Manila Ocean Park

This is our first time to visit the Manila Ocean Park (MOP) after its soft opening a couple of months ago. MOP is the first state-of-the-art oceanarium in the Philippines. The facilities include an open water marine habitat, a marine-themed mall, a hotel, theme park, outdoor pools, restaurant, concourse plaza, and function facilities. The Oceanarium was opened to public only last March 1, 2008 -- contrary to its first press release of Dec 2007.




Here's our family's Oceanarium Journey, also known as MOP Oceanarium sections:
1. Agos (Flow) – a rainforest motif complete with 8 tanks of freshwater fishes.

2. Bahura (The Reef) – exhibition of artificial corals in 48 tanks

3. Laot (Fishing Ground) – features big fish and Eagle-spotted rays in a long tank.

4. Kalaliman (The Deep) – showcases marine animals found in the deepest parts of Philippine waters.

5. Buhay na Karagatan (Living Ocean) – the main attraction of the oceanarium is a 25-meter long walkway tunnel with 220-degree curved acrylic walls similarly seen in Ocean Park Hong Kong, Underwater World in Singapore, Siam Ocean World in Bangkok, Thailand and Aquaria KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The difference between MOP's is a 220-degree curved tunnel as compared to the standard 180-degree curved tunnels seen in other Asian countries.

6. Pagi (Sting Ray)– variety of rays fly over while you're under this unique Overhang Tank.

7. Pating (Shark) – features several species of shark.



For now, there's no coming back for us yet until the second quarter of 2009 where it's supposed to finish its construction of MOP Open Water Marine Habitat, an outdoor swimming pool with diving facilities where visitors go snorkeling or diving. We are also definitely watching out for the launch of its own mall and hotel. We heard that MOP mall is not your ordinary mall. This is the very first marine-themed mall in the Philippines which will feature 30 unique stores and 25 restaurants where customers can enjoy Manila's beautiful sunset. Now how perfect is that for al fresco dining?


If you're from Manila, prepare to present your id to avail a 10% discount from the entrance fee of P400 for adults, P350 for children. It opens at 10 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends, and closes at 9 p.m. Cameras are allowed BUT you have to flash-off to avoid scaring the marine animals. Food are also not allowed inside.


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

Manila Ocean Park is located behind the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta, Manila, Philippines.
Tel: (632) 5677777 Fax: (632) 5672309
For more details log-on to www.manilaoceanpark.com