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Located in Checheng Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan, the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium is situated on the coast of Back Bay, at the foot of Guishan Mountain in the northwest corner of Kenting National Park. It is a large-scale museum dedicated to marine life and is known as the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia.
The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium is comprised of three exhibition halls: Taiwan Waters, Coral Kingdom, and World Waters. The museum also features a special exhibition area that regularly hosts special exhibitions. Two waterside plazas are located at the entrance, offering opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
Suitable for all seasons
Coral Kingdom Pavilion
The park features live coral displays and an underwater tunnel. The tunnel is approximately 81 meters long and is currently (as of 2005 ) the longest in Asia.
Taiwan Waters Pavilion
It has an ocean pool with an acrylic viewing window that is 16.5 meters wide and 4.85 meters high. The glass on the edge of the pool is about 33 centimeters thick. Three whale sharks are raised inside.
World Waters Pavilion
The exhibition consists of four major areas: Ancient Ocean, Kelp Forest, Deep Sea, and Polar Waters. In addition to the traditional aquarium display of the kelp forest, the exhibition also features a pioneering electronic eco-aquarium display, using virtual reality to present the ecological environments of the ancient ocean, deep sea, and polar regions.
Recommended play time: 3-4 hours
Full ticket: NT$ 450 per person
Discounted ticket NT$ 250 /person
Weekdays: 9:00-17:30
July -August ( Monday - Friday ) : 9:00-18: 00
Closed: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Chinese New Year: 8:00-18:00
The Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium was established to promote marine education and conservation efforts. It aims to increase public awareness about the importance of marine ecosystems and provide an educational experience on the wonders of marine life in Taiwan and around the world.
The museum is located in the Hengchun Peninsula, southern Taiwan. The nearest city is Hengchun, and from there, you can take a bus or taxi to the museum. There are no direct metro connections, so a taxi or bus ride is recommended.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are on weekdays, especially in the morning, as weekends tend to be more crowded with both locals and tourists.
The entrance fee is approximately 300 TWD for adults and 150 TWD for children. Tickets can be purchased at the museum entrance. Online ticket purchasing is not available, but group discounts are offered for large parties.
Tickets do not need to be booked in advance, but it’s recommended for large groups to make a reservation at least 1-2 days ahead of their visit.
To fully explore the museum, including all exhibits and the Ocean Theater, you will need about 2 to 3 hours.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and sometimes in English. Audio guides are also available in Mandarin and English for self-guided exploration of the exhibits.
The best photography spots are near the large aquarium tanks, especially those featuring sharks and colorful fish. The Ocean Theater is also a great spot for capturing action shots during the marine shows.
Start at the entrance and explore the main aquarium tanks, followed by the coral reef section. Then, head to the tropical rainforest exhibit before watching a show at the Ocean Theater. End your visit by exploring the interactive areas such as the touch pools.
The museum does not offer night visits. However, special events or evening shows may be held periodically. It’s best to check the museum's schedule for any updates on such events.
The museum can get crowded on weekends and holidays, particularly during peak tourist seasons. The least crowded times are weekday mornings, especially in the off-peak seasons (spring or autumn).
The museum has clean and well-maintained toilets. There is a cafe for refreshments and light meals, as well as a gift shop selling marine-themed souvenirs.
The museum is accessible to elderly and disabled visitors, with ramps and elevators available. It is also family-friendly, with areas designed for children to interact with marine life in a hands-on way.
Cash is accepted, but the museum also accepts major credit cards and mobile payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Inside the museum, there is a small cafe offering light meals and snacks. Nearby, you can find several seafood restaurants and local eateries in Hengchun offering Taiwanese dishes.
Vegetarian food options are available at the museum cafe and nearby restaurants. However, halal food may be harder to find, though some restaurants in the nearby town may accommodate such dietary requirements.
There are several hotels and guesthouses near the museum, with options ranging from budget-friendly accommodations to mid-range hotels. Some popular options include hotels in Hengchun and the Kenting area.
The museum has a gift shop where you can buy marine-themed souvenirs such as toys, educational materials, and locally crafted items. Popular souvenirs include sea creature plush toys, postcards, and marine-related jewelry.
Taxis or rental cars are the best options for continuing your trip after visiting. Public buses are available, but they may not be as convenient for reaching more remote areas like Kenting National Park.
