Tunnel Vision

While my nephew was visiting Taiwan we took him to the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium [國立海洋生物博物館] in Pingtung County near Kenting National Park.  The first time I visited the museum was four years ago when I had far fewer wrinkles around my eyes.  The museum is a blast and a must see for anyone visiting southern Taiwan.  I had a great time during both of my visits.

That funky outdoor squid sculpture

The aquarium is divided into three major exhibitions: Waters of Taiwan, Coral Kingdom Pavilion, and Waters of the World.

Coral Kingdom

The Waters of Taiwan exhibition has tanks and displays of life found in Taiwan’s diverse hydrological environment – Ranging from the streams of the Central Mountain Range to the rocky intertidal zone.  The area’s hands-on tank allows visitors to hold starfish, urchins, and other goodies.

License to Eel

In the Coral Kingdom Pavilion visitors can explore the wonders of the ocean through an 81 meter acrylic tunnel. The area looks like the ruins of a sunken ship.

Feeding time for the Naso Tangs, Raccoon Butterfly Fish and Moorish Idol

The Water of the World area features a kelp forest, Arctic and Antarctic environment tanks, penguins, as well as displays and 3D movies about inhabitants of ancient oceans.

Fat of the Land

A venomous Lionfish stalks in artificial ruins

Friends with Benefits – Clownfish and Anemones living in symbiosis

Introducing…

The Aquarium’s massive Whale Shark

I’ll wrap this up with a trio of pictures featuring some of the aquarium’s most popular inhabitants:

What’s not to like about penguins?

Other information:

National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium [Official Site]

While south don’t forget to visit these other fun places: Historic Hengchun, Nanwan Beach, and the Bitou Fishing Port

Several more photos from our trip south can be found in following Flickr set.