manila-ocean-park-1

It took me more than a year to finally bring myself to the now famous Manila Ocean Park in Manila, Philippines. It’s an Oceanarium filled with different variety of open water marine animals. It’s similar to Singapore’s Oceanarium in concept but a bit smaller in area.

It’s located at the back of Quirino Grandstand and a good 15 minutes away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Entrance fee is P400 for adults and a little bit lower for kids (children below 3 feet are free of charge).

The entrance to Manila Ocean Park is huge – boutiques are scattered everywhere, there are also restaurants and several function facilities – and it immediately gives a feel of what lays ahead for visitors like me.

I expected the entire area to be an underwater tunnel but it turned out otherwise. The underwater tunnel of some sort is only 25-meter long and was very crowded during my visit. Well, it’s the best part of the Ocean Park, I should say.

There are a lot of offerings inside the Manila Ocean Park that really amazed me. Giant aquariums with giant fish and several aquariums filled with different types of fish varieties.

manila-ocean-park-2

Manila Ocean Park is subdivided into the following areas:

Agos (Flow)
Enter the journey and witness water cascading from an artificial waterfall that flows into 8 different water tanks displaying various flora and fauna. The water flow replicates the fresh water source that eventually leads to the open ocean, creating a model of the interconnectedness between land and sea. The rocky shoreline is showcased in a Touch Pool where one can physically encounter animals on display.

Bahura (Reef)
The Philippines is home to a vast number of coral life forms. Bahura is a series of 46 tanks that feature the very colorful Philippine underwater rainforest. Be fascinated with the multiple hues and diverse life forms found in our Philippine coral reefs.

Laot (Fishing Ground)
Four big distinct aquariums will display an assortment of fish in all sizes and colors. These impressively large exhibits will definitely be a sight to behold.

Buhay na Karagatan (Living Ocean)
Experience a slice of ocean life! Enjoy a breathtaking 25-meter walk along an underwater tunnel and experience how marine animals interact with each other in their natural habitat. This main feature of the Oceanarium provides an unmatched and truly awesome encounter with the rich underwater world.

Ang Kalaliman (The Deep)
Ang Kalaliman’s deep sea resident is the barracuda – known for its toothy grin as the “Tiger of the Sea”. Be mesmerized by one of the ocean’s most interesting and sometimes feared inhabitants.

Pagi – Overhang tank
Watch a variety of rays fly over while you’re under this unique Overhang Tank. Walk beneath these magnificent creatures and marvel at how freely they swim and interact with each other.

Pating (Shark)
The Philippines is home to several species of shark. Come fact-to-face with the wonderful, often misunderstood, predators of the sea – only here at MOP

The different aquariums really delighted my senses and I’ve learned a lot about our diverse marine life during my journey inside the Manila Ocean Park. The walk was very soothing and seeing those fishes was really exciting, if not fascinating.

Truly, my visit to Manila’s Ocean Park was worth it. I may have traveled several miles to get to the place but I have brought back several pages of “aquatic” memories that will surely linger in my mind for years to come.

Will surely visit Manila Ocean Park again in the near future.