Avilon Zoo is located at Rodriguez, Rizal. It is accredited by Department of Tourism, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Southeast Asian Zoos & Aquariums Association, Philippine Zoos and Aquariums Association.

We’ve been here 3 times during the pandemic since it’s one of the few open spaces that we could bring our outgoing toddler. I must say it’s the best zoo that we can visit from Manila. We would usually go here on a Monday and we would arrive at around 3:00 – 4:00 pm, near closing time which is 5:00 pm. We would only see 1-2 families with us in that huge zoo. My husband booked our tickets at their website (www.avilonzoo.ph) since they have discounted rate if you book online. Their door rate is Php800 per person but if you book online at their website and via Klook app, it’s Php600 but via traveloka, it’s only Php550. I heard from other moms that Klook would also sometimes offer Buy 1 Take 1 tickets for adults. Such a good deal! For kids aged 0-1, they can enter for free! ☺️

My husband is our designated driver since I still can’t drive. 🤣 We pinned “Avilon Zoo” at Waze but it lead us to a broken bridge so be careful and just try to turn at the next street. There is also a parking area by the entrance just be careful when it’s raining, it could be muddy. I highly suggest to wear rubber shoes or slippers. We didn’t encounter any checkpoints when we visited there last January, February and just last Monday. We played by the ear this time since we’re already in GCQ (General Community Quarantine).

All customers are advised to reserve their slots before going to Avilon Zoo so make sure to call them first and let them know your arrival time since they only allow limited number of people inside the zoo. You can call these landline numbers: 8948 9866 or 8948 3986 ☎️

When you enter the zoo, you’ll see many signs that say “do not take off your masks even when just taking photos” but you are allowed to take your face shields off since social distancing is well practiced inside the zoo.

We usually visit at around 3:00- 4:00 pm and stay there until closing time which is 5:00 pm but now since it’s rainy season already, we highly advise to come earlier. We saw a group that arrived at 4:00pm and rain came pouring in at 4:20.

It’s very easy to navigate the zoo, just follow the number signs from 1-70. We’ve finished the course for an hour or so depending on how long we stayed for each phase. One of our favorites and Aki’s favorite as well is Barry the Giraffe. You can feed the giraffes for Php 50 for a set of sliced carrots. Such a fun interactive activity that I’m sure the kids and the young at heart would love! 💗

We also saw some parents who brought their kid’s strollers inside. It’s allowed! So if you prefer to bring one for your kid, feel free to do so. It’s an hour walk so the kids might get tired in between. We personally didn’t bring one because we have a hyperactive kid who loves to run and tire us out 😂

Aki loves the Giraffe area for another reason.. We let him pick one toy each visit as a souvenir! Last time he picked the snake bangle and this time, the red dinosaur toy in front of him.

Upon entering, you’ll pass thru their cafeteria and this Arapaima feeding station might catch your attention. Arapaima gigas or Piraruco are native to the Amazon and South America. I’m happy to see them here at the zoo since the lockdown I can only see them at the game “Animal Crossing”.

Across the cafeteria, you’ll see another pond with lovely swans. 🦢

We always start at number 7-8 after passing through their restaurant or cafeteria so the first thing we would see are the birds.

The next are the alligators and crocodiles 🐊 Aki loves them! They have Indo-Pacific Crocodile, Freshwater Crocodile, among many others. It’s a collection definitely!

Saying hi to a group of African Ostrich 💙

Can you see how pretty and well taken care of their animals are? I’m so grateful to find a zoo like this in the Philippines. I can’t believe We were thisclose to the king of the Jungle!

This cutie is a capybara, a giant rodent native to South America.

They also have lots of Tortoises which Aki calls “tor-tols” 🐢

There’s an area full of farm animals that you can feed by the end of the route. By this time we’re kind of tired from the long walk so we just sat down and listen to the goats say “meeeh meeeh” 🐐

Thank you so much Avilon Zoo, we had so much fun and we will be back 🔜

Some tips that you may want to take note of:

1. Don’t forget to bring extra clothes. The weather is unpredictable now that it’s rainy season. It’s safe to say, bring an umbrella too.

2. If you’re easily sweaty, you may want to bring a fan or a portable electric fan too.

3. Kids who are 1 year old and below can enter for free.

4. If you can, visit during week days to avoid the crowd.

5. The food at their cafeteria is good and priced reasonably but you can also bring your own food and drinks if you want. They serve rice meals (we ordered bbq and caldereta), hotdog and popcorn.

6. After buying your tickets online, make sure to call them first to reserve your slot. If you’re unable to buy your tickets online, you may have to pay the entrance fee at door price.

Have a happy and safe trip, fam!