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| Misamis Occidental by: Hope Olano |
Sometime in 2009, I got tired with the busy life in Manila so I decided to go to Misamis Occidental to have a break, away from the stresses of urban life. Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park or MOAP was one of my itineraries , a tropical resort and a habitat for various marine mammals in Mindanao, Philippines. It is located in the boundaries of Tudela and Sinacaban municipalities of Misamis Occidental. It features a wildlife park that houses various kind of animals & a dolphin island where numerous type of dolphin species live. It has accommodations of hut-style cottages located along the line of the mangroves. Two restaurants are located within the park itself, one in the mainland and another one in the Dolphin Island.
On the island, you can actually experience the following:
Entrance Fee - only Php10.00/Head
The Port's main restaurant caters fresh, yummy & very affordable sea foods. To get there, you need to walk half a kilometer (like what we did) on the wooden planks supported by those bamboo poles (sea water below you).
The Ferry Boat!
Php130.00/Head
Water level in the island is shallow. You can even stand on some parts. Look closely at the picture, see the sudden sea water color changes - from light blue to dark blue (the sorrounding sea water must be very deep).
The restaurant located at the center of Dolphin Island.
Kayaking
MOAP Room Rates:
Exploring MOAP
Before entering MOAP, you have to pay Php10.00/Head as an entrance fee. Usually the security guard collects it. After that, you can explore around the park & free to take pictures as much as you want. If you want to take a look at the animals in the mini wild life inside, you will have to walk on the wooden planks supported with bamboos.
The main attraction of MOAP is the offshore man-made Dolphin Island. You need a 10 -15 minute boat ride from the MOAP ferry port to get to the island. The boat ride is Php130/Head.
On the island, you can actually experience the following:
- Feeding the dolphins Php100.00/Kilo of fish
- Kayaking Php100.00/Head
- Scuba Diving Php1000/Head - Diving Suits for rent are available.
- Snorkeling Php50.00/Head - Swimming with the dolphins.
The Wildlife
The wildlife park houses various kind of animals mostly native to the Philippines. No entrance fee. Located inside MOAP.
Getting to the Dolphin Island
To get there, you have to walk further to the mainland restaurant area where the ferry parks in order to ride the boat that'll take you to the Dolphin Island.
The Ferry Boat!
The Dolphin Island
This is where MOAP takes care of the rescued dolphins. The whole island's submerged under water. All structure are stilts to maintain them above sea level.
GETTING THERE
VIA OZAMIS CITY
If you are planning to visit MOAP, I suggest you book in advance an accomodation prior to your flight to Ozamis City because there are no hotel or hostel accomodations in the nearby areas of Tudela & Sinacaban. It would be more expensive if you're going to book an accomodation in MOAP specially when you're going alone. You can enjoy this kind of travel while spending less.
- By Air - Book a flight (Cebu Pacific Air/Airphil/PAL) from Manila to Ozamis City Airport. (Travel Time is 1 hour.)
- Via Ozamis - From the airport, ride a transport that'll take you to Ozamis City (15 Minutes ETT). Check in to your accomodation. Prepare some stuff you're going to bring when visiting MOAP. Best time to go is in the morning!
- In going to MOAP, ride a tricycle that leads to Lotradisco Jeepney Terminal near Gaisano Mall & from there, take a jeep with Sinacaban, Jimenez or Oroquieta Signboards. These routes passes MOAP. You can even tell the jeepney conductor to drop you at MOAP.
- By Ship/Vessel - Get a ticket for Ozamis City at Superferry ticketting offices or any available shiplines. Travel Time would be longer compared to air transport. (3 Days & 2 Nights)
- Via Ozamis City Port - Ride a Tricycle or a Tri-Sikad that'll take you to your accomodation. Prepare for your departure to MOAP. Ride a Tricycle that'll take you to Lotradisco Jeepney Terminal near Gaisano Mall. From there, take a jeep with Sinacaban, Jimenez or Oroquieta Signboards. These routes passes MOAP.
Suite: Php2000/Night (2 Persons/Extra Bed is Php300)
Family: Php2000/Night (6 Persons/Extra Bed is Php200)
Dormitory: Php250/Person/Night (14 Persons Capacity)
