The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium can be found near Kenting, on Taiwan’s southern coast, and first opened its doors in 2000. With three main exhibits, as well as the largest underwater tunnel in Asia, and many other research and educational facilities, it is no surprise that this museum has frequently been voted as one of the best of its kind in Asia.

Waters of Taiwan
Waters of Taiwan is likely to be the first of the three main exhibits that you visit, and is where you will find aquatic animals that are native to the country. Each exhibit within this hall is themed after one of the water systems in Taiwan, such as the reservoir, the river and the open sea, featuring animals including the Japanese eel, tilapia, nurse sharks and spotted eagle rays. This is also where you will find the museum’s touch pool, where you will be able to touch the creatures within.

Coral Kingdom
As you would imagine from its name, Coral Kingdom showcases the world of coral reefs, displaying the way in which they differ when it comes to shallow waters and deep oceans. This exhibit is truly educational, explaining how varying factors within the environment, from water pressure to light, can affect a coral reef. This is also where you will find the underwater tunnel, which is the largest in Asia, and gives you the opportunity to see Moray eels, butterflyfish, cownose rays, and so much more, from such an incredible perspective.

Waters of the World
The Waters of the World exhibits takes a look at the different bodies of water that can be found all over the planet. It begins by explaining how oceans are formed, before focussing in on specific seas, from ancient oceans to the deep sea to polar seas to kelp forests.

Temporary Exhibitions
NMMBA hosts a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, and there are currently a few on that are worth checking out. The Exploration of Dr. Shark depicts the dangers that sharks face due to over-hunting, helping people to understand these creatures better, while The Secrets of Transparent Fish features exquisite specimens of fish that will no doubt impress.

Special Activities
In addition to exploring the three main halls within the museum, as well as the temporary exhibitions, there are several special activities that are held throughout the week, many on a daily basis, that enables you to learn more about marine animals first-hand. The seal feeding show, as well as the puffin feeding show, is always a popular one, so be sure to get there early, while the Waters of the World Penguin Feeding Show is definitely not to be missed. The Open Ocean Tank Fish Feeding Show is always quite a frenzy, as is the Underwater Tunnel Reef Fish Feeding Show, which you watch from the Underwater Tunnel in the Coral Kingdom.

The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium offers up so much, not only in terms of animals that you can view, but also educationally too. From their informative exhibits to their talks and special activities, this is a museum that the whole family will be able to enjoy together.