You’re Never Too Old for Hong Kong Ocean Park

Between hitting our OKRs and dealing with life's myriad concerns, we tend to take life too seriously and forget how to have fun. One thing I’ve realized is that growing up shouldn't mean leaving our sense of wonder behind. Sometimes, we need to give ourselves permission to play—to be curious, to seek out