It is said that the Philippines is the center of Asia’s marine biodiversity, but it never had a world-class ocean park in the level of Japan, Singapore or Hong Kong. All that changed with the opening of Manila Ocean Park last February 2009, the first marine theme park to adopt a “fusion” concept, combining an oceanarium, a boutique hotel, mall, restaurants and open marine habitat, all in one complex. It is among the biggest and most advanced marine parks in the world, eclipsing its counterpart in Sentosa Island, Singapore and Hong Kong.

More than 20,000 marine life composed of 300 species will inhabit the ocean park. Furthermore, these species are indigenous to Philippine waters, unlike other ocean parks. Also, members from endangered species, like whale sharks and other sea mammals, are not included in the collection. The 12,00 cubic meters of seawater used in the park itself is filtered from Manila Bay. The park is being built in three phases: Phase One is the completion of the oceanarium by December, Phase Two will be the construction of the marine-themed mall and hotel, and Phase Three will be the building of the open marine habitats, such as various pool ponds where the public can interact with stingrays and star fish and an artificial lake so that adventurous guests can go scuba-diving. The 1.2 million gallon “oceanarium journey” is divided into six sections, and given Filipino names as a source of national pride. The first section is called Agos and features a rainforest theme with tanks containing freshwater species. The next section is called Bahura (reef) and displays artificial corals, while Laot (fishing ground) exhibits big fish and eagle-spotted rays in one long tank.

The main attraction is Buhay na Karagatan (the living ocean), a 25-meter 220-degree curved acrylic walkway tunnel, with one wall displaying corals and small fishes while the other wall exhibits sharks and rays. In Kalaliman (the deep), barracudas and sharks patrol the waters to the delight of visitors. Other features like dolphin feeding activities, a sea turtle area and cactus garden are also planned in the future.

After the exciting tour, visitors can hang out in the Bay Pavilion, a 15,566-square meter multi-level complex that houses retail stores and establishments that showcase the best of Philippine cuisine, arts and crafts. The top of the pavilion will be open with a tarpaulin roofing to house a multitude of dining establishments. One of my favorite things about the Manila Ocean Park is the inclusion of Makansutra, an Asian food court that serves the best in Southeast Asian street cuisine at affordable prices. Popular street food from the Singaporean Char Kway Teow to the Indian Laksa will be cooked on the spot by specialty chefs, and drinks like Kopi-O and fruit shakes are available at the bar. Another desirable attraction in the complex is the Fish Spa, located at the topmost floor and can be accessed without paying the entrance fee for the oceanarium. For PhP !20, guests can dip their feet in shallow pool full of doctor fish, which nibble at the appendages and eat the rough, dead skin cells, resulting in smoother, cleaner feet. This ticklish experience can be provided by smaller, milder fish or the larger, more aggressive variety. Finally, a 30-minute musical show called Mermaids in Manila feature 4 lithe and beautiful mermaids in colorful sea garb as they swim and spin with all the sea creatures in an aquarium, combining elements of synchronized swimming and underwater ballet.

The Manila Ocean Park is located at the back of Quirino Grandstand in front of Luneta Park. To get there from LRT-1, get off at the United Nations Station and walk for 20 minutes down Luneta Park. A more convenient way is by taxi; simply tell the driver to drop you off the back of Quirino Grandstand. Beware of navigating this area of Manila around Saturday afternoon: a huge crowd of El Shaddai worshippers congregate in front of the grandstand until early evening. Nevertheless, this park is truly a world-class complex that the country can be proud of, while showing young and old alike the beauty of Philippine marine life and the importance they contribute to the natural world.

Posted in Attractions, Philippines

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