Manila Ocean Park

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Manila Ocean Park

Manila Ocean Park entrance
Date opened March 1, 2008
Location Ermita. Manila, Philippines
Coordinates 14°34′46″N 120°58′21″E / 14.579306°N 120.972487°E / 14.579306; 120.972487Coordinates: 14°34′46″N 120°58′21″E / 14.579306°N 120.972487°E / 14.579306; 120.972487
Website www.manilaoceanpark.com

The Manila Ocean Park is an oceanarium in Manila, Philippines. It is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of China Oceanis Inc., a Singaporean-registered firm that has operated four oceanariums in China. It is located behind the Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park. It opened on March 1, 2008.[1] In terms of floor space, the 8,000 square metres (86,000 sq ft) oceanarium is larger than the Sentosa Underwater World oceanarium in Singapore, and features a 25-metre (82 ft) underwater acrylic tunnel.

Construction Phases

Manila Ocean Park design

Although the park is open, there was a construction and development.

First Phase – Oceanarium had its soft opening date on March 1, 2008.

Second Phase – includes the marine-themed mall and the hotel, theme park, outdoor pools, restaurants which opened in mid to late 2008. The four-star Hotel H20 Manila opened its doors in 2009.

Third Phase – the open marine habitats which were opened in the second quarter of 2009.

Fourth Phase - The part of the Marine-themed mall was closed and Trails to Antarctica opened in mid-2012.

General Sections of the Manila Ocean Park

Interior of the Manila Ocean Park
Manila Ocean Park Oceanarium in Manila, Philippines
A Japanese spider crab at the Manila Ocean Park

Oceanarium:

Sections of MOP Oceanarium

  • Agos (Flow) – a rainforest motif complete with 8 tanks of freshwater fishes.
  • Bahura (The Reef) – exhibition of artificial corals in 48 tanks.
  • Laot (Fishing Ground) – features big fish and Eagle-spotted rays in a long tank.
  • Buhay na Karagatan (Living Ocean) – the main attraction of the oceanarium is a 25-metre 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.
  • Kalaliman ( The Deep ) - showcases marine animals found in the deepest parts of the Philippine's waters
  • Pagi (Sting Ray)– variety of rays fly over while you're under this unique Overhang Tank.
  • Pating (Shark) – features several species of shark.

Acquatica Musical Fountain:

Philippines's first and tallest musical fountain as tall as 120 feet high and the largest water and laser show consisting of over 1,600 water nozzles; water, music, lights & special effects; backed by live performance.

Marine Life Habitat:

Sea lions performance opened in September 2010.

Concourse Plaza:

The Concourse Plaza houses events like concerts, performances and product launches for the whole year.

Marine-Themed Mall:

The first marine-themed mall in the Philippines which houses 25 restaurants. The mall also features 30 unique stores.

Open Water Marine Habitat:

The Open Water Marine Habitat is an outdoor swimming pool with diving facilities where visitors go snorkeling or diving.

Trails to Antarctica:

Sections of Trails to Antarctica

  • Penguin Exhibit - An exhibit with penguins swimming through the water.
  • Slide o' Fun - A long slide that visitors can try using sleighs.
  • Snow Village - Photo room covered with ice as snow.

History

The Manila Ocean Park is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of China Oceanis Group Ltd (COG). It specializes in the investment, building, and operation of public aquariums and oceanariums. The Group owns and operates two Underwater World facilities in China, in the cities of Chongqing and Qinghuangdao.

Past projects:

References

  1. ↑ Abs-Cbn Interactive, Manila Ocean Park: Drawing crowds, raising awareness, promising sustainability
  2. ↑ "newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines, All set for opening of Manila oceanarium". Newsinfo.inquirer.net. Retrieved 2011-08-10. 
  3. ↑ "manilastandardtoday.com, Ocean Park to draw 1m visitors". Manilastandardtoday.com. Retrieved 2011-08-10. 

External links

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