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:
- www.thepinaysolobackpacker.com/2012/05/11/swimming-with-the-dolphins-in-ozamis/
- http://kinabuhi.net/travel/misamis-occidental-aquamarine-park-dolphin-island-and-mini-zoo.html
- http://paulxavieronvacation.wordpress.com/2012/07/05/dolphin-island-misamis-occidental-aquamarine-park/
- http://lakwatsero.me/2010/07/04/misamis-occidental-aquamarine-parkjuly-3-2010/
+ Contact no. 09289637628
