Ocean Park
Situated in Aberdeen, on the south side of the Hong Kong Island, Ocean Park (香港海洋公園) promises an excellent day out for an individual or the entire family. With over 40 attractions spread across 870,000 square meters of sub-tropical land, Hong Kong Ocean Park combines entertainment, education and nature in a unique way. With over 60 million visitors since its establishment 28 years ago and over three million people visitors every year, Ocean Park is a well established tourist attraction in Pacific Asia.
Panoramic View from the Cable Car
Ocean Park comprises of two primary sections; Headland and Lowland. Visitors have a choice of entering the park from either of those two main entrances. Interconnecting the two sections is a frequent bus service travelling around the mountain. However the best way to travel across the two sites is by far the cable car system that covers 1.5km over the mountain, offering magnificent panoramic views of woodland hillside and Southern China Sea.
Each of the Headland and Lowland sections are divided into several distinct areas featuring all sorts of attractions, including the Bird Paradise, Adventure Land, Marine Land, Headland Rides, Lowland Gardens and Kids World.
The Flamingo Pond
The Bird Paradise offers the visitor a memorable encounter with over 150 species of birds, some of which, declared endangered. The section includes a Flamingo Pond and the Aviaries, which is an enclosed true canopy environment thriving with birds. There is also chance to see some rare swan species that can be found swimming gracefully in nearby small lakes.
The Adventure Land is a wild break that contradicts the peaceful environment offered by the Bird Paradise. The Mine Train, Space Wheel and Raging River are some of the attractions in this section, offering some good doses of excitement.
The Pacific Pier
The Marine Land has to be one of the key attractions of Hong Kong Ocean Park. It comprises of the Pacific Pier, Atoll Reef, Shark Aquarium, Ocean Theatre and Park Tower. The Pacific Pier, an artificial representation of Northern Californian coasts, is home to 20 seals and sea lions. Visitors have a chance to participate on a feeding session, watch the seals lying lazily under the sun, or be impressed by their swimming abilities that can be observed while at an underwater tunnel. The Atoll Reef truly is a magnificent spectacle; 250 species of rare marine wildlife, often only seen on documentaries, is pleasure for the eye. It also offers a cool environment to escape from the hot sun, especially while visiting Ocean Park from spring towards late summer. The Shark Aquarium is nearby and follows a very similar pattern. It features 35 species of sharks and a stunning underwater passage that for most visitors that will be as close as ever getting to this amazing underwater predator. The Ocean Theatre features a stunning acrobatic display performed by dolphins and sea lions. Marine Land concludes with the Ocean Park Tower; a 72 meter, gently rotating lift, offering excellent panoramic view of the hillside.
The Headland Rides
The Headland Rides is packed with high-dose adrenaline rides overlooking the sea. The most challenging ones are the Abyss turbo drop; 185ft, 5 second free fall and the Dragon; 2.5 minute rollercoaster ride, full of twists, turns, loops and a top speed of 77km/h. Others, but not least, include the Flying Swing, Eagle, Crazy Galleon and the Ferris Wheel.
The Giant Panda Habitat
Key Lowland Garden attractions include the Giant Panda Habitat, Dinosaurs Now and Then, Butterfly House and Goldfish Pagoda. Giant Panda Habitat is home to An An and Jia Jia, the two infamous giant pandas. Visitors have a chance to observe the two pandas on their daily routine tasks; eating and blissfully resting in their artificially prepared habitat. Dinosaurs Now and Then takes the visitor, back in time 65 million years ago, on a educational virtual tour that will certainly capture the attention of the younger audience. Back in present, there is also a chance to see the endangered Chinese Alligator, Chinese Giant Salamander as well as small-clawed Otters. The Butterfly House is situated within a giant glass cocoon that is home to several species of exotic butterflies. The surrounding vegetation is equally impressive, including orchids and other exotic plants. Goldfish Pagoda captivates visitor with over 100 varieties of Chinese and Japanese goldfish of all shapes, sizes and colours. The surrounding environment comprises of small lakes topped up with water lilies and a replica of a traditional Japanese house.
Finally, Kids' World features a plethora of performances, shows and games specifically intended for younger viewers. This section includes the Dolphin University and Whiskers Theatre. Whiskers the sea lion, is the official Ocean Park mascot.
Hong Kong Ocean Park is a fantastic experience for visitors of any age group. Due to its vast size and numerous attractions, it will certainly take at least one day to explore. Opening hours are 10:00am to 6:00pm, seven days a week. The Citybus Route 629 runs every 10 minutes from Admiralty MTR and every 20 minutes from Central Star Ferry. This is also the most convenient way to visit Ocean Park, as admissions tickets can be directly purchased from the Citybus Route 629 Terminal prior departure. Annual discounted passes are also available. Full details regarding ticket pricing and other general information can be obtained via the Ocean Park Hong Kong interactive website.