If you’re more or less of my age, you still probably remember the Zonta Aquariums in Intramuros. It was one of the more memorable stops on school field trips. But unfortunately it disappeared sometime in the 80s.
In 2006 or 2007, I remember being pleasantly surprised by newspaper reports announcing that an Oceanarium was going up somewhere by Manila Bay. Not just aquariums – but a huge complex that focused on marine life – complete with a walk-tube under a simulated ocean environment not unlike those seen in Sentosa or at Sea World.
I had wanted to go as soon as it opened in 2007, but at the time Luth couldn’t really go for long walks and I didn’t want to just go there with the kids and just tell her all about it. But sometime last month, I suddenly remembered wanting to go and with Luth back to being ‘lakwatsa-ble’, we pried the kids off computer screens for half a day and took off to see what Manila Ocean Park was all about.
(click on thumbnails to enlarge pictures)
Flash photography isn’t allowed inside the ‘aquaria’ proper and since it’s quite impossible to ask the fish to stay still, I was unable to take nice pics inside. Looking at the fish, I think it’s still not being maintained as it ought to be – but nonetheless it’s amazing to see stingrays ‘flying’ about. And no, there aren’t any dolphins or killer whales jumping hoops.
The whole complex is still under construction – I believe they’re still working on the hotel – but there are already a lot of restos and some stores.
Overall I think it’s a little pricey at 400 pesos per head – that’s 2000 pesos for all five of us! It’s kinda hard to impress kids nowadays – what with virtually everything available to see on the ‘net…. but I still saw there were ‘aww…’ moments for all of them. But then again you still kinda leave with a “that’s it?” feeling when you go.