Mohit Daga (@MOHIT881923)Entrepreneur | Traveler | Photographer | Co-founder of myroamingspirit We will continue from where we left in the first part... The word ADULT printed on the ticket proved that Ocean Park’s not for kids only. Hehe .. so I consoled myself. A single day in Hong Kong is a sensory-busting experience. Get an early start at the massive Ocean Park — Hong Kong’s answer to SeaWorld, but much more animal-friendly (they don’t have Orcas). We were welcomed graciously by the staff at Ocean Park, a rather far cry from Genting Highlands Theme Park where you marched in and the attendant at the gate would only glance at your wrist, not your face. Once entering, do not rush but instead take your own sweet time preparing your own itinerary. Grab a map and the daily show schedule available at the entrance, and plan your erm … “journey” else you’ll be running around in circles wondering when and where the shows are being held. But rest assured all the shows and feeding schedule are presented at least twice a day, and some may not be worth spending time on. Located in the Southern District of Hong Kong, Wong Chuk Hang, Ocean Park is one of the top tourist destinations in Hong Kong. This marine-life theme park features thrill rides, world-class entertainments and animal exhibits. It is the first Asian winner of the Applause Award, the most prestigious awards in the amusement and theme park industry, in 2012 for its outstanding entertainment. Are you wondering what we did there? Oh well, we did nothing but had fun! So if you are also planning to go here, I am giving you 12 reasons to try its diverse selection of world-class marine attractions, rides and shows! This home-grown Hong Kong theme park is loved by young and old and locals and tourists alike, and ticks a whole load of convenience boxes by virtue of its location on the Southside of Hong Kong Island. The downside? The place is so popular that the sheer volume of people can be overwhelming, particularly if you’re visiting with younger kids. The claustrophobic crowds and seemingly endless queues for rides and refreshments can make the whole venture seem like more hassle than it’s worth.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. A few little tweaks to the itinerary can make all the difference when it comes to making the most of your day at Ocean Park. I dispatched Mr and Master T-T to Aberdeen as field researchers and asked them to report back on their findings to see if we could create the ultimate schedule – a theme park hack, if you will – enabling everyone to enjoy a fun day out without frayed tempers at the panda enclosure. Here’s how they did: The easy option: bunk off Quite simply, the best way to get the most out of your day at Ocean Park is to go during the week – crowds are always smaller and so getting around is much easier. However, as that’s not an option for many of us *shakes fist at pesky work and school commitments*, sometimes you’ve just got to roll up your sleeves, gird your loins and visit at the weekend. And that’s when a little bit of cunning strategy comes in handy Finally, it’s not strictly allowed, but you may want to sneak in something with you for lunch as Ocean Park really isn’t known for its fine dining options. Or indeed for its edible dining options. The food is of usual theme park standards i.e. not great, so I’d definitely recommend packing a few sandwiches and a bottle of water at the bottom of a bag. However don’t be tempted to bring a whole picnic; every time we visit there’s a family who have brought along carrier bags full of Café de Coral’s finest, only to be turned away, so pack light and disguise your stash under spare clothes – an Ocean Park t-shirt will probably throw them off the scent… Set your alarm Hong Kong is not, in general, a city packed with early risers. Use this to your advantage by getting to the gates just as they open – this is 10am at the weekend and 10.30am during the week. Plan to arrive on time – earlier if you don’t have your tickets in advance – and grab a map on your way in if you aren’t familiar with the park. YES! You read it right, Ocean Park has occupied two provinces of Hong Kong as it is composed of two major theme parks namely; The Summit and The Waterfront. These parks can be reached by a very looooong Cable Car system and Ocean Express funicular railway(a choice for those who will die of fear of heights) HAHAHA. Cable car ride connecting the Lowlands and Marine Land (FOC sight-seeing opportunity). However bear in mind the crowd may be daunting come peak hours, so allocate