the zoo. The place looks good. Reportedly spent 1.7Billion pesos for the renovations.
First to the right is the lonesome Elephant. We took photos reminiscent of 11 yrs ago... When my youngest son was just 3 yrs old. Now he is 14.
The Animals. Hippo was missing. I did not see the giraffe. The monkeys are so much less. No big Gorilla, no Bears, no Zebras? The birds.... Are gone.. Although the big blue peacocks were still there putting up a show of its big feathers.
The monkey cage.. Combined with the open air children playground. For safety precautions.. Used floor paddings that gets wet due to the rain. People are required to remove shoes and socks...and have to walk on the wet flooring. I don't know if this is sanitary or safe. The monkey cages are now reduced to one or two inside a big cage. Looks lonesome for the animals.
The circular building itself has overhangs that can injure a walking unaware visitor. At least idiot proofing or warning color signs can be installed to avoid head injury.
Some sections in the zoo are blocked off.
The bird cage.. Is not using the lowest walkways that would have given visitors a closer experience with the peacocks.
Zoo maps are available everywhere. But it should mark the place where you are standing, when looking at the Map. Otherwise, it would be confusing as such was the case.
The amphibians.. Plenty snakes, less of the lizards. Nice airconditioned rooms. But i think, the cages should be more animal friendly. The cages.. The soil is dry.. And using fake grass. I feel sorry fo the animals. The surrounding soil in the cages must be cultivated to mimic their natural habitat.
Plenty of turtles. Very good.
Sadly, Only one Alligator, when there used to be a lot. They should not be lacking for alligators, since we have plenty in Davao and Palawan.
The big lake still there.. Much smaller now. No more boating like we used to do. The island in the middle used to have a lot of free roaming monkeys. Now it is empty bare. Walkways.
Not enough free sitting for tired visitors. No shaded walkways.. Or rest places.. To protect against the heat or rain. No more dancing fountains for the small kids to play.. The Butterflies museum is ok...although the variety could be improved. No more free flying plentiful butterflies inside.
But of course, i did not point these out to the kids. We just had a great time. Nice to be a kid and be oblivious to everything.
Written 22 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Czar Emmanuel
Manila, Philippines6,246 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
I've visited the Manila Zoo at least three times already since it was opened to the public a few months ago, and while I'm very happy with its new facilities (notwithstanding the relatively few animals to see), there are some aspects of it that definitely need improvement. First is the booking system. The QR code that online reservation generates has limited validity. Hence, don't book your tickets too early (i.e. more than three days ahead), otherwise your QR code expires. Second, always prepare the exact amount of money to pay since the ticket machine does not give any change. Third, the parking lot is quite small and can accommodate a very limited number of vehicles. I suggest that you come early and avoid weekends and holidays. The place gets very crowded on those days. Fourth, the way vehicle entrance to the parking lot is controlled, is a real mess. The last time I went there I was directed to queue just like the other cars, which is okay with me, but then some vehicles were allowed to cut the lines and got accommodated ahead of those in line. This really pissed me off and I ended up arguing with those regulating the entry of vehicles to the parking lot. Last, it gets really hot in summer. I wish they could have shaded pathways with mist makers or sprayers just like in many amusement parks abroad.
Written 19 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
davidhughtaylor
Melbourne, Australia570 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Renovated with big enclosures similar to a modern western zoo. Animals often still lack enrichment or much tree and grass cover but at least not a distressing prison and perhaps a useful way to spend a couple of spare hours in Manila?
Written 8 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abigail G
1 contribution
Mar 2023
March 16, 2023 school trip of my son . It was his first time to visit Manila zoo
He enjoyed it and I was surprised that its really different now much much better than my last visit ( probably 15 years ago 😅 )
Such a great time
Just hope we had a chance to see the monkeys and the hippo .
He enjoyed it and I was surprised that its really different now much much better than my last visit ( probably 15 years ago 😅 )
Such a great time
Just hope we had a chance to see the monkeys and the hippo .
Written 23 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zise Shu
Philippines196 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
It's been years since I last visited this zoo, to this day so much had improved though as they say there's always room for (more) improvement.
The zoo is more organized, more family friendly and it's clean as well.
Though it's noticeable that some animals are missing/ not present compare to what they advertise in zoo pics. Among those animals are giraffe, hyena, hippopotamus, bleeding-heart dove, monkey (there's only one specie present in the zoo while they're advertising more than it) to name few. But of course, for sure there's some fairly explanations about the absence of the said animals.
It's also noticeable how little the presence of butterflies in 'the butterfly garden'. There are more preserved butterflies compare to the living/ flying butterflies around the garden.
Aside from this, I would say the zoo in totality is in good shape but always there's room for improvement.
Advise to those who will come visit this place, book your tickets online. You can't bring bottled water inside unless it's in your personal tumbler. There's also food stalls inside the zoo.
The zoo is more organized, more family friendly and it's clean as well.
Though it's noticeable that some animals are missing/ not present compare to what they advertise in zoo pics. Among those animals are giraffe, hyena, hippopotamus, bleeding-heart dove, monkey (there's only one specie present in the zoo while they're advertising more than it) to name few. But of course, for sure there's some fairly explanations about the absence of the said animals.
It's also noticeable how little the presence of butterflies in 'the butterfly garden'. There are more preserved butterflies compare to the living/ flying butterflies around the garden.
Aside from this, I would say the zoo in totality is in good shape but always there's room for improvement.
Advise to those who will come visit this place, book your tickets online. You can't bring bottled water inside unless it's in your personal tumbler. There's also food stalls inside the zoo.
Written 20 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alena Hodes
Nha Trang, Vietnam2 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
The best disgusting zoo! The half zoo is closed. Many animals isn’t be. I feel sad because bought ticket and went this place
Written 1 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter M
Melbourne, Australia1,301 contributions
Oct 2022
I went there and a sign saying closed since June for renovations so must of been open before June. It had been closed for many years as very run down with not many animals but if closed in June must of opened up again before June!
It first opened in 1959 It closed on January 23 2019 as it was found to be dumping sewerage into an estuary that empties into the bay. It reopened on December 30 2021. It must of remained open to June 2022 and then closed for more renovations
It first opened in 1959 It closed on January 23 2019 as it was found to be dumping sewerage into an estuary that empties into the bay. It reopened on December 30 2021. It must of remained open to June 2022 and then closed for more renovations
Written 24 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it allowed for walk in? Or need to buy ticket online?
Zise Shu
Philippines196 contributions
It's best that you purchase tickets online. On our visit, walk-ins are not allowed. They are looking for the ticket. If you go there without ticket, there's no booth there for ticket purchasing, so you still need to purchase it online. Either way that's the only time you can come inside.
Hello inquire ko lang open ba kayo this holy week april 14 to 17?
Czar Emmanuel
Manila, Philippines6,246 contributions
Please contact 0909 836 6911 or visit Manila Zoo's official website. Thanks.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Manila Zoo
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