Manila Ocean Park

Just as Ariel in The Little Mermaid wished she could be human and be part of the world above, didn't we all at one point wonder what it would be like if we could spend a day at the bottom of the ocean? This is why activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving have appealed and given joy and excitement to so many people.

For the rest of us who'd rather stay on land, there's Manila Ocean Park.

Manila Ocean Park Aquarium by jacromer

Pay our underwater friends a visit and get amazed at this tourist destination (the first of its kind in the Philippines) that docks at Manila behind Quirino Grandstand.

The journey into the deep

Manila Ocean Park is basically an oceanarium, a mall, a hotel (Hotel H20 soon to open), as well as an Open Marine Habitat (soon to open) rolled into one fun destination. Of course, the main feature being the world class oceanarium.

(Totally unscripted. I was trying to get your-usual-aquarium-in-the-background shot when this huge stingray swam directly behind my nephew. He just had to look up and was totally amazed by the sea (or, in this case, aquarium) creature's size. - by Bing Ramos)

Manila Ocean Park's oceanarium takes you on what feels like a submarine like ride for from its first part; Agos (Flow), I got to go deeper and deeper into the ocean- Bahura (Reef), Laot (Fishing Ground), Buhay na Karagatan (The Living Ocean) until I reached Kalaliman (The Deep).

Agos, with its rainforest-like surroundings (vines and plants everywhere), allowed me to see marine animals in the open. The waterfall in the area made the place aesthetically and euphonically pleasing.

"Explorer" by BingRamos

The Philippine Alligator was as still as a rock, but still gave me the chills as I peered through the wooden bridges and gazed at its greenish grey, bony skin which looked pretty hard and strong. The Electric Eel got my attention as well. This reptile is actually capable of generating electric shocks as powerful as 600 vaults.
"Girl taking snapshot of the Giant Arapaima, Manila Ocean Park" - mrwhitepatch

Starfish of colors I've never seen before were also there, one of them even resembled a chocolate chip cookie.

I got to meet Disney's Nemo's brothers and sisters in Bahura. Dozens of Clown Fish as well Angel Fish, Regal Tang Fish (Dori in Finding Nemo), and Flashlight Fish (it really looks like there's a flashlight beneath its eyes) were there among others. I held my breath as I saw hugest crab I've ever seen in my life; the Giant Japanese Spider Crab.

It was then off to Buhay na Karagatan which is 25-meter long, state of the art tunnel that gives you a glimpse of how life is in the ocean. You'll feel as if you're really inside the ocean as schools of fish can be seen gliding in synchronized movements right above your head.

Beyond Kalaliman were even more exhilarating and surreal places to see with Pagi (Overhang Tank) and Pating (Shark).

It's amazing that after all these years; I finally saw sharks swimming right in front of me, all those years of watching Jaws and all. Pating had several special of sharks in it, including the Black Tip Shark. (photo by chardinet)

Interesting Treats

On the 2nd floor of Manila Ocean Park are even more surprises. There are multiple activities to choose from. A boat ride awaits at the top of the floor, but not just any boat ride; you'll get to watch our underwater friends all over again because of the glass- bottom of the boat.

"ocean_park_fish" spa by chardinet

A very unique foot spa is also a must try. Guess who'll be doing the job?

None other the fish of course! (They'll be doing the cleaning by nibbling the dead skin off your feet)

You're sure to have squeaky-clean feet after, and you'll never look at a foot spa the same way again.

manila floating resto by chardinet

Enhance the experience

Ozeano; a restaurant with a view, is only a walking distance away. When I say with a view, I mean a breathtaking one. Since the facility is face to face with the famous Manila Bay, you'll be getting a double treat. Aside from having an international menu (Mediterranean, Western and Asian) there that you can choose from, if you happen to be there at around 6 pm (I'm giving you a hint), you'll get to witness the world-renowned golden sunset of Manila Bay.

What a perfect way to end the day!

Other restaurants are also in the mall – Gerry's Grill, Pancake House, and North Park where you can choose to hangout.

Photo by loveninaa

If you want to go shopping some more, Crocs, My Shoe Rack, Ibay's Silver Shop (accessory shop), and Converse are only a few steps away.

Don't miss the Manila Ocean Park's souvenir shop selling cute little underwater memorabilias like stuffed toys, pens, pencils, notebooks, as well as t-shirts with so many designs is at the mall.

( "This has to be the hardest to shoot...aquariums at very low light! That may be a me statement, but I did had a hard time. One is that I was using my manual 50mm f/1.8D and second, the place was just jam packed that I couldn't focus well,manually when people are shoving me and suddenly passing in front of me. Great trip though overall." - Don Dexter Antonio)

A journey to remember

Manila Ocean Park was so unforgettable I'm thinking of taking scuba diving lessons soon. The experience was educational, entertaining, and above all- AMAZING!

(photo by chardinet)

Dive into the deep and get an experience that you will never forget. Manila Ocean Park is open all week long.

The ocean park is open during Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to-9:00 pm and Saturday-Sunday from 9:00 am- 9:00 pm.

Rates at Php 400 for adults, Php 350 for kids (4.5 ft and below), kids that are 2 ft. and below get free admission.

Photo "Sunset @ Ocean Park 01" by Gabby Canonizado

 

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Photos: jacromer, ddexter_free, mrwhitepatch, soulrenderer, chardinet, Canonizado, bigberto, bingramos, loveninaa