Ocean Park is one of the oldest attractions in Hong Kong. When we were planning our Hong Kong trip last summer, Ocean Park was one of the places we considered crossing out due to budget constraint. Luckily, we got discount vouchers and were glad to have visited the place because it turned out to be one of the most memorable places we visited in Hong Kong because the area of the place alone was overwhelming. Also, because Ocean Park is so big, we had lots of experience to share so we're going to split this story into two parts. This one here is Part 1.
Ratings
Attractions: 5/5, like I said, the place is overwhelmingly huge. Rides, marine animals and an spectacular view of the harbor makes our visit here memorable
Food: 4/5, we only ate at the fast foods
Prices: 4/5, we got discount vouchers and paid only HKD 258 for admission (around PHP 1,500). Normal price for adult is HKD 345 (PHP 2,054).
Directions to Ocean Park Hong Kong
Our Hotel was located in Mong Kok, and we were able to ge to Ocean Park via the directions below:
- Walk to Mongkok Station (Tsuen Wan Line) [RED Line] service runs every 5 mins
- Ride train (4 stops)
- Get off at Admiralty Station, walk to Admiralty West Bus Terminus
- Ride Bus 629 from Admiralty West to Ocean Park Entrance
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| Fare - Adult: HKD 10.6, Child: HKD 5.3. |
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| park map at the entrance |
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| Time to go inside! |
Cable Car
Ocean Park Hong Kong is quite a huge park. We never thought that it could be that big, we were so overwhelmed by the size of it (total of 91 hectares).There are actually two sections of the Ocean Park: The Waterfront (Lowland), and The Summit (Headland). These two are connected via their cable car system, or via the Ocean Express railway.
We actually tried to ride both - the cable car on the way up; and the Ocean Express railway down since there was a thunderstorm and the cable car's operations were suspended.
The best way to go that we have decided is to explore The Summit first then go down to The Waterfront in the afternoon and then head out to our next stop for the day.
So, the first thing we did upon entering the park (aside from taking pictures, of course), is to queue up at the Cable Car Station. The line was already long when we got there despite that the park had just opened up.
The way to the Cable Car Station offers lovely sights of an old Hong Kong street replica. There were rickshaws, stone-paved street, old posters of advertisements, and a street-market scene.
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It was a majestic ten-minute ride with a view of the harbor from the cable car. Each cable car can carry up to 6 passengers.
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| view of the summit |
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| view of the harbor |
Marine World
Ocean Park Tower
Stepping out of the cable car, we went straight ahead to the area called Marine World. The first ride we tried was the Ocean Park Tower. This is a a viewing room that gently rotates 360 degrees as it rises up to the height of 72 meters. This one also offers stunning views of the park and the surrounding mountains and waters. |
| Ocean Park Tower |
One of my favorite views from the tower is the view of the park. This was actually helpful for us to get our bearings and find ourselves on the map :).
Check out our video of the view from Ocean Park Tower:
Shark Mystique
After enjoying the view from Ocean Park Tower, we then went to Shark Mystique. From the Ocean Park Tower, it was a 5-minute walk on a downward-sloped path to Shark Mystique. It is located at the back of McDonald's. There's a nice set of rickety houses on stilts, depicting fishermen's seaside residences.
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In here, we were face to face with a terrifying Great White Shark and
the mysterious Sting Ray. It's amazing to see hundreds of fishes
swimming with the sharks. I waited for a nice angle to take a photograph of the shark showing its nasty grin. It's kinda looking straight at us, as if it was posing for the camera. Every time it swims towards us, I remember this movie poster of Finding Nemo in which a shark is showing his deadly teeth.
There's also an interactive display that shows the shark's anatomy. The kids will surely love it and at the same time, they will learn on the different parts of the shark's body.
Ocean Theatre
We enjoyed Shark Mystique so much that we missed much of the "Ocean Wonders" show at the Ocean Theatre. When we got to the Ocean Theatre, the show was already wrapping up but fortunately, we caught a few glimpses of the dolphins' exhibition. Then, it was time to feed them up. Their trainers got them some fishes and fed them.
Adventure Land
After having lunch at the fast foods near Shark Mystique, we then walked to Adventure Land the next section of The Summit that we would explore. We passed by the Veterniary Centre and this place makes you feel that the marine animals are well taken care of. We checked out the place and found dolphins playing with floating boards. They seem to be smiling because of genuine fun :)
The first real thrill ride that we experienced here though, was the Mine Train. It is modeled like a Western American mining carts. What made the ride more thrilling was the fact that this ride was located at the side of the mountain and the sudden drops felt like you're being dropped from the summit.
We also rode the Raging River in which we climbed into a "log" boat and snaked through the narrow channels up to the top, then from there a little drop which could leave you drenched if you got unlucky.
Thrill Mountain
Thrill Mountain is where the most extreme rides in Ocean Park Hong Kong are located. There's Hair Raiser, Whirly Bird, Rev Booster, and The Flash. What amazed us most was The Flash. It somersaults 360 degrees and will leave you seeing the stars. We didn't try any of these rides, though, We weren't that brave enough :(
Check out The Flash below, and see if you're adventurous enough to take those 360 turns:
Tips for Wandering Peasants
- if you have the time, allocate one whole day to explore Ocean Park Hong Kong. It is so huge and half-day is not enough to fully experience all they have to offer
- if you have limited time, a half-day trip is feasible but you should come early, explore The Summit first, then The Waterfront in the afternoon
- most of the exciting rides are located at The Summit, especially at Thrill Mountain
Location
Useful Links and Info
Official Website
Facebook Page
Download Ocean Park Map here
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