Philippine Hotels, Travel, Vacation, Real Estate and Maps, News

It’s been over a year since Manila Ocean Park, the only oceanarium of its size in the Philippines, opened to the public. Have you gone and seen it yet? On its 2nd year already, the premier ocean and aquatic-themed park in the Philippines is steadily building up to be one of Manila’s top tourist and educational sites.

Naso Tang Fish at Manila Ocean Park

The Manila Ocean Park (MOP) had its soft-opening in the first quarter of 2008 and immediately received promising reviews. Up until today, the MOP is still in its Phase 1 – the Oceanarium wing open to the public. A number of elements are as of the moment still under construction and preparation. The main highlight of Phase 2 will be the MOP mall opening – this is still to happen, although some of the restaurants adjacent to the Oceanarium wing have already opened to cater to the patrons of the park. Phase 3, planned within the year or early next year, is the opening of the MOP hotel – aptly named H20 – and the outdoor marine habitats.

Although most people (mainly adults) find that the Oceanarium is bitin (a bit lacking) for their tastes, the MOP has become a big hit for kids and elementary school students. Already, the MOP is becoming one of the standard destinations for school field trips and family outings.

Lion Fish at Manila Ocean Park

Even if you are not a kid, you are sure to enjoy the fish (that’s what you go there to see). Over 200 species of marine life are in display in fish tanks of different sizes and types – you’ll be as amazed as your kids to see these fish live and in color. 99% of the fish displayed are Philippine species, and it is a very fulfilling and educational experience for all Filipinos – getting to see all the different types of fish that inhabit Philippine territorial waters.

Nemo! Kids are sure to recognize the Clownfish of Finding Nemo fame

The MOP Oceanarium is actually divided into several parts, if you will – different presentations for all the fishies, big and small. The main attraction is the Buhay na Karagatan (Living Ocean), a 25-meter walkway tunnel that has transparent acrylic walls so you have a 180 degree view of a veritable slice of ocean and all the living things swimming from one side to the other. This is a big hit with the kids, they are confronted by a view so amazing that the ooohs and aaahs come but naturally. Also a big hit is the Clownfish, which the kids immediately associate with Nemo (Finding Nemo). There’s also the very intimidating Pating tank, home to several species of Philippine sharks, and the Pagi overhang tank that simulates different types of stingrays “flying” over you.

Relax and watch the fishes and other marine life at Manila Ocean Park

Some things to expect when you visit the MOP, the park is located behind the Quirino Grandstand, near the Luneta area, in Manila. It opens at 10am on weekdays and 9am on weekends, and closes at 9pm. The entrance fee as of present: P400 for adults, P350 for children. If you plan to visit during weekends, expect a heavier crowd than on weekdays. Regarding photography (of course, you want to take pictures – who wouldn’t?), you may want to consider bringing a high-resolution or high-megapixel camera, the kind that can produce good pictures with minimal or no flash at all. Flash photography is generally not allowed because some of the species in the MOP are used to living in the deep where light does not really reach them. Abrupt and sudden light could prove dangerous to these types of fish.

This link has more Manila Ocean Park photos.

If you haven’t visited the Manila Ocean Park yet, or haven’t really given it that much thought, we suggest that you take time to do so. The experience is really worth the effort.