Manila Ocean Park.

Manila Oceanarium opened February 29 2008

http://oceanparkmanilabay.com/


The Biggest in Asia

Manila Ocean Park president Lim Chee Yong proudly said that the marine park would be among the most advanced ocean parks in Asia. It could also well be one of the biggest in Asia with an area larger than the famous Sentosa oceanarium in Singapore.

\"Sentosa is 6,000 square meters while this one is 8,000 square meters,\" Lim said. He also compared the Manila Ocean Park with Hong Kong Ocean Park adding that although it has lots of fun rides, \"the Hong Kong Ocean Park showcases a smaller oceanarium.\"

The Oceanarium will feature more than 20,000 marine inhabitants of approximately 300 species. And unlike other oceanariums in Asia, the Manila Ocean Park will be getting marine species from our own waters.

\"The park aims to combine education with entertainment,\" said Barbers. \"One of the main thrusts of Manila Ocean Park is to promote awareness about marine conservation and preservation.\"

A memorandum of agreement was signed recently by the Manila Ocean Park and the Department of Education (DepEd) to develop a comprehensive school program and an advocacy campaign dubbed \"Love for Marine Life\" to be included in the curriculum of students in Grade 3 and 4.

\"We expect some 1.5 million visitors to Manila Ocean Park in 2008,\" said Tina Santos, Manila Ocean Park marketing manager.

A team of marine biologists and scientists has been working together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in putting together the various aquariums. She added that the park would not include protected and endangered species.

On a daily basis, an appoximately 10,000 guests can be accommodated in the park. Aside from providing jobs to 2,000 Filipinos, the project would earn the government Php 20 million annually in rental fees.
 

A Deeper Experience

The Manila Ocean Park’s Oceanarium promises a \"deeper experience\" as it features an assortment of colorful fishes and invertebrates indigenous to the Philippines and Southeast Asia contained in 12,000 cubic meters of seawater.

The Oceanarium journey is divided into six sections and each section will carry a Filipino name: \"Agos\"; \"Bahura\"; \"Buhay na Karagatan\"; \"Pating\"; \"Ang Kailaliman\"; and \"Laot\".

replicates the water flow from a fresh water source that eventually leads to the open ocean, creating a model of interconnectedness between land and sea.

It then takes one through the different depths of the sea showcasing each area’s beautiful and natural inhabitants.

Its main attraction is a 25-meter long, 220 degree curved acrylic walkway tunnel. Visitors will be exploring the secrets of the ocean and surrounded by such underwater wonders without actually getting wet.

The Oceanarium also has a multi-purpose hall which will house interactive multi-media educational exhibits and capable of hosting various functions.

After the journey, one can enjoy a sumptuous meal at \"Tagpuan\", an al fresco dining facility. Entrance fees will range between Php 200 (for students) to Php 400.
 

More Attractions

Aside from the Oceanarium, Manila Ocean Park will have a marine–themed mall and a boutique hotel, which are scheduled to open late next year. The mall will feature new and unique shops that are not commonly found in other malls and a unique restaurant row located at the rear of the facility, alongside a promenade that offers an unobstructed view of the Manila Bay. This part of the park is free and accessible to the public.

The 120-room hotel will also have a marine theme. Rooms facing the bay will have an uninterrupted view of the ocean and the renowned Manila Bay sunset, while others will have one wall of aquarium in the privacy of their own room, which will be a first-of-its-kind in the world.

The Concourse Plaza, located at the main entrance of the park is the central activity area for the facility. This is where various big events will take place throughout the year.

For those who would like to snorkel or even dive without having to go to far-flung places, the two Open Water Marine Habitats will give you that exact experience.

Manila Ocean Park is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of China Oceanis Inc., a Singaporean-registered firm that has operated four oceanariums in China.




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[samatm]

has anyone visited yet?   

[JT]

COMRADES/POSTERS: Took the family there and as Keith mentioned it was a great experiance. I have been to the Montery Aquariam and one other I can\'t remember in Las Vegas, but this surpasses all. It cost 450 pesos per head for adults and a little less for children. Parking was available for 40 pesos. I

[grizzi]

Wow...sounds like a lot of fun. Maybe Manila for a weekend of Ocean Park and the Mall there would be well worth the traffic, pollution and beggars.

Still, I would be happy going back to my province hideaway soon after...

This might be a good day trip for wife and I.  We will be staying at Eurotel across street from SM South Mall on Alabang-Zapote Rd.  Any idea how far and how much for a taxi?  Thanks for any replies

[Manila Cockney]

This might be a good day trip for wife and I.  We will be staying at Eurotel across street from SM South Mall on Alabang-Zapote Rd.  Any idea how far and how much for a taxi?  Thanks for any replies


Outside of rush hour should take about 45 minutes, if the taxi goes the quickest way. On a sunday you will do it quicker less traffic.  Main problem is along Zapote Road going to Coastal Highway. Zapote Road is one of those roads I like to avoid unless I have no choice, being at Eurotel you have no choice.

Cost on a metre for taxi should be no more than 300 pesos. 

Outside of rush hour should take about 45 minutes, if the taxi goes the quickest way. On a sunday you will do it quicker less traffic.  Main problem is along Zapote Road going to Coastal Highway. Zapote Road is one of those roads I like to avoid unless I have no choice, being at Eurotel you have no choice.

Cost on a metre for taxi should be no more than 300 pesos. 


Great info thanks, David

[c_a_p_t_a_i_n_r_o_n]

MEGA disappointment

No large marine mammals.

Aquarium no better than what a small city in US could support

Fun rides - piffle

Pales into insignificance when compared to Hong Kong\'s Ocean Park