crumb trails

Mysterious. That is my view of the world underwater; something we do not see regularly or visit often. One needs enough understanding of the sea before embarking on an underwater journey.

The Philippines is part of the so-called Coral Triangle (it is in the center of the center of the Coral Triangle), thus, the country is blessed with a very diverse, very beautiful marine life. But only a few are learned in this field. And ordinary people like us knows only the general facts. There aren’t enough facilities to see and study the creatures of the water for us to grasp a better understanding of them.

When Manila Ocean Park opened in December 2007, the sea and the life that thrives in it became accessible to the ordinary people. Now, everyone has the chance to experience and be an explorer of the ocean. The Manila Ocean Park has three main goals. Its first objective is to let people see how beautiful the Philippines is in terms of marine life. Second, to remind the people that it is time that we preserve and conserve the ocean. Lastly, that people should love the environment. They want every individual visiting the ocean park to understand these things.

The first to adopt a fusion concept, the Manila Ocean Park brings together an Ocenarium, a mall, hotel and restaurants, open water marine habitats and function halls. Visitors may find the Oceanarium entertaining, but it is, first and foremost, an educational facility (so do not expect dolphin shows or sea lion exhibitions).

The Oceanarium is arranged in such a way that its parts — from beginning to end-follow the natural movement of water from land to the deepest part of the sea. Upon entering the Oceanarium, one is greeted with freshwater creatures like giant arapaimas and fire eels. This area is called “Agos” (Flow) and also features a touch pool where one can experience a close encounter with starfishes and sea cucumbers (yes, you can touch and hold them as long as you don’t remove them from the water).

Some of the species in Laot and Buhara

Reaching the end of Agos, brings one to “Buhara” (Reef). It showcases some of the most colorful creatures found in Philippine coral reefs. Each of the 46 tanks recreates a replica of the natural habitat of every species. A spider crab dwells in one of the aquariums; a creature considered the largest living invertebrate.

After Buhara is “Laot” (Fishing Ground). Here, the tanks are bigger and more elaborate, and houses species of the deeper part of the ocean. They are arranged in a circular manner and surrounds a resting area in the middle where one can take a break for a while marveling at the sea creatures swimming in the giant aquariums around.

Moving on leads to the 25-meter long tunnel of “Buhay na Karagatan” (The Living Ocean), which is the Oceanarium’s main attraction. Walking the length of the tunnel gives one a marvelous feeling; like the sea is so close to you and you can almost touch the life forms in it. Observe in this 25-meter bend how certain specie interacts with other species, their method in finding food, and the way they protect themselves from predators. The last main component of the Oceanarium is the “Kalaliman” (The Deep), which features different kinds of schooling fish like the barracuda-one of the fiercest and most feared creature in the sea.

The 25-meter tunnel, the amazing creatures in it, and “aquaman” cleaning up

Other highlights of the Oceanarium are the Overhang Tank of Pagi or Stingray, a separate aquarium of Pating (Sharks) and an activity area at second floor. Also at the second floor: the shark viewing area, fish spa, glass bottom boat area, a fusion restaurant and the souvenir shop.

Sharks and stingrays

A visit to the Ocean Park can open ones eyes to the amazing world underwater — a world that we must appreciate, preserve and love.

Click here for more information on Manila Ocean Park.

____________

Interesting fact:

Manila Ocean Park’s Oceanarium uses filtered water from the Manila Bay for its tanks (that’s according to the Ocean Park officer we interviewed for our newspaper). They want to prove and people to see the the Manila Bay is still alive.