Even before Hong Kong Disneyland opened its doors to the public, there was one theme park that both locals and foreigners can visit for a full day of fun and adventure. I am referring to none other than Ocean Park Hong Kong. This particular theme park is considered as one of the world’s best theme parks that provide entertainment and promote education.

Ocean Park is located in Aberdeen towards the Southern part of the Hong Kong island and quite near to a number of discount hotels in Hong Kong. The park opens at 9:00 am and closes at 6:30pm. Those who would like to spend half a day or a full day at Ocean Park can purchase General Admission tickets at the park’s main entrance and at the Tai Shue Wan entrance. Alternatively, tickets are also available at the Citybus Bus Route 629 Terminal which can be found near the Admiralty MTR station (exit B) and also via the Ocean Park Online Ticketing System.

This amusement park is so huge that it is hard to imagine how one can finish exploring the park grounds in less than one day.

Here is a list of the top ten things that all visitors of Ocean Park Hong Kong must do during the visit:

1. GET A PARK MAP – Needless to say, visitors must get a copy of the map. This is the perfect guide for all the attractions, important details including show schedule and the exact location of restaurants, comfort rooms, etc.

2. CONQUER YOUR FEARS OF HEIGHTS BY RIDING THE CABLE CAR – No trip to Ocean Park is complete without trying the famous Cable Car. Ocean Park is divided into two main sections – the Lowland Gardens and the Headland. To transfer from one section to the other, visitors can choose between riding the Cable Car or taking any of the free shuttle buses provided by the park but where’s the fun in riding the bus? The view from the Cable Car is simply breathtaking! Oh, remember to have souvenir photo taken in front of the Cable Car to remind you of your experience.

3. VISIT THE PANDAS AT THE GIANT PANDA HABITAT – There is usually a pretty long queue outside the habitat. Obviously, the giant pandas have a lot of fans because they are simply adorable. If you are lucky, you will see the pandas near the glass dividers and enjoying scrumptious bamboo leaves. When you finish watching the pandas, you can check out the souvenir shop and buy yourself panda plush toys, key chains, notebooks, and other novelty items.

4. WATCH THE AMAZING BIRDS SHOW – Check your park map and see the exact schedule of the Amazing Birds Show because this is another act that you should not miss in Ocean Park. During the show, birds perform an endless assortment of tricks that will make you laugh so hard your insides will hurt. You will realize that birds are really intelligent creatures.

5. BE MESMERIZED AT THE SEA JELLY SPECTACULAR – A lot of visitors head to this attraction to be surrounded by sea jellies and watch these interesting creatures in their graceful movements and glow-in-the-dark form.

6. HAVE CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH DIFFERENT MARINE CREATURES AT THE ATOLL REEF – It is easy for this attraction to be a crowd favorite. You can see a lot of aquariums filled with sea horses, clown fish, and a lot more. The best part is there are tunnel-like passageways that will allow you to study giant fishes including sharks and sting rays up close.

7. GO SHARK GAZING AT THE SHARK AQUARIUM –There is an underwater viewing tunnel where you can stare all you want at the Stingrays and Sharks that seem to be within your reach.

8. GET HIGH ON BOARD THE OCEAN PARK TOWER – If you cannot get enough of the breathtaking view from the Cable Car ride then you can hop on the Ocean Park Tower. You will get to see the entire park to as far as the South China Sea.

9. WATCH SHOWS AT THE OCEAN THEATER – The Ocean Theater is my favorite! I really enjoy watching Dolphins and Sea Lion perform tricks before a lively crowd. You can check your park map for the specific show schedule so that you can go to the Ocean Theater early and reserve seats.

10. CATCH YOUR BREATH WHILE TRYING THE HEADLAND AND ADVENTURE LAND RIDES – Do not ever leave the park without trying the exhilarating rides like the Abyss, The Dragon, Flying Swing, Turbo Drop, The Eagle, Space Wheel etc. My favorite is the Mine Train. They will even take your picture for souvenir.

Of course, Ocean Park Hong Kong is too big to just limit yourself with these ten “must-dos.” Try to experiment and discover what the park has in store for you. The most important thing to remember is no matter what you do and where you go, make it a point to make the most out of your visit. HAVE FUN!

HELPFUL INFORMATION:

Admission Price – Monday to Friday HK$ 70; Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays HK$ 80 (prices are good for one day)

For more information, please do visit Ocean Park’s Official Website: http://www.oceanpark.com.hk

Posted in Attractions, Hong Kong, Things to do

This entry was posted on Friday, October 16th, 2009 at 12:15 am and is filed under Attractions, Hong Kong, Things to do. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.