Manila Zoo and Botanical Garden
A modest 5.5-hectare zoo and botanical garden in Manila, offering a budget-friendly glimpse of diverse animals in older enclosures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Manila Zoo and Botanical Garden
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modest 5.5-hectare zoo and botanical garden in Manila, offering a budget-friendly glimpse of diverse animals in older enclosures.
"It's a decent family outing if you’re looking for something simple and kid-friendly within the city."
🎟️ Manila Resident Discount
Manila residents pay less! Bring valid ID for a cheaper entrance fee. :moneybag:
💧 Stay Hydrated (Inside)
Outside drinks aren't allowed. Buy water inside to beat the heat. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giraffes and Monkeys
Various enclosures
These popular animals are often a hit with kids, offering exciting viewing opportunities.
Botanical Garden Paths
Throughout the zoo
Enjoy a walk through the greenery, offering a mix of exercise and exploration.
Comfort Rooms
Restroom facilities
Surprisingly well-maintained with bidets and good water pressure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations: A Modest Zoo Experience
Plan for the Heat and Hydration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Manila Resident Discount
Manila residents pay less! Bring valid ID for a cheaper entrance fee. :moneybag:
💧 Stay Hydrated (Inside)
Outside drinks aren't allowed. Buy water inside to beat the heat. :droplet:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🚫 No Outside Food
Pack snacks wisely, as outside food and drinks are prohibited. :apple:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Manila Resident Discount
Manila residents pay less! Bring valid ID for a cheaper entrance fee. :moneybag:
💧 Stay Hydrated (Inside)
Outside drinks aren't allowed. Buy water inside to beat the heat. :droplet:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🚫 No Outside Food
Pack snacks wisely, as outside food and drinks are prohibited. :apple:
📸 Capture the Moments
Great for a simple day out, especially for families with young kids. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Manila Zoo offers a budget-friendly and accessible family outing with a variety of animals and pleasant walking paths. While some enclosures could be improved for animal enrichment and shade, the staff are noted as helpful, and the facilities, particularly the restrooms, are surprisingly well-equipped. It's a modest attraction that provides an educational experience for children.
"🌿 Family Day at the Zoo – Our Experience 🐒🦒🦓
We recently visited Manila Zoo Name, and here’s our family’s honest review:
Ratings: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Animal Variety & Care: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – Lots of animals to see, though some enclosures could use more shade and enrichment.
Cleanliness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – Paths were mostly clean.
Facilities (benches, rest areas, comfort): ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5) – Could use more shaded seating areas.
Food & Refreshments: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5) – Limited options due to limited food stalls, more variety would make the visit more convenient.
Staff & Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Staff were approachable and helpful.
✅ What we loved:
The kids enjoyed learning about animals through the signages.
The walking areas gave us a good mix of exercise and exploration.
The giraffes and monkeys were the stars of our day!
🔎 What could be improved:
Add more rest areas for families.
Expand food stalls with healthier and more kid-friendly choices.
Upgrade some animal enclosures for a more natural feel.
🌟 Overall:
A wonderful family experience! With a few improvements, this zoo could truly shine as a top attraction for kids and animal lovers.
Would we recommend it? Yes — it’s a fun and educational trip for families! 💕"
Louie Lucero
"Manila Zoo is a modest attraction — not spectacular, but definitely enjoyable for young kids. The zoo is relatively small, which makes it easier to explore, and the layout is quite organized even though the overall cleanliness could be improved.
They do have the popular animals that children usually look forward to seeing, which keeps the visit exciting for them.
Be aware that food and drinks from outside aren’t allowed, but there are a few food outlets inside for snacks and refreshments. Parking can be a bit tight, though you can usually find a spot with some patience.
Overall, it’s a decent family outing if you’re looking for something simple and kid-friendly within the city."
Jayant Chauhan
"Fine place to spend a couple hours during the afternoon. If you go earlier in the day, there may be less finger smudges on the glass on some of the exhibits.
Non-Manila residents spend 300 pesos a person. Manila residents spend 150 pesos.
You can’t bring in your own food or water - probably so they can make more money at their own food stalls. There’s no public water fountains there for staying hydrated. May a marketing strategy, if you are walking around in the hot sun, you are more likely to purchase a drink there.
For the value, I think it’s worth a visit. Not the greatest zoo I have been to but probably the cheapest one."
Logan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Manila Zoo is located in Malate, Manila. You can reach it via public transportation like jeepneys or buses heading towards the area. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Yes, there is parking available, but it can get tight, especially during peak hours. Patience is key to finding a spot.
Manila Zoo is typically open from 9 AM to 6 PM daily. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any updates on hours.
No, pets are not allowed inside Manila Zoo to ensure the safety and well-being of the resident animals.
The paths are generally walkable, but some areas might be uneven. It's advisable to check with the zoo directly for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees vary. Non-Manila residents typically pay PHP 300, while Manila residents pay PHP 150. Prices are subject to change, so check their official channels.
While advance booking might not always be mandatory, it's recommended, especially during holidays or weekends, to secure your entry. You can register via their website.
Yes, Manila residents receive a discounted entrance fee upon presentation of a valid ID.
No, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the zoo. This policy helps encourage visitors to patronize the on-site food stalls.
Littering is strictly prohibited. Visitors are encouraged to dispose of their trash properly in designated bins to maintain cleanliness.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including deer, zebras, lions, tigers, monkeys, and birds. However, some visitors note that certain animals might not always be present or visible. +1
Enclosures are described as modest and could benefit from more shade and enrichment. Some visitors express concern about the size of enclosures for larger animals like lions and tigers.
Yes, it's considered a decent family outing for young kids. They can learn from animal signage and enjoy the walking areas.
The zoo has comfort rooms, some benches, and limited food stalls. The comfort rooms are noted for being well-equipped.
The zoo is relatively small, making it easier to explore within a few hours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are a few food stalls inside the zoo offering snacks and refreshments. Options are limited, and variety could be improved.
Outside water is not allowed. You'll need to purchase drinks from the food stalls inside. There are no public water fountains.
The food options are generally limited to snacks. Visitors suggest expanding choices to include healthier and more kid-friendly meals.
📸 📸 Photography
The botanical garden paths offer scenic backdrops. Animal enclosures can provide interesting shots, though lighting might vary.
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, be mindful of flash photography, as it can disturb the animals.
A versatile camera or smartphone with good zoom capabilities is recommended to capture animals from a distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring plenty of water, as outside drinks aren't allowed, and shaded areas can be scarce.
💰 Budget Travelers
It offers a simple way to spend a few hours without breaking the bank. The zoo's modest nature means you won't need a full day, saving on potential additional costs for longer excursions.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While enclosures might not be ideal, capturing the behavior of animals like birds, monkeys, or zebras can be rewarding. Be prepared for varying light conditions, especially if visiting during midday. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light. Remember to be respectful of the animals and avoid using flash photography that could disturb them.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Animal Welfare and Enclosures
Visitors often highlight specific animals like giraffes and monkeys as highlights.
For those interested in animal welfare, it's worth noting the mixed sentiments. While some appreciate the effort to conserve and display animals, others advocate for their natural habitats.
Visitor Experience and Facilities
Facilities are functional but could be enhanced. While there are benches and rest areas, visitors suggest adding more shaded seating, especially given Manila's warm climate.
Food options are limited to a few stalls inside the zoo, and outside food and drinks are not permitted.
The Legacy of Mali the Elephant
Many visitors recall Mali fondly and express a sense of nostalgia or sadness that she is no longer there.
While Mali's departure marked a new chapter for the zoo, her legacy continues to resonate with those who visited her over the years.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit