The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium in southern Taiwan’s Pingtung County is equal parts educational and entertaining.
One of 38 attractions to receive the maximum three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Taiwan, the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium (NMMBA) in the southern county of Pingtung draws more than 1 million visitors a year. The education and research center offers a host of informative displays and close-up views of sea creatures such as penguins, seals, sharks and whales.
Opened to the public in February 2000, the NMMBA has three main exhibition areas. Waters of Taiwan spotlights the ecosystems of the country’s rivers, reservoirs and coastal areas and includes a pool where museumgoers can gently handle starfish and other sea life.
The Coral Kingdom Pavilion features aquariums with living coral reefs as well as an 80-meter underwater tunnel. Another highlight of this section is a 1 million gallon tank with transparent sides hosting two beluga whales.
In Waters of the World, visitors can learn about the environments of ancient oceans, the deep sea, kelp forests and polar regions through a combination of audiovisual presentations, marine creatures, preserved specimens and virtual reality technology.
While the NMMBA is primarily a marine biology education and research institute, its diverse and awe-inspiring exhibitions create a tourist destination that, in the words of the Michelin Green Guide Taiwan, is “fun for all ages.”
—by Jim Hwang
Visitors snap a photo of a penguin in the Waters of the World exhibition.
Jellyfish are among the creatures featured in the ancient oceans section of Waters of the World.
A tank showcases the ecosystem of the nation’s coral reefs in the Waters of Taiwan area.
Waters of the World presents marine life from disparate oceans around the globe.
Staff members feed fish in the Waters of Taiwan (top) and Waters of the World (above) areas.
The Coral Kingdom Pavilion features an 80-meter underwater tunnel.
Children splash about in the Cetacean Plaza.
The Transparent Fish Secrets exhibit demonstrates how chemicals can be used to make fish skin translucent.
Stainless steel installation artwork “Giant Squids Swim Freely” by Yang Feng-chen stands outside the Waters of the World area.