If you are a kind of person who is devoted to aquatic animals yet afraid to take a dive, be contented on the newest offering of Mactan Island, its huge aquarium with tons of different marine animals that divers haven’t yet discovered.
Mactan Island Aquarium or MIA is now one of the visitors’ attractions in Mactan Island, Cebu. It is one of the kind in entire Visayas regions and the only public aquarium in the Philippines outside Luzon.
Aquarium is like a zoo but the sole difference is that only aquatic animals are kept and open for the public. Construction of huge aquariums are more grueling that building nature parks. And besides, there are different kinds and species of marine organisms.
It is the idea of Dylan Taylor, a British marine biologist to put up an aquarium in the Philippines since there are only few public aquariums throughout the country. Spending 20 years with aquariums, he was involved in same projects across the globe which includes the National Aquarium in England, at Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai and in Saudi Arabia.
Dylan invested few million pesos in building the project. His love for marine life prompted him to build a project like this. He intends to use business in educating the public on how significant marine life is. With the help of his wife, Lucille, the project was made possible.
Mactan Island was specially chosen for the project. It is suitable because of its available aquatic activities such as diving and snorkeling and the illegal fishing has been put to end. It is best to promote marine preservation.
October 2008 witnessed the opening of the Mactan Island Aquarium, located at Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City. In the 400-square-meter establishment, it showcased various sea animals like seahorses, starfishes, octopuses, eels, rare fishes like angelfish and cowfish and the breathtaking sharks.
After the conflict arose between Taylor and the owner of the building, the aquarium was temporarily closed for relocation. Now back in the business, the new facility is situated near the sea in Barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, adjacent to White Sands Resort and EGI Condominium Hotel. The area is more preferable and manageable. It also offers huge space for further expansions in the near future.
MIA was part of the “global center of marine biodiversity” which literally means that there is lot more creatures here than in any part of the world. A glimpse is not enough to marvel at the exotic wonders of wide arrays of marine organisms. It is so far the best place to discover Cebu’s marine abundance.
Not just myriad of exotic fishes can be found in there. There’s a lot, lot more to see. Sponges and corals of different kinds, jellyfish, crabs, lobsters, urchins, starfishes, seahorses and even sea snakes are present. You will find some animals inside the aquarium that divers’ can rarely be seen.
But the best part in this 550-square-meter site is the 20 foot high tanks containing big sharks. If you haven’t seen real sharks at close proximity, you will surely enjoy watching them passing to and fro.
Residents who can’t afford to go scuba diving to see the vast richness of the underwater domain; this aquarium makes you experience the same without spending much money and your precious time.
Admission fees ranges from 200 for children and 250 for adults. For the local residents, the adult is 100 and children’s rate is 75. Children below 4 years old are free. They are open seven days a week from 10:00 to 6:30.
The admission includes a tour guide, making sure that you don’t miss a thing. Kids corner is available for small children where puzzles and coloring materials are available.
Though tourists are primary targets, they are surprised to known that most guests are families and students. Indeed, it is very educational and informative. It is best recommendation for field trips and educational tours. For Cebuanos, there is no need to go to Manila Ocean Park to witness underwater splendor since they have their own now.
Though it is not as big as Manila Ocean Park, it has the same features: saltwater and freshwater animals. Being the only public aquarium in the Visayas, Mactan Island Aquarium is a worthy visit.
How To Get There:
Just few minutes from Mactan International Airport, Mactan Island Aquarium can be reached by you own car where there is lot of parking space for cars, or by jeep or tricycles. Private taxis are scattered everywhere but be sure not to be tricked by some drivers. All taxis have their meters, so pay only the amount that appears in the meter.
