Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park, Dolphin Island and Mini Zoo

Another “must-see” in Northern Mindanao is the Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park (MOAP), located in Libertad Bajo, Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental. The place has two attractions: the mini zoo and the dolphin island. This is part of Wave X Mindanao Trip entry. We went there last July 1, 2012.

Who would have thought that in this mangrove forest houses a different species of animals.

First we explored their mini zoo. There is an entrance fee of PhP 10.00 per head. The zoo is different from any other zoos. Apart that it is situated in a mangrove forest, the pathway of the mini zoo formed like a rectangle and it is made of bamboos which is quite unique. Whoever planned the bamboo pathways must be creative. The animals are caged and are put beside the pathway. Everyone who passes by the pathway should be able to see and observe all the animals in the zoo.

This is how the bamboo pathway of the zoo looks like.

What is he doing?

The monkey is cute.

I can mention some of the animals I saw when I was there: Flamingo, Manatad Dove, White-Eared Brown Dove (Alimukon), Brown Booby (Gamao), Kalaw, Love Birds, Mindanao Scops-Owl (Pungak), Malaysian Monkey, Banog, Philippine Crocodile (Buaya), Rofous Night Heron (Lapay), Slender-Billed Crow (Owak), and Philippine Monkeys.

Like I said, the animals are caged and are put beside the pathway. So it is impossible that one can touch the animal unless you do it intentionally. This is Gamao, Brown Booby

Look what happened to the tree? Seems like the faces of scary ghosts. Interesting huh?

Mush room?

The Mindanao Scops Owl or locally known as Pungak. The shape of the face is so… of course, it is the face of an owl. haha

The imported monkey. Malaysian Monkey. The red spot on its front is interesting.

Banog or Brahminy Kite or White/Red Eagle Kite

Lapay or Heron as seen from the pathway right from where I stand, of course.

Another mischievous monkey

As you can see the animals are cute. Also, as you have noticed on the each tag boards, each animals were donated by someone. I think this also means that people from Misamis Occidental contributes to the awesomeness of this mini zoo. This is what we get if we live in a harmonious and peaceful community. haha

Well enough, just by watching on these pictures, you can truly say that the entrance fee of PhP 10.00 is worth it. I did witness a hungry monkey… more like a greedy monkey eating a banana like the one below.

Cute monkey eating a banana in MOAP’s mini zoo.

In the end I saw myself satisfied exploring the mini zoo. I think it was a less than 30 minute zoo exploration.

Zoo explorers

Ryan and Zac after the zoo exploration

After the mini zoo, we stopped for a moment because we did not know that exploring the mini zoo could be a little tiring. haha

Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park

We then went ahead to Gov. Herminia Ramiro’s wharf to ride a boat going to Dolphin Island. We were 9 but only 3 of us were interested to go to Dolphin Island.

Entrance to Dolphin Island is quite expensive. PhP 300.00/per head (boat fare). (15-20mins ride back and forth) Yes PhP 300.00 pesos per head minimum of 10persons. If less than 10 persons additional charges will apply. 9 persons – 40 pesos add’l charge; 8 pax – 80 pesos; 7 pax – 120 pesos, 6 pax – 160 pesos, 5 pax – 200 pesos, 4 pax – 240 pesos, 3 pax – 280 pesos, 2 pax – 320 pesos, 1 pax – 360 pesos.

The restaurant as seen from the wharf. Meals serve start at PhP 150.00

The boat we used.

We wanted to go there so three of us had to pay the additional 280 pesos. A total of 393.33 pesos each for 3 persons.

Enough about the entrance fees. The rest of my mates stayed in the restaurant while waiting for us, exploring the dolphin island.

Arriving in Dolphin Island

When we got there, I realized that it is not an island after all. It is more like a man made structure designed as a dolphin rescue center. Also, I was expecting about 7 to 10 playful dolphins but I only saw 3 bottle-nosed dolphins. (I should have researched the internet thoroughly so I could have set proper expectations to myself)

This is the Dolphin Island

The lamp post

The lovers?

The place these dolphins call home.

One of the dolphins is a loner while the remaining two are like lovers who swim, chase and play with each other. I decided to just not swim with the dolphins. They were already in serenity and I felt like I was just a disturbance if I had to pay PhP 300 pesos more just to swim with them. Though I wished to touch them and swim with them, but after seeing them swimming in a place where they can actually call home I was already happy. I am not sure if these dolphins are still not well, I hope they will release these 3 dolphins if proven that they are well and okay.

Another view of the Dolphin Island

It was low tide the time we got there.

Zac finding solace?

By 5:30PM we went back to the mainland. We still had to catch a bus going to Linamon, Lanao del Norte that time.

I think that is all for now. Thank you for visiting.

Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park
Libertad Bajo, Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental
Telephone No: 088-586-0157
Mobile No: 0916-997-8484
E-mail: moap_hotel@yahoo.com

http://www.misocc.gov.ph/moap_hotel.html