Six aquariums around Asia your little ones will enjoy

From humid Kuala Lumpur to wild Jeju, these oceanariums will surely bring out the explorer and nature lover in your kids.

Traveling with kids can be tricky. They can be engaged and excited explorers one minute, and bored and restless little monsters the next. While it can be challenging, planning a trip with the youngest members of the family can be just as worthwhile. We’re also lucky to be living at a time when there are more activities that cater to these adorable munchkins—from theme parks to kid-friendly museums, petting zoos and aquariums.

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Speaking of aquariums, we need not look far to, say, the US or Europe to experience world-class marine life facilities. Asia, in fact, has some of the world’s best oceanariums that are ideal for families looking not only for a great time, but also to know more about the planet we call home through its rich and diverse aquatic life.

The POST gathers here six of the continent’s best aquariums which, we can assure you, the whole family—especially the little ones—will enjoy and learn from.

1. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Japan

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan’s striking exterior is just as marvelous as the wealth of marine life it holds within. Photo from Inside Osaka

When it opened its doors in 1990, this aquarium located in Osaka’s bay area was the world’s largest of its kind. I think it’s one of the prettiest, too, having been designed by famous American architect Peter Chermayeff. The building’s façade is particularly striking, with its vibrant marine colors and a sculpture of a whale shark smack in the middle. It has been a few years since I visited the aquarium but what I remember is feeling dazed almost the whole time—in a good way, that is.

I guess Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan’s layout, which sees visitors starting their journey from the eighth floor and making their way down in a spiral to a huge central tank, added to its almost hypnotic vibe. Those of you who have been to newer aquariums might be slightly disappointed by the smaller viewing panels, given the aquarium is old. Despite its age, though, its collection is still impressive and some of the tanks stretch over several floors, making it possible to view the animals from different depths and perspectives.

The aquarium has a Pacific Rim theme, with over a dozen tanks representing a particular region. The nine-meter-deep main tank represents the Pacific Ocean and is home to a whale shark, the aquarium’s main attraction, as well as manta rays and thousands of fish. Children would surely giggle at the sight of bouncy (yet incredibly lazy) seals, adorable otters, and the cutest macaroni penguins.

We suggest spending a good part of your afternoon at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Afterwards, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll around Tempozan Harbor Village, a sprawling entertainment and shopping complex which has a little bit of everything for everyone including shopping and dining establishments, and even a Legoland and petting zoo for the kids.

Address: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan. Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 10:30 am to 8:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 am to 8:00 pm.

2. Singapore S.E.A., Sentosa, Singapore

The S.E.A. Aquarium is one of the world’s largest of its kind. Photo from Travel & Leisure Asia

The S.E.A. Aquarium (South East Asia Aquarium) on Sentosa Island is simply breathtaking. It was the world’s largest aquarium by total water volume until 2014 when it was unseated by China’s Chimelong Ocean Kingdom. The aquarium boasts the world’s largest collection of manta rays, including the unique giant oceanic manta ray. 

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Comprising an astounding 49 different habitats, the aquarium takes guests on an underwater adventure from Southeast Asia to the Arabian Gulf. The crown jewel of the Aquarium is its Open Ocean tank with more than 18,000,000 liters and 50,000 animals. You’ll surely hear the little ones gasp (my son and I let out audible ones ourselves).

S.E.A. Aquarium also holds regular events and activities, mostly intended for kids. It has an ongoing event until Nov 11 with popular video game Genshin Impact, for instance, where kids can participate in fun yet also educational and immersive games such as a stamp rally. 

Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269. Operating hours: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm; closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

3. Ocean Park’s Grand Aquarium, Hong Kong

Ocean Park’s Grand Aquarium is always a sight to behold. Photo above and below, and banner photo from Ocean Park’s website

This one is a family favorite. I first visited Ocean Park’s Grand Aquarium fresh out of sixth grade, and was lucky enough to visit a few more times with my family in tow. Every visit is a delight, not only because of its sheer size and the variety of the marine life which calls it home, but more so for the memories I’ve made with my loved ones within its mesmerizing halls. 

The aquarium is located within the sprawling grounds of Ocean Park, Hong Kong’s largest and second oldest amusement park.

One of the most memorable sections is the Reef Tunnel, where you can view the various ecosystems that surround coral reefs. Expansive underwater windows like the 5.5m aquarium dome and the gigantic 13m-wide acrylic viewing panel takes you closer to the oceanarium’s collection of 5,000 fish from over 400 species.

The best part? It comes with the admission ticket to Ocean Park’s amusement park, which despite Disneyland’s launch in 2006 remains well loved among locals and tourists alike.   

Address: Inside Ocean Park Hong Kong, Aberdeen, Hong Kong. Operating hours: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm; closed on Tuesdays.

4. Aquaria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Aquaria KLCC takes pride in its over 5,000 land and marine mammals from across more than 150 species .Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Just a stone’s throw away from the imposing Petronas Towers is this aquarium that’s just as impressive. Considered one of the region’s best marine life showcase, the 60,000 sq-ft Aquaria KLCC takes pride in its over 5,000 land and marine mammals from across more than 150 species.

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Unlike most aquariums, this has a moving walkway, making it easier and safer for kids to move around. With Aquaria’s 15 exhibits spread out over eight areas, you don’t have to worry about the little ones getting bored.

Address: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Malaysia. Operating hours: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm every day.

5. National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Kenting, Taiwan

Nestled inside a sprawling outdoor water park, this museum-slash-aquarium is considered the largest in Taiwan. It is divided into three main exhibits: Waters of Taiwan, Coral Kingdom Pavilion, and World Waters Pavilion.

The Coral Kingdom Pavilion houses an 266-ft. underwater moving track, one of the largest underwater tunnels in Asia. Meanwhile, the main ocean tank inside the Waters of Taiwan exhibition holds 5.7 million liters of seawater, has a 16.5 m × 4.85 m acrylic viewing window, and features a whale shark.

If you have an extra day to spend at Kenting, which is in the southern coast of Taiwan, you may want to consider booking the aquarium’s sleepover program for your little travel buddies. Given the aquarium’s size, this option allows for more time for the family to enjoy kid-favorite areas like the beluga pool and penguin hall. It also includes guided tours and craft activities the kids will surely enjoy. 

Address: No. 2, Houwan Rd, Checheng Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan. Operating hours: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, every day.

6. Hanhwa Aqua Planet, Jeju, South Korea

Photo by Jeon Han from Wikimedia Commons

The largest public aquarium in the country, it consists of three marine-themed halls, consisting of an ocean arena, a marine science museum, and “the aquarium.” Its main tank, called the Sea of Jeju, has a water volume of 5,300 cubic meters and houses large sharks and rays. We all know kids can’t get enough of penguins, seals, sea lions, and walruses, and Hanhwa Aqua Planet Jeju has all these creatures and more. 

Though the aquarium’s logo still contains a whale shark, it doesn’t feature the species anymore after one of two whale sharks died just 40 days after it was brought to the aquarium in 2012. The surviving whale shark was released after consultation with Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial officials, agencies, and marine biologists.

Address: 95 Seopjikoji-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea. Operating hours: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, every day.

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