Our Family’s Ocean Park Experience: Thrill Rides and Marine Life Up Close

On our third day in Hong Kong, we made our way to Ocean Park—and wow, what a shift from yesterday’s rain-soaked adventure at Disneyland. The skies were clear, the sun was up and shining brightly, and the summer heat was in full swing. It was August, after all, and Hong Kong doesn’t hold back.

Even with the heat, we're still eager and excited. This was our first time visiting Ocean Park, and my family was all in—ready to explore, ride, and discover everything the park had to offer.

How To Get There?

Getting to Ocean Park is pretty straightforward, whether you're staying near Central or coming from another part of Hong Kong.

Since we were staying at Mini Central Hotel, we took the MTR from Central Station. First, we hopped on the Island Line heading toward Chai Wan, then transferred at Admiralty Station to the South Island Line, which took us directly to Ocean Park Station. The whole trip was smooth and easy!

If you're not coming from Central, no worries. Just make your way to Admiralty Station, which is a major interchange on the MTR. From there, transfer to the South Island Line and ride just one stop to Ocean Park Station. The station is right next to the park entrance, so you won’t need to walk far.

Whether you're coming from Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, or Causeway Bay, the MTR system makes it super convenient. Just follow the signs, and you’ll be there in no time.

Ticket Prices

The ticket prices are as follows:

Adult Ticket: HKD 498 (approximately PHP 3,500)
Child Ticket: HKD 249 (approximately PHP 1,750)

These prices provide access to a wide range of attractions and experiences, making it a great value for families.

Exploring Ocean Park

Ocean Park Hong Kong is divided into two main sections, The Waterfront and The Summit, which are further subdivided into eight themed zones: Amazing Asian Animals, Aqua City, and Whiskers Harbour are in The Waterfront, while Marine World, Thrill Mountain, Adventure Land, Polar Adventure, and Rainforest are in The Summit.

These sections are connected by a scenic cable car system and the Ocean Express funicular railway.

The Grand Aquarium

We kicked off our adventure at The Grand Aquarium. Walking through the tunnel, we were mesmerized by the array of marine life, including colorful fish, starfish, crabs, sharks, and stingrays. It was our first time seeing these incredible creatures up close, and we were amazed by the size of the aquarium. The experience was both educational and awe-inspiring, making it a perfect start to our day.

Taking the Cable Car to The Summit

After soaking in the marine wonders, we followed recommendations online to explore the upper attractions first. We hopped on the Cable Car to reach The Summit. The ride was reminiscent of the Ngong Ping Cable Cars we enjoyed on our first day in Hong Kong, though these were a bit smaller and felt a little cramped with all four of us inside. However, the views were breathtaking! To our left, we gazed at the vast ocean, while the lush greenery of the mountains unfolded to our right.

Lunch at Clown Corner

Once we arrived at The Summit, we decided to refuel at Clown Corner restaurant in Thrill Mountain. Our orders included a variety of dishes, and I particularly loved the beef stew with noodles—it was a hit with the entire family!

Thrilling Rides

After lunch, we were ready for some action—and Ocean Park didn’t disappoint. We tried a few rides that gave us everything from belly laughs to full-on screams. Some were intense, others were just plain fun, and each one added something special to our day.

We didn’t get to ride everything (Ocean Park is seriously huge), and with only one day to explore, we had to pick and choose. There were zones we didn’t even reach, and a few rides we had to skip because of time. Honestly, we wish we had more hours—or better yet, two days—to really take it all in.

I’ll be sharing a separate post soon with all the juicy details and our personal ratings for each ride we tried. Trust me, there’s a lot to talk about!

Polar Adventure Zone

After the thrilling rides, we ventured into the Polar Adventure Zone. Here, aside from the Arctic Blast ride, we explored the North Pole Encounter. While we didn’t spot any polar bears, we were captivated by the spotted seals and walruses. Watching a walrus swim back and forth was hilarious; it looked like it was practicing for a swimming competition! One walrus even lay down in the water, either resting or sleeping. This moment was truly a highlight of our trip.

Rainforest Zone

Next, we explored the Rainforest Zone and ventured into the Expedition Trail. We saw a variety of rainforest creatures, including frogs, sloths, snakes, and piranhas. It was a fascinating experience that I highly recommend!

Marine World Zone

We then wandered into the Marine World Zone, where we were eager to catch the dolphin show. After a bit of searching, we found Dolphin Explorations. It was delightful to see dolphins dance, jump, and interact with their trainers and the audience. However, the show was primarily in Mandarin, which made it a little challenging to follow.

The Ocean Express Train

Afterward, we decided to head back down to The Waterfront via the Ocean Express train. It felt like we were aboard a submarine, imagining we were in Bikini Bottom meeting SpongeBob! It was a fun and whimsical ride.

Aqua City Zone

Finally, we hurried to see the pandas near The Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures. Unfortunately, we only spotted two pandas, and they were hiding and sleeping. We did, however, see some adorable snub-nosed monkeys, which were super cute!

Despite not being able to visit all the attractions or ride every ride, we thoroughly enjoyed our day. Navigating the park's map proved challenging, and the sunny, humid weather drained our energy. I wish I had researched more beforehand so we could have explored even more.

Overall, our first experience at Ocean Park Hong Kong was incredibly fun! My family enjoyed every moment, and we left with unforgettable memories. There are still many zones and attractions waiting for us to explore, and we definitely plan to return soon!

Travel Tips for Ocean Park

Plan Ahead: Research the park's map and attractions before your visit to maximize your time.
Arrive Early: Get there as soon as the park opens to avoid long lines and enjoy popular rides.
Stay Hydrated: Bring water bottles and take breaks to stay cool in the summer heat.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Check Show Times: Look up show schedules in advance to catch all the performances you want to see.

If you're from Davao City, you can book direct flights to Hong Kong via cebupacificair.com, with seat sales available daily!

Google Map:

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