Manila Ocean Park: A Guide to Exploring the Oceanarium

Given how crowded it can be during the weekends and holidays, having an occasion that falls in the middle of the week is a great opportunity to celebrate and to take a day trip to one of the metro's most sought after attractions - the Manila Ocean Park.

Manila Ocean Park is the Philippines' first world-class marine theme park and an all-year all-weather destination for tourists and locals alike. Although it has been almost a decade since it's first opening, the park has expanded greatly over the years and continues to delight even the seasoned travelers. 

If you're planning a trip to the park any time soon, here are photos and videos to help you navigate through its fascinating features and attractions. This first part will focus on the main attraction of the park, the Oceanarium. 

Oceanarium Entrance

Manila Ocean Park's Oceanarium is home to 14,000 marine animals from around 277 species. Most creatures housed here are indigenous to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. It offers a stunning walk through of the watery depths featuring five zones - the Jungle Trek, The Reef, Lost Atlantis, Living Ocean, and Deep Sea. 

Jungle Trek
The journey inside the Oceanarium begins at the freshwater zone called the Jungle Trek, where a variety of freshwater fish mostly found in Amazon and African rivers are featured.

Jungle Trek Zone

"Rainforest" look and feel

Some of the fish species seen here are the Koi Fish, Catfish, Pink Danio, Tetra, Freshwater Angelfish, Red-Tailed Tinfoil Barb, Indo-Pacific Tarpon, Clown Knifefish, Giant Gourami, Black and Red-Bellied Pacu, Janitor Fish, Cichlids, Arapaima, and Alligator Gar.