Exploring Siam Ocean World

CEBU, Philippines - Not everyone gets the opportunity to explore the amazing marine world the way scuba divers and expert swimmers do. Those like me who do not know how to swim, will just have to contend with snorkeling in knee-deep waters or by looking at pictures and videos.

It’s a good thing that aquariums that feature different kinds of marine life have been put up to let us experience the beauty of the underwater world.

I had the chance to visit one such aquarium, the Siam Ocean World, during a recent trip to Bangkok, Thailand, courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand-Philippines, Cebu Pacific Air and JG Summit. And boy, was I totally awed by the majestic beauty of the ocean!

The Siam Ocean World, located at the Siam Paragon Shopping Centre in Bangkok, is the biggest aquarium in Southeast Asia. It covers 10,000 square meters and the aquarium has the capacity of 4 million liters of water, which is equivalent to three Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The rich and diverse marine life is presented in the 7 Zones of Wonder. Zone 1 features Weird and Wonderful sea creatures such as crabs and rare species of fish while Zone 2 features the marine life that you will find in the coral reefs. Zone 3 highlights the underwater rules of survival and shows how sea creatures protect themselves against predators. Zone 4 features the complexities of the rainforest ecosystem, as well as the largest fresh water fish while Zone 5 features penguins and how they adapt to land and sea conditions. Zone 6, also called Open Ocean, features a 270-degree tunnel wherein you can observe sharks, stingrays and other sea creatures found in the deep ocean. Lastly, Zone 7 features different types of jellyfish.

Exploring the different zones is not all there is to the Siam Ocean World. They also offer different activities wherein visitors will get to experience the sea creatures up close.

HAPPY FISH, HAPPY FEET. There’s a fish spa where visitors can relax their feet after hours of going around the different zones. Fish spas, wherein small fishes will nibble on your feet, are considered therapeutic as these promote blood circulation, release stress and tension and are also a natural way of exfoliation.

BACK OF HOUSE TOUR. The tour is Siam Ocean World’s way of letting visitors experience first hand the real operations of the aquarium. Here you can touch and witness up close some of the sea creatures.

SHARK ENCOUNTER. Get to hold a shark with your own hands! This once in a lifetime experience is something you should not miss when visiting Siam Ocean World.

DIVE WITH A SHARK. If touching the “King of the Ocean” is not enough for you, you can try the Dive with a Shark experience and get up close with huge sand tiger sharks, black tipped reef sharks and eagle rays.

OCEAN WALKER EXPERIENCE. Going through the different zones is already a great experience, but viewing the aquarium from the inside is definitely taking the experience a notch higher. Imagine strolling around the aquarium among the many fishes and other sea creatures!

When in Bangkok, make sure to drop by the Siam Ocean World and be awed by the beauty and magnificence of the deep. (FREEMAN)