TRAVEL 101: 5 Family-Friendly Attractions in Manila, Philippines

Find an excellent hotel in Manila, Philippines to enjoy a delightful vacation with your family. By choosing to stay in an accommodation in Ermita, you will get convenient access to several theme parks and amusement sites that offer lots of fun and adventure. Among these are:

1. Manila Ocean Park (MOP)
Considered as the first world-class marine theme park in the country, MOP is an urban resort that serves as a learning facility. It boasts marine life attractions that will surely capture the interest of your children. These include an oceanarium that showcases different kinds of coral reefs, sharks, sting rays, and other species of fish and an open water marine habitat, which is an outdoor pool where visitors can go snorkeling or diving.

2. Star City
Star City is the go-to place for families looking for an action-packed escapade. This is a 35,000 sq m amusement park that offers a wide range of kiddie and adult rides, a playground, and theater. Your kids will certainly enjoy the Kiddie Bumpercar, Little Tyke, Magic Tea Cups, and Rodeo. Meanwhile, the adults will definitely relish exciting experiences at the Jumping Star, Wild River, Star Flyer, Blizzard, and Surf Dance.

3. Museo Pambata
Children who want to visit a museum will be extremely pleased at the Museo Pambata. Located along Roxas Boulevard and near the Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel, this depository features hands-on exhibits that encourage children to play and explore. The museum is divided into 8 theme rooms: Old Manila, Career Options, Kalikasan, I Love My Planet Earth, My Blood Works, Karapatan Hall, Pamilihang Bayan, and Global Village. Museo Pambata is open from 8 am to 5 pm (Tuesday to Saturday) and from 1 pm to 5 pm (Sunday). Admission fee for both adult and kids is PHP100.

4. Manila Zoo
The Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden is a 14-acre sanctuary that is considered as one of the premiere academic centers in the country. Established in 1959, the zoo allows the viewing public to learn important information about the diverse Philippine flora and fauna. Here, you will see nearly 100 species of indigenous and endemic wildlife, such as the Philippine crocodile, tamaraw, and
mouse deer.

5. Luneta Park
Known as Asia's first urban park, Luneta Park is an iconic place that is home to an array of historical markers, beautiful gardens, educational facilities, and entertainment spots. Some of the attractions that you'll find here are the Rizal Monument, bronze statue of the Philippine national hero, and the gigantic Lapu-Lapu Monument that is also known as the Statue of the Sentinel of Freedom.

5 Great Reasons Why You Should Stay in Ermita When in Manila, Philippines

Looking for an accommodation in Manila, Philippines? Book a hotel in Ermita, in the old part of the country's capital. Here are 5 great reasons why you should choose a hotel in this popular commercial and entertainment district.

1. Plenty of accommodation choices
All types of travelers can find a place that will suit their needs, preferences, and budget here in Ermita. There's a large selection of inns, pension houses, and deluxe hotels for you to choose from. Accommodations like City Garden Suites Manila are perfect for business and leisure tourists because of its comfortable, well-equipped rooms, facilities like a restaurant and business center as well as laundry and room services. Then there are also boutique options that have just opened.

2. Numerous impressive restaurants and fun bars
Finding great places to get a good meal is never difficult here. If you like fast food, the nearby shopping malls have more than a few to satisfy your cravings. But if you prefer a genuine restaurant dining experience this part of Asia, check out The Aristocrat Manila, Barrio Fiesta, and Emerald Garden — all serving delectable Filipino dishes. For international cuisines, go to Kashmir for Continental, Rai Rai Ken for Asian, and La Vecchia Trattoria for Italian favorites. As for bars and clubs, Bay Cafe, Sky Deck, Atrium Lounge, Oarhouse, and G Point Smorgasbord are just some of the many notable spots.

3. Flocked by historical and cultural landmarks
If you want see the many historical and entertainment sites in the city, picking a hotel in Ermita, Manila affords you close driving distance to some of the best attractions in the whole country. These include the historic walled city of Intramuros, Manila Ocean Park, several golf courses, Rizal Park, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Fort Santiago, and many more.

4. Various service shops and establishments for tourists
While hotels may promise to give you everything you need during your stay, it doesn't hurt to explore options outside, especially if you're running errands. The streets of Ermita are filled with convenience stores, laundromats, Internet cafes, salons, and spas. Some are even open 24/7 to serve local and foreign customers.

5. Just minutes from key destinations
Aside from historical sites and tourist spots, Ermita also provides easy access to various key destinations in Metro Manila. Just a few minutes' walk or drive takes you to the Department of Tourism, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the US Embassy, World Trade Center, SM Mall of Asia, SMX Convention Center, the CCP complex, and Robinsons Manila. Other places like Manila Doctor’s Hospital, Philippine General Hospital, and both the Philippine's main domestic and international airports are all just less than an hour drive from any accommodation in Ermita, Manila