Monday, March 11, 2013

Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park (MOAP)

MOAP is a recognized animal conservation park located at the Municipality of Sinacaban. It is 30-minute ride from from Ozamis City and roughly one hour from Oroquieta City. It houses variety of wildlife both land and water inhabitants. It is also a protected area of “Bakawan” or Mangroves. Many aquatic cultured and uncultured can be found. 



It is not the first time that I have ventured in MOAP. When I had my Wildlife subject in 2002-2003, we had lunch there and were able to see the Eco-Park. There have been many changes in the area, primarily the walkway towards the wharf (presently known as Governor Herminia Ramiro wharf) where the restaurant and dock towards the dolphin island is located. There are also cottages in the area.




On the entrance, you can see the Eco-park at the right side, the fish pens, cottages and the registration area. There also tanks of aquatic animals.



The Ocean Grill is the famed restaurant that holds venue for all occasions and also for sumptuous meals. The price range is quite expensive at Php 150-300 per viand. I had the best crabs and shrimp dish at that time of my first visit. Presently, we tried various dishes but the taste is one notch lower. Commercialism may have made lots of changes in the taste.

I didn’t like the thought the pawikan or tortoise is confined in this small space without space to rest.

Verdict

                Taste:                 3 stars
                Ambiance:          4 stars
                Service:              4 stars

I needed lots of company to actually go to the Dolphin Island. The fare is expensive because you have to actually pay the sitting capacity of the boat for you to get there. It is not actually an island but floating infrastructure where the dolphins are being held. You can swim and snorkel with the dolphins (prices are mentioned below). Despite being unable to see the dolphins I am hoping that their condition is not like the “pawikan”. There are recommended readings for further information.

The wharf


The Eco-park is located in the forest of Mangroves. I can remember before how organized and clean the area was. It houses mostly monkeys, birds and snakes and other reptiles. Outside the areas there are also tanks of aquatic animals which serve as nursery for different species of fishes, turtles and others. The purpose of this nursery is for propagation and eventually release of these animals in the wild.

Much to my dismay, the nurseries were unclean with mosses growing all over and the water was below the recommended level. The mosses can actually compete with the oxygen supply of the animals that is why it is highly recommended for these tanks to be cleaned. The cages were very small and some have even patches of destruction. These cages are not standard and recommended for the welfare of the animals.



Luckily I was ecstatic when I saw a family of bird species flying and nesting in the area. It is priceless a site.



Verdict/Recommendation

                The hiring of botanist, marine biologist, zoologist and veterinarians are highly recommended for the restoration of this park. This park is an important conservation area for ecological balance. It is also a very important medium of education for conservation and for the protection of our land, seas and animals. Aside from that, as a government-owned facility, it is important to preserve and develop it because every conservation park is a good source of income. It can be a highly-recommended and five-star tourist destination and educational tour facility. The people of today are very much ecologically aware and are willing to pay to see wonderful places.

+ How to get there
   For Commuters
  • From Ozamis City Airport,  you can ride a motorcycle would just actually cost Php 8.00 however they will over price to more than 50% (so be ready)
  • Ozamis City board a bus going to Oroquieta City or Dipolog about Php 25.00 – 30.00
  • Ask the driver to drop you at MOAP and you can just proceed by walking to the entrance
 
+ MOAP rates
  • Entrance fee: Php 10 (inclusive of Eco-park tours)
  • Entrance and Boat Fare 300/person for 10 persons; for less than 10 passengers, pay the full amount per person plus Php 40 for the remaining sits not used
  • For swimming, snorkelling and diving with dolphins Php 300
  • Snorkelling gear Php 100
  • Fish feeds for dolphins Php 150

+ Dolphin Island Hotel Room rates
  • Ocean Front Royal Suite    Php 5500/night (good for 2pax)
  • Superior 2/Family Room Suite Room
·         Peak nights: Php 3300/night
·         Regular weak days: Php 2950/night
·         Holidays:  Php 3500/night

Room Features
Ø  Fully air-conditioned room with TV
Ø  PABX system (Intercom)
Ø  Fridge with mini bar
Ø  7:00 am – 7:00 pm restaurant service
Ø  24 hour security
Ø  Hot and cold shower
Ø  No added for children below 7 year old

·         Extra Bed                                         Php 500
·         Dormitory Type                                Php 250/night

Room features
Ø  Fully air-conditioned room with TV
Ø  PABX system (Intercom)
Ø  24 hour security
Ø  Hot and cold shower
Ø  Maximum of 14 person per room (4 rooms)
Ø  Check out time 12:00 noon

·         + For additional information, please read the following:
         + Contact no. 09289637628

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