Hong Kong Ocean Park.Hong Kong Ocean Park is one of the most spectacular Marine Parks in the world with the largest Marine Theatres in the world. It is also an Amusement Park perched atop two mountain peaks. You can take a stroll through a clear Plexi-glass tunnel that cuts through the heart of the massive Shark Tank. Hoards of giant Black-Tipped Reef sharks glide over your head and fat Groupers stare back at you through the glass walls of the tunnel. With those kinds of attributes, Hong Kong Ocean Park is a place I had to visit. I left my hotel room in Tsim Sha Tsui at 8am and began the short walk to the Hong Kong Tourist Information Office. I was walking South down Nathan road when a very chubby girl turned abruptly turned away from a store-front window and knocked into me from the side. I stopped and looked at her face. She gave me a slight apologetic gesture but I knew it hadn't been an accident. "Where are you going?" She asked 1.4 seconds after impact. I wasn't sure what to make of it. Her accent was English and her bum was as big as the sun. "I'm off to Hong Kong Ocean Park. I've heard a lot of good things about it but mainly I'm going to see the Giant Pandas." "Oh, yes. That's where they keep 'Le Le' and 'Ying Ying'." (Names of the 2 Giant Pandas) "Yes." "I'll join you." She said assuredly. That's all she said. I searched her eyes for her intention but she looked so innocent. She had a beautiful face and moved that bum like it was a gift from the gods. I liked her and I needed someone to hold the camera. Get Me to Hong Kong Ocean Park"Sure. You can come." I said then pointed South down Nathan road with my thumb. "I was just going to the Hong Kong Tourist Office to get the details on how to get there." "Oh. You don't worry about that. We can book the Hong Kong Ocean Park Full Day Tour "I'm the Cheapest Man in the World. I have to do this as cheaply as possible and as far away from the organized tours as possible. Are you still coming with me?" I asked in a hesitant tone. "It's the cheapest tour in town. They'll just pick us up outside our hotels and bring us to the gates of the 'Main Entrance' to Hong Kong Ocean Park. They'll give us maps and information packs and coupons to use in the Park. Then they return you to your hotel when you want to go home. No walking around with Grannies and a Tour Leader." "I'm trying to find the cheapest way to do absolutely everything," I admitted. She laughed at me. "You should walk then," she added and then laughed some more. I stared at her and before my eyes her fat cheeks bloomed and reddened under the cool morning sun. "Of course, I'm coming." She reassured me. "When you travel alone it's nice to meet someone to share it with." After she said that I was a little scared. "How do we get there?" I asked. "Hong Kong Ocean Park is on the South side of Hong Kong Island. The only other way to get there is an MTR and Citybus combination." "That side of Hong Kong Island is not served by anything but the bus," she said, shrugging her shoulders as though it was her fault. "Where do we get the bus?" I asked. "Follow me," she said. When she turned around, her long soft blond hair bloomed in the wind and smelled unforgettable. I followed her to the MTR station at Tsim Sha Tsui. It's 2 blocks up from the bottom of Nathan Road in Kowloon. We took the MTR's Tsuen Wan Line. 'Bloom Girl' (As I called her) stayed close to me in the packed train. She made me feel comfortable and certain. When our eyes met I was sure she had my best interests at heart. "What's your name?" She asked. "Houston." I lied. "Hello, Houston. My name's Lisa and I will be your guide to Hong Kong Ocean Park today," she said then smiled at her own humor. Our hands were almost touching the same part of the steel pole. We got off the MTR a single stop later at the 'Admiralty' station on Hong Kong Island. We took 'Exit B' out of the 'Admiralty' station. That took us directly to the Bus station just outside. A few minutes later the Citybus #629 arrived and we got on together. The CityBus #629 fares to Hong Kong Ocean Park are:
There are no stops along the way to Ocean Park so it takes no more than 20 to 25 minutes to get there. The ride was really nice around the South-Side of Hong Kong Island. Get the full Bus Route details from the Citybus Website. There are 2 stops at Hong Kong Ocean Park itself. If you get off on the first stop them you'll be at the 'Tai Shue Wan' entrance in the 'Highlands' area of the Park. You'll arrive at the 'Main Entrance' to Ocean Park only if you get off the bus at the second stop. But if you get off on the first stop by accident you can always take the free shuttle bus. The Shuttle Bus is about 59 Meters from the CityBus 629 stop. Just walk past 'Treasure Palace' to the end of the roundabout or Cul-De-Sac. The Shuttle bus runs ever 15-30 minutes depending on how busy the Park is. Hong Kong Ocean Park is divided into two sections. The larger of the two sections is the higher headlands of 'Mount Nanlang'. The lower and smaller section of the Park is in the 'Huang Zhu Keng Valley' lowlands.
The different parts of the park are connected by a gondola lift system (or cable car system). It is also connected by the world's second longest outdoor Escalator. If it's a windy day they'll often close down the Gondola. "Bloom Girl' and I got off the bus at the second stop. The 'Main Entrance' to Hong Kong Ocean Park was less than 20 Meters away. "I want to see the animals first," 'Bloom Girl' began as we walked to the 'Main Entrance'. "Maybe they are still sleep-drunk enough to forget that they're captives in a prison!" She declared without a smile. I liked her face when she spoke with such passion. A sort of grace came to her in those moments. Hong Kong Ocean Park Entrance Fees
$208HKD Per Person.
$103HKD Per Person.
No Charge. I saw a few kids clearly over 5 get into the Park for free with a lie or 2. "My Boy is 3 and he doesn't have ID yet." That's just what I heard from a few families entering the Park. I'm not recommending it but I tell all. The girl shook my arm. "Are you gonna pay?" "Of course." I said. I had learned my lesson. Then I noticed a sign at the Ticket window that said it was free for the handicapped and kids under 3 years old. "Any chance you can act a bit handicapped?" I asked her. I had a big smile on my face but I'm not sure if I was joking. "Do I look handicapped?" she asked. Her face was filled with red anger. "And besides....you don't say handicapped. It's correct to say 'Physically Challenged'!" Even my pessimism couldn't argue with her honorable and couragous intentions. Hong Kong Ocean Park is open from 10am - 6pm everyday but in the summer months the closing hour is extended to 11pm. The Lowlands of Hong Kong Ocean ParkAfter we got our tickets, we headed to the 'Main Entrance' ticketing office. I had done my homework. If you want to swim with the Dolphins then you absolutely MUST remember to register for the 'Dolphin Encounter Program' at the at the 'Main Entrance' Ticketing Office. If you purchase your tickets online with the Full Day Tour Many people forget to register or just don't know that you must register. It's a shame because swimming with the dolphins is an experience I'll never forget and hope to do again soon. After we had registered, we went through the Main gates and veered right. I was being dragged along and guessed we were off to see the Giant Pandas. We had to pass through the 'Sky Fair' on our right side. They have a few balloons that you can get into. They float over the Park for views that astound. But the girl was too scared of heights and she carried on past all the air balloons and we soon came upon the Hong Kong Jockey Giant Panda Habitat. This is home to the Giant Pandas. They are very popular but I felt sorry for them. People just stare at them all day.
"Bloom Girl' and I watched one Giant Panda sleep like it was dead on that big rock. It was interesting because I had never seen a Giant Panda but the effect wore off quickly. Then I got hit in the side of the head. "They shouldn't keep animals in cages like this. It's cruel and barbaric," 'Bloom Girl' mumbled just loud enough for me to hear. That's when I knew the day would be a long one. "Well, that's what we do," I responded. "When I was nine, I had a Hamster and you probably had a Goldfish." 'Bloom Girl' just looked at me as though I hadn't yet evolved into a human being. So I kept talking. "Hong Kong Ocean Park is home to 4 Giant Pandas. 'Jia Jia' (Girl) and 'An An' (Boy) as well as 'Le Le' (Boy) and 'Ying Ying' (Girl)," I said, reading from a Park Brochure I'd taken from the Ticket office. "You agree with this cruelty?" 'Bloom Girl' looked at me in obvious disappointment. "You knew they were here," I said to her. "Why did you come?" "Because the rides and the views alone are worth the trip." Then she hesitated for a second before looking me in the eyes. "And I think I'm in love with you." She walked away before I could respond. What to See in The 'Lowlands' of Hong Kong Ocean Park?
The Skyfair is a circular open area surrounded by 3-4 Hot Air Balloons. SkyStar is the larger Hot-Air Balloon. There are food stalls and first-aid stations in case you fall on a banana peel. You'll also find restrooms and souvenir shops with the Hong Kong Ocean Park Logo everywhere.
The Skystar is the largest of the Hot-Air Balloons. It sits at the center of the SkyFair area. You can get into the basket of the balloon and let it lift you as much as 60M above the crowds and the Park. The Balloon is permanently attached to the ground by a long cable so there is no danger of flying away. Unless you want to get romantic and cut the cable before you get on. You could bring a bottle of wine and ask your girlfriend to marry you wile you're flying helplessly out to sea. You might crash but she'd never say no!
The Go Kart ride was a lot of fun. It is located very near the SkyStar and is a huge oval track with go-carts that claimed to do 60km/h. But you'll have to pay an extra fee for the right to find out. I am so cheap that I didn't do the Hong Kong Ocean Park Grand Prix. Its $40HKD for a Go-Cart with one seat in it and $50HKD for a Go-Kart with 2 seats in it. Great for taking a date. Scare her and she might find your shoulder of comfort.
This was the first thing we actually stopped to have a look at. It's located between the Grand Prix and the SkyFair. The Exhibit is an impressive attempt at recreating the natural environment of the Pandas. Watching Giant Pandas sleep was like watching grass grow.
Smelled a lot like old socks. You can just jump up on this huge trampoline. It can throw you way into the sky above Hong Kong Ocean Park because of its unusually large size. I felt like an idiot surrounded by 10 year old kids though. Hong Kong Ocean Park Kid's WorldKids world is on the East side of the 'Lowlands' area of Ocean Park. It's obviously a place geared for children but there is a real interactive educational theme that exists in all the attractions. Me and 'Bloom Girl' spent 20 minutes just writing the names down of all the attractions and getting a quick glance at excited children and the bored faces of their Parents. "You seem to love Children," 'bloom Girl' said to me with wide glistening eyes. "Naw. Hate the little buggers," I replied.
I didn't think that birds were capable of being trained to put on such a complex and entertaining show. You'll come away thinking these birds are geniuses or you've been the victim of some illusion.
Pretty typical Merry Go Round. It was filled with little Kids smiling until you could see their missing teeth. I didn't go on it because 'Bloom Girl' had become a heavy Burden. I could tell she had a romantic day planned and I wasn't holding up my end. "What the Hell are we doing here? These poor animals are up for slaughter!" She screamed from behind me. "What do you eat?" I asked. "Vegetables and Fruit and Tofu and endless things. Stuff that doesn't include killing animals!" She said with her arms out like she was frustrated with a child that would not understand the most basic idea. I reached out and held one of her hands gently. She was silent as her face filled with tender redness. Grace and Femininity ruled her gesture and expression. But I still couldn't stop my mouth. "Wow. Hearing you talk about food has made me hungry. I could eat a horse!"
Sheep and Cows and hatching chickens and every other animal you'd find on a farm. I got into a great talk with an old Goat. Kids just love it. But if you don't have kids, don't even bother with the 'Kid's World' except for the next attraction...
This is where they do the behind-the-scenes tours if you want to get up-close and personal with the Dolphins. A lot of it seemed geared for Kids but it seemed the Adults ruled the day in the Dolphin pool. You actually get in the water with them and can touch them as they swim past. Unforgettable.
A good Hong Kong Dolphin Watch Tour The Dolphin Tour takes you out on a boat to the waters that lie between Hong Kong and Macau. The Dolphins in these waters are pinker than the Boto Dolphins in the Amazon River in South America. It's amazing to see them at play, racing ahead of the bow of the boat and yet so near one of the world's busiest shipping centers and most densely populated urban areas. They even guarantee your money back if you don't see a Dolphin. "You have to get me the Hell out of here!" Demanded 'Bloom Girl' without warning. I had been paying more attention to the Dolphins than her. I was shocked because she had been smiling like a horse with chewing gum or Peanut Butter in her mouth. She never once yelled at me or raised her voice but she spoke loud and clear with her face and her gestures. "Then let's take the Cable Car back up to the headlands and hit some of the rides," I suggested. She just nodded. I think she was a little embarrassed.
The Gondola lift system connects the two parts of Hong Kong Ocean Park. It takes only 8 minutes to reach the headlands so have your Camera The views of Repulse Bay, Deep Water Bay, Aberdeen and the South China Sea are spectacular. You can also look down at the Park and see the Atoll Reef, the Shark Aquarium, Ocean Theater and Ocean Park Tower. There is not a better viewing spot in the whole city. You'll regret this one if you don't bring your camera on the Cable Car. When winds are high at Hong Kong Ocean Park, they shut down the Gondola Lift. You'll have to use one of the longest escalators in the world instead. It stops at the 'Pacific Pier', the 'Mine Train, the 'Raging River', 'Middle Kingdom and finally the Bird Paradise. What to see in the Highlands of Hong Kong Ocean Park
Ocean Park Tower is a slowly revolving Observation deck 72 meters or about 236 feet above Hong Kong Ocean Park. You can get some terrific views of the entire Park as well as the South China sea. Middle KingdomBeyond the Panda habitat you'll enter the 'Dinosaur-Now and Then' exhibits in the Middle Kingdom. The Middle Kingdom is a place filled with Ancient Temples, Pavilions and Streets. The format is educational and was interesting to learn how the Dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years ago. 'Dinosaur- Now and Then' attractions also include the Chinese Alligator and Chinese Giant Salamander. Here you can see vivid dinosaur models, especially the model of Tyrannosaurus Rex. "I wonder if men have changed since the Dinosaur?" 'Bloom Girl' asked under her breath. I heard her and she knew it. "A girl looking like you would make the men mad. So, yes men probably haven't changed much." 'Bloom girl laughed and smiled at me. She leaned into me and touched my elbow. That part of me is very sensitive and I was hers. We continued on arm-in-arm.
They keep mainly California sea lions here but there were also a few other species of seals on display. They just sit far away from the California Seals probably because they are American. It smells like fish in there but it's a clean place overall.
Ocean Theater is the heart of 'Marineland' in the 'Lowlands' area of Ocean Park. It's an open-air theater with a large Pool at it's center and surrounded with tier seating for spectators They run scheduled performances where trainers put the Sea-Lions and Dolphins through a pretty good Performance. They jump through hoops and do all the standard tricks but it was nice. Not so for 'Bloom Girl' though. "Those poor animals are forced to perform against their will," she kept saying. "They look like they're having fun," I kept saying and she kept looking at me like a terrible Ape. She had the most beautiful green eyes that glistened when she was angry. You can also see Sharks, Penguins And Killer Whales housed in simulated environments similar to their natural habitat. My only complaint was the sheer numbers of people. Be ready for crowds even on a weekday.
Lota birds.
A nice pond that is full of fat flamingos. It's well-kept and a pleasant place. Even 'Bloom Girl' seemed unoffended. But I'm always wrong with girls. Always.
First Opened in 2006. This aquarium was built to display the more than 400 jelly fishes. Definitely worth a look at these amazing creatures in such vast numbers.
This is a plastic underwater viewing tunnel that you walk through and see the sharks all around you. I really enjoyed just watching the big Black Tipped Reef Sharks gliding through the water just over my head. It was like being down there with them only I was safe from being eaten. Ask any of the Staff about the feeding times of the sharks. Divers swim down and feed them with meat on the end of metal 'sticks'.
This is the Big One. It's a four-storied elliptical fishbowl with six centimeters (about 2.4 inches) of glass separating you from more than 2000 fish comprising 250 different species. You will find a nice collection of Sharks, Tropical Fish, Morays, Groupers, Turtles and over 400 kinds of maritime animals from the Pacific Islands or the South China Sea. Highlands RidesQueues at the park are generally quite short, maxing at around 1 hour on weekends but usually less during the week.
This roller coaster is all steel and fast with a maximum speed of 77 km/h. You fly through the 842 meters of track in about 2.623 minutes. In that time you will blast through three loops and a corkscrew turn. Wear a diaper is the best advice I can give and you may want to forgo that extra hot dog before you get on. Check out The Video at the bottom of the page.
A steel "mine train" roller coaster with 678 Meters of track. It first opened in 2000. You sit in a steel box like they used to use in the mines and set you on a wild ride. It's dark at times as if you were at the bottom of a mine shaft, racing through the dark damp tunnels at 100kph. Then you come outside at a fast pace only to realize that you are literally hanging off the side of a mountain. 3 thumbs up for me.
The Absyss will transport you 62 metres skyward on a 185 foot tower. It then sits at the very top to allow you to get lost in the amazing vistas of the South China Sea. You get caught up in it all. Then you drop so quickly it forces your cheeks into your eye-sockets. It's a 20 story drop.
The Flying Swing is another ride where tourists are swung in chairs as high as seven meters (about 23 feet) through a gyrating wave. When it begins to swing, it feels like you'll be thrown off but.....maybe thrown up?
This is a huge Pirate Ship almost as big as a real one. You sit inside and it swings back and forth like a pendulum. Really fun for 3 swings, upsetting after 7 swings and I lost my lunch somewhere after.
A pretty standard sized Ferris Wheel that offers great views of the Park and the surrounding mountains as well as the harbour and many of the outlying Islands.
A steel "mine train" roller coaster with 678 metres of track. It first opened in 2000. You sit in a steel box like they used in the mines in the 1800's. You're set off on a wild ride where darkness is thick at the bottom of the mine shaft as you race along at 100kph.
The Raging River is a Roller-Coaster only on water and you sit in a hollowed out log. Expect to get wet but that is often welcomed in Hong Kong Ocean Park where it can get well above 33 Degrees.
Some of the biggest complaints are the crowds. The park is currently undergoing a massive expansion scheduled to finish in 2009. No rides will be closed during this period but the construction work does restrict people from areas that would otherwise be open. Queues at the park are generally around 1 hour on weekends and half that on weekdays. Bring lots of water because you'll sweat a lot in the summer heat. Hong Kong can go up to 33 degrees Celsius in June, July and August. There are lots of food stalls and restaurants inside the Park but they are expensive and without substance. In the war against the heat bring your hat, sun glasses and comfortable walking shoes. If you rent a car and drive there then expect to pay $70HKD for parking. Most opinions I came across during the research on Hong Kong Ocean Park were not favorable. I really enjoyed myself but in Honesty I preferred Disneyland.
Hong Kong Ocean Park is more geared towards educating rather than just entertaining the Kids. Their agenda is often Conservation of natural resources and protection of endangered fish stocks. Enough people told me that the Roller Coasters and other extreme rides at Ocean Park are more extreme than Disneyland. Half of Ocean Park is perched high on a mountain overlooking the water and the other half is at the bottom of the mountain connected by cable cars. The roller-coaster literally hangs off the mountain - it's worth seeing just to marvel at the layout of it all. It's kind of a zoo, Fun Park and SeaWorld allwrapped into one. Get less info but more flash of Hong Kong Ocean Park at  This is a video-ride on the roller coaster at Hong Kong Ocean Park. Look at some of the views you get of the surrounding mountains and the glistening ocean in the backdrop. Leave Hong Kong Ocean Park and find a Cheap Hotel.
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