Day 4: Of Pandas and Sea Creatures - Ocean Park Hong Kong (Part 6 of 8)

Part 6 of 8
April 7, 2013
Ocean Park Hong Kong

When I was creating our itinerary for this Hong Kong trip, I made sure I wouldn't miss visiting the Pandas in Hong Kong. It was the nearest and most convenient country where I can see these gentle giants.

We settled in our hostel almost midnight, but I made sure my friends and I will get up at 6am to get to Ocean Park early in the morning. We don't have to line up for the tickets, since we already got ones from a ticketing agent.

Getting to Ocean Park

1. Take MTR from Mongkok to Admiralty.
2. Get off Admiralty station, exit station (follow the signs)
3. Take the Shuttle Bus 629 to Ocean Park (HKD 10.5, Octopus card accepted)

Bus 629 that will take you directly to Ocean Park

At the Ocean Park

This is the more organized park than Disneyland. There are separate counters for those who have their vouchers already, those who have their annual pass and for same-day purchases. Since we have our vouchers already, we just presented them and the actual tickets are handed to us.

Ticket Counters

Our first stop is the Grand Aquarium. Similar to the Manila Ocean Park, different sea creatures can be found here - from stone fishes to seahorses to rays and even a whole tube dedicated solely for milkfishes, aka bangus- glittering as the sun shines on them.

The Grand Aquarium

Parrot fishes

Dory!

Spider crabs

Manta Ray

I insisted that we go to the Amazing Asian Animals - where my favorite animal is in - Pandas! It is just a small place, where you can see the Giant Panda and the Red Panda.

Red Panda

Giant Panda

After the Amazing Asian Animals, we watched the Sealions at the Whiskers Theatre, right outside the Panda stations.

The Talking Tree

The flexible Sea Lion

Goldfishes

Ocean Park is relatively a large park, with other attractions at the upper part of the area. You can basically take the Ocean Express - their own tram up to the Thrill Mountain or take the cable car. We dissed the cable car, cause one experience is enough - I don't want to go with that same feeling again. :(

At the top of the mountain, rides are everywhere. There are roller coasters and more thrilling rides. If you are more into adventures and adrenalin rush, you can visit Ocean Park at your first day and Disneyland at your last.

Flash - the ride that will definitely not for the lighthearted. It will rock from side to side, and turn 180 degrees from the floor, with your feet up.

Hair raiser - roller coaster with loop

Loop and loop

Pacific Blast - Edge Coaster

Aside from the rides, South Pole adventures is also situated at the top of the mountain, where you can see the penguins, walruses, sea lions and white foxes.

Penguins: Do the Happy Feet Dance

Snow foxes

Walrus

The Mermaid - Sea Lions. 

Rainforest is basically a walking station where you can see various food stalls and mini-rides as well.

By 4:00 in the afternoon, we were on our way back to Mongkok where we will meet my Tita and bound for another destination.


Travel tips:

1. Be as early as possible. There are Ocean Park mascots where you can get your pictures taken with. Being early means you avoid the long lines.

2. Get a copy of the map. It will not only serve as a souvenir, but will make sure you don't get lost in the park.

3. You can spend a half day in Ocean Park - if you are not into the rides and would like to see the animals only. Long lines will definitely take much of your time. (My friends lined up at the Polar Express, and I decided to walk around, I was able to visit 3 more attractions they missed. I was able to return before they exited the ride.)

4. Bring umbrellas. There are no covered walkways in the Thrill Mountain, you will need umbrellas to protect you from the rain and the sun.