some extra time if you’re rushing for a show on the other side of the mountains I feel nothing but excitement. I wanted to enjoy all of the extremely thrilling rides. I wanted to experience the best things Ocean Park has to offer for an adult who’s a kid-at-heart like me. And here are my Top Three Extreme Rides you shouldn’t miss. THE FLASH n HAIR RAISER Personally, Ocean Park’s Hair Raiser is the best among all thrilling rides in the park. It is the fastest roller coaster in Hong Kong and it’s their first and only floorless roller coaster. I’m telling you, this is not called Hair Raiser for nothing! Aside from their nerve-wracking rides, Ocean Park has an amazing set of attractions that promote an environmental awareness focusing on the marine life and lovely endangered mammals. Here’s a quick tour to the other side of the park. The Grand Aquarium Seated at Ocean Theatre, you will find yourself gasping with awe at the twists and turns a trio of dolphins makes as it leaps dramatically over a trainer in the water. Minutes later, a trio of seals responds to commands from a cast of characters in this “Ocean Wonders” show. The message to support conservation will not be lost on you. In fact, the conservation message features heavily throughout the Ocean Park exhibits and shows. Thoroughly thrilled, head to the Amazing Asian Animals section to see giant pandas feeding on bamboo and the elusive red panda slinking through tree branches. I was awestruck with cute (and ridiculously expensive) stuffs inside the souvenir shop that i didn't even think of taking pictures at first, but after a while (and getting sick of being surprised of the crazy pricing they have *LOL*) i remembered my blog and whipped out my trusty pinko! As tiring as it may seem to cover the entire site of Ocean Park Hong Kong on foot, the sites to see and the endless fun you’ll have will make you totally forget all about your throbbing feet and tired legs. Spare an entire day exploring Ocean Park Hong Kong With a ton of attractions and a variety of things you can do while exploring the vast area of Ocean Park Hong Kong, it is advisable to spare an entire day to maximize your visit. My top picks (which I have already mentioned above) do not even cover half of the theme park’s entire list of offerings. Other things to keep in mind during your visit to Ocean Park Hong Kong Depending on the weather and climate during your Ocean Park Hong Kong adventure, just make sure to have water handy. It can get quite tiring albeit immensely enjoyable. Prepare yourself mentally and muster enough patience as you encounter long queues in some areas. Ladies, please wear flat shoes or rubber shoes. Believe me, you’ll be thankful you did. Parents, make sure to always keep an eye on your children. It gets pretty crowded at times and losing sight of your kid is the last thing you’d want to happen. Enjoy! That’s right! Once you’re there, just enjoy the experience. Have fun and know that everything (yes, including the long lines) are part of what makes Ocean Park Hong Kong an amazing destination for friends and family. Ocean Park Hong Kong – Admission Fees and more Day Admission Ticket: Adult – HK$345 Child – HK$173 SmartFun Gold Pass: Adult – HK$960 Child – HK$480 Full-Time Students (aged 12-25)* – HK$670 (Unlimited admission to Ocean Park within a year, excluding private evening functions and wedding banquets) SmartFun Silver Pass: Adult – HK$740 Child – HK$370 (Unlimited day-time admission to Ocean Park from Mondays to Fridays, and before 12NN on Saturdays within a year. Excluding public holidays, special night events, private evening functions and wedding banquets) Car Park: Mon-Sun and Public Holidays – HK$120 Operating Hours: Opens at 10AM daily with extended hours during event. Contact details: Ocean Park Hong Kong 180 Wong Chuk Hang Road Aberdeen, Hong Kong T: (852) 3923 2888 F: (852) 2873 5584 Instagram: @hkoceanpark facebook.com/oceanparkhongkong www.oceanpark.com.hk I loved Hong Kong and regret coming to Asia so often yet never having made it here before. Hong Kong is simply an amazing and energetic city that you should visit, and I need to return for a much longer visit. I knew nothing about the city other than that I hogged noodles and walked miles to eat dumplings while I was there. We actually just slept on the floor because we were so tired and didn't have to time to look for somewhere better. to be continued … with Dinner @ RED ANT, Hawker food and Desserts @ Shek Moh Fong …. Victoria harbor ferry ride...
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