In a splashy announcement, the world was introduced to the ambitious plan for an underwater Nickelodeon resort and theme park in the pristine waters of Coron, Palawan. But much like SpongeBob SquarePants living in a pineapple under the sea, this grand project seems destined to stay metaphorically underwater—for who knows how long.
The Original Vision
The concept was straight out of a childhood dream: a sprawling 4-square-kilometer Coral World Park, complete with a Nickelodeon theme park occupying 1 square kilometer. Imagine dining and lounging six meters below sea level, surrounded by the enchanting marine life of Palawan. The park was to be decked out with beloved characters like SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, all with the noble aim to “encourage ocean protection.”
Backlash and Controversy
However, the announcement didn’t exactly go swimmingly with everyone. An online petition against the project garnered more than 260,000 signatures, as critics argued that it would destroy the very marine habitat it claimed to protect. Palawan, known as the Philippines’ ‘last ecological frontier’, is a haven for biodiversity, and the prospect of an underwater theme park did not sit well with environmental advocates.
Viacom Pulls Out
In a plot twist worthy of a TV drama, Viacom, the entertainment giant behind Nickelodeon, decided to exit the project. Their statement indicated that this decision was mutually agreed upon with Coral World Park, their Philippine partner. Viacom’s departure was a significant blow, leaving many to wonder if the project would ever see the light of day—or rather, the depths of the ocean.
Developer’s Response
Coral World Park wasn’t ready to throw in the towel. They hit back against what they called “fake news” surrounding the project. They clarified that the proposed site was a former mining area with no trees and low coral cover, contradicting reports that it was pristine land. Moreover, they emphasized that most of the development would be on land, with floating structures featuring glass-bottom hulls rather than a full underwater cityscape.
The developer cited local infrastructure as the main reason for the delay, stating that the area wasn’t ready to host a world-class family-themed development by 2020. Despite this setback, Coral World Park remains committed to their “environment-friendly masterplan” and has plans for eight luxury branded resorts and spas, alongside an enhanced marine reserve and reef conservation program across their 16 Philippine islands.
Future Prospects
The project’s fate remains uncertain, shrouded in a mix of ambitious vision and ecological concerns. As Coral World Park continues to navigate the choppy waters of development, they pledge to work closely with stakeholders in Palawan to protect and maintain the environment. With the exponential growth in population and tourism in Coron, their preventive approach to environmental protection is more crucial than ever.
So, while the underwater Nickelodeon resort may be postponed indefinitely, the dreams of a vibrant marine-themed paradise in Coron still float in the minds of many. Whether it will ever materialize or remain a fantastical dream beneath the waves is a story still unfolding.
Note: The underwater Nickelodeon resort and theme park was originally planned to open in 2020 and the announcement of the project was made in January 2017.
