Have you ever set foot to the pride of Manila that is the Manila Oceanpark? From the Manila airport, the venue is just a minutes away and is almost adjacent to the breathtaking view of Manila Bay. Manila Oceanpark – the Philippines’ first state-of-the-art Oceanarium, open water marine habitat, boutique mall, restaurant row and function facilities all located in one complex at the back of the Quirino Grandstand at the Rizal Park.
As I wouldn’t be able to give justice to the place if I were to describe it in my own words, I decided to just duplicate the description as follows:
Agos(Flow)
Begin your journey with a trek through a jungle! Marvel as you see water cascading from a simulated waterfall that also flows into 8 different water tanks, each containing an intriguing collection of freshwater fauna. This flow replicates the water cycle that begins on land and eventually leads to the open ocean, highlighting the interconnectedness between earth and sea. The rocky shoreline is represented by the Dalampasigan pool where one can physically interact with some of the animals on display.
Bahura(Coral Reef)
The Philippines is known as the “center of the center of marine biodiversity”. Bahura contains 46 tanks that draw attention to the fascinating assortment of coral reef inhabitants. Be mesmerized by the multiple hues and diverse life forms that can be found in our country’s reefs.
Laot(Fishing Ground)
Four large tanks display a collection of marine fish from the open sea that are often utilized as food. These impressive aquariums, as well as their outsized inhabitants, are definitely a sight to behold.
Buhay na Karagatan(The Living Ocean)
Experience the life aquatic! Enjoy a breathtaking 25-meter walk along an underwater tunnel and experience how marine animals interact with each other in their natural habitat. This attraction, the centerpiece of the Oceanarium, provides an unmatched and truly remarkable encounter with the explosive richness of the underwater world.
Ang Kalaliman(The Deep)
Ang Kalaliman’s resident fish are the jacks - well-known among anglers for the spectacular fights they put up when hooked on fishing line. Fishing is not allowed in Manila Ocean Park; however, it is perfectly okay to gaze at these sleek animals for long periods of time.
Pagi (Stingrays)
Watch as stingrays from many different species glide from above as you stand beneath this unique overhanging tank. Distant relatives of sharks, stingrays often evoke a mix of emotions such as fear, awe, and fascination.
Pating(Sharks)
The Philippines is home to several shark species. Though they are often depicted as savage man-eaters, most sharks would prefer to avoid rather than approach people. At the Pating tank, neither sharks nor people have to be afraid of one another; in fact, we invite everyone to come see these magnificent creatures, and observe how these large carnivorous fish aren’t really scary after all.
Public Review:
I did a little research on the comments/reviews of some people who have been to the place, a summary of which is as follows:
1.There is no public transport to Ocean Park so either take a taxi or walk.
2.Entrance is expensive by local standards but comparable with similar facilities in other countries.
3.An interesting concept is used where your visit starts in freshwater and progresses through coral reef and fishing ground to deep sea in 7 stages.
4.It is interesting to see many of the fish, that are eaten regularly, in their natural habitat but I was surprised that there was no Bangus (Milkfish) the national fish or Tilapia.
5.The 25mtr long Living Ocean was fascinating as all manner of fish swim interacting with each other.
6.The shark tank was also interesting to see.
7.The final stage is "Doctor Fish" who will nibble dead skin from your The final stage is "Doctor Fish" who will nibble dead skin from your feet for 20 minutes and is very popular.
8.It is very difficult to photograph some of the fish because it is dark and they move fairly quickly.
One irritation is that there are many notices as well as announcements not to use fish as it disturbs them but many visitors use flash anyway.
9.The only down side was we were one of the last to enter that day and the souvenir shop was rushing to close.
10.Not that much to see compared to other aquariums in Asia, the good part is the fish spa in which the kids will surely enjoy, other than that it’s just a mere aquarium. Away from major roads, hard to get public transportation
11.The entrance fee of P400 is not too expensive compared to those found in Europe. The rate for the kids, which is just lower by P50 than that of the adult, may have to be reviewed. Entrance to the attraction is not that well organized.
12.Considering that the Philippines is surrounded by water, I was surprised that the aquarium was quite small. You could easily see everything in an hour or less. The main reason why I went there was the doctor fish. P120 allows you 20 minutes for the doctor fish to nibble on your feet.
Admission - General Public
Adults : Php 400.00
Kids (4.5 ft and below) : Php 350.00
Admission - Corporate Events and School Educational Tours
Discounts are currently available for pre-booked and pre-paid School, Corporate, Events, Travel bookings.
