The Philippines is located at the coral triangle, we are blessed to have a vast variety of fishes and corals, comes with it is a responsibility to preserve, create awareness and educate the young in the best way possible. The Manila Ocean Park was created to promote the conservation and preservation of the environment, especially the marine life.

The aquariums are divided into seven (7) zones, namely: Agos, Bahura, Laot, Buhay na karagatan, Ang Kalaliman, Pagi and Pating, hosting around 200 species of fish and other marine life. Zones are in tagalog to educate visitors and to promote national pride.

The first part of the tour is called “Agos” (Flow). This zone displays about eight (8) water tank filled with fresh water fishes. Arapaima, oscar fish, lung fish, fire eels, clown knife fish, red paccu, albino cat fish, alligator fish and tarun sharks can be found in this area. A wooden foot bridge is added in the rainforest effect of this zone where an artificial waterfall lies. The water flow replicates the fresh water source that eventually leads to the open ocean. Two water tanks filled with brackish water fish such as the finger mooney fish, target fish, archer fish and cichlids are placed just before you go under the ocean. The shoreline is represented by what they call the “Dalampasigan”, a place where hermit crabs and star fish are displayed.

Enter the ocean in the “Bahura” (Reef). This zone displays salt water fishes placed in 46 water tanks.  The ocean is dark and cold, but I was fascinated on the different species and coral reefs on display. The salt water are all extracted from the Manila Bay itself, and most of the species in this zone can only be found in the Philippines.  Giant clams, damsels, rainbow runner, trigger fish, hawk fish, sea horse, cowfish, porcupine fish, and clown fish are only some of the fish that you will see in this zone. The colors and uniqueness of each species compliments each other.  

As we go deeper in the ocean, we have now come across “Laot” (fishing ground). Here, you will find four (4) huge water tanks with sunken ships used to emphasize the depth of the ocean. You will surely feel that you are below the ocean in this zone. My friend even asked Laiza, our wonderful tour guide, how deep we are in ocean. But as a matter of fact, we are still on top of the ground, we never went down, but looking around where we were standing, it was hard to believe and imagine that we never actually went down the ocean.

Making the tour more interesting, we arrived in the “Buhay na Karagatan” (Living Ocean). Walking along an underwater tunnel is truly a great experience. As sting rays pass by our head every now and then sometimes made me forget that we have a glass in between. The tunnel is a breathtaking 25 meter walk with around 5000 fishes, 100 species and 976,400 gallons of water in one tank.

“Ang Kalaliman” (The Deep). Have a close encounter with some of the feared creatures in the ocean like the barracuda, lobsters, eagle spotted ray and cow nose rays

“Pating” features 3 different types of sharks such as leopard shark, black tip shark and white tip shark.

“Pagi” or sting rays are placed in overhanging tanks and there are 4 types of ways in the tank.

After the tour of aquariums, you will have a breath taking view of the manila bay.

Various activities can also be enjoyed after the tour.

One, have a foot spa. Soak your tired feet in water full of Doctor fish for 20 minutes.  The fish will clean your feet and eat the dead skins off. “For the first 5 minutes, it tickles, but after a while, I get used to it. Actually, this is my second time. I was here the other day, and when I get home, my feet felt smooth, so I decided to come back and have a foot spa again” said Andy from Minnesota, USA.

For children, there is an area called, Butanding stensil table. They can trace the wood carvings on a paper, using a color pencil provided and use it as a souvenir for their visit from the park.

Restaurants and coffee shops are located around the park, a place for you to mingle and unwind after your tour. The Manila ocean park also offers function rooms for private gatherings. Around 1,500 sqm area inside the aquarium is available if you want to held your meetings, parties or special occasions with the sharks and marine life. Function rooms are also available facing the manila bay side.

Watch out for the upcoming open water marine habitat, salt water lagoons for snorkeling and diving, mall and hotel that will complete the entire manila ocean park.

But for now, enjoy the diverse marine life on display and see the Philippines down under.

How to get there:

Coming from Monumento or Baclaran:
-    Ride the LRT (Light Rail Transit) to United Nations Station.
-    From there you can either ride a tricycle or a Kalesa (if available) to the Luneta Grandstand. But if you feel like walking, you can walk thru the Luneta Park until you reach the Grand Stand.
-    The Manila ocean park is located at the back of the Luneta Grand Stand.