My First Visit To Coral Wonderland

Some time ago (which was in late May) I brought my daddy, wifey and little Jordan to the (then) newly opened Coral Wonderland which is located in Dataran Pahlawan. In fact we went there one day after the soft opening of this latest attraction in Malacca. You will be surprised to know that this so-called corals-park is being "deployed" in Dataran Pahlawan which is a shopping complex...and on the 4th floor. A bit incredulous huh! Even I, myself,  wondered if these corals which belong to the ocean can be sustained here. So I brought my family to have a look.

Let's go inside of Coral Wonderland~

Honestly all of us are very excited to visit this coral-park especially my daddy and wife. As for me...well I am marine biologist, remember? Ha :D So I would have expected that I have seen most of the corals there. After purchasing out admission tickets which cost us RM30 per person, we stepped into the dimly-lit Coral Wonderland with high expectation especially yours truly me. I was hoping that I could see more than what I have seen in the past. So did Coral Wonderland manage to impress me or did I leave with disappointment?

I am holding a shark.

Ah~Dan, Do you know what is on my palm?

It is a starfish.

Even horseshoe crab can be seen here.

Upon entering, we were first greeted by what is being claimed as the longest Touch Pool in Asia. So there is this long stretch of pool where you will be able to feel and hold some "domesticated" and harmless marine creatures such as star fish, sea urchin and some tame mini sharks. For those who have never touched these rather elusive oceanic creatures, this experience will be a priceless one. So now you can touch a tiny shark without being in the jaw. Ha :D

Are you ready to "dive" amongst the corals?

After our close encounters with the star fishs and sharks, we finally came to the alley where we could see tank after thank of beautiful corals. Coral Wonderland claims that it has the longest coral aquarium in Malaysia. I am not entirely convinced with this rather bold claim. Have you been there too? What say you? But I must say that I was really, really fascinated to see all the different species of corals and anemones being exhibited here. It was like I was diving in the ocean again since I could see the corals from such a close distance. Aww....what a sight to behold. However all of these corals are still new to their homes so it would take them at least months or maybe years to really colonized the mini "reef" in those aquariums. :)

Let's look at the corals in Coral Wonderland

Can you spot a fish in this picture?

After feasting our eyes with nature's artistry-corals, we entered into a different zone where oceanic fishes were being displayed. There were so many different species of fishes swimming around in the aquariums such as...butterfly fish, angel fish, lion fish, tangs...well...just to name a few. Honestly the area where all those marine fishes were being displayed was really, really dark. I believe they didn't want to expose the fishes to lights which will then subject them to more unnecessary stress. Hence if you plan to snap photos of these fishes...make sure you bring a long a good camera meant for low no lighting.

Me and Jordan boy admiring the fishes.

No...this is not Dory. It is a Tang!

Can you see what is this?

It is...Paul the octopus. Ha :D

A poor, sick Foxface (Rabbitfish)

A Longnose Butterflyfish.

Lionfish!

This is the more common, and larger Lionfish!

It was a shame that my camera was not able to snap "presentable" photos in the dark. What a shame. :( *sigh* When we came to a section where there were anemone fish being displayed, I was really excited. I was expecting to see those bubbly clownfish swimming rhythmically around in their enclosures. Nope...that didn't happen. These poor clownfishes were lying at the bottom of the tank rather passively. In fact...most of the fishes were passive. I believe these marine fishes have just been brought in and they were in tremendous stress. There were tanks where sick fishes were gasping for air and dead one were spotted "swimming" around. A sad sight...

Meet these breathtaking aliens-Nautilus pompilius

All in all...my father, wife and baby Jordan were really happy with their encounters with the corals and fishes. They were mesmerized to see these colorful creatures. As for me...Coral Wonderland had failed to meet my expectation and I was utterly disappointed with what I have seen. I wonder if they have hired the professionals (marine biologists) to take care of the corals and fishes. Then again...I went there almost 3 months ago. Maybe everything is different right now? I might visit Coral Wonderland again to see if they have improved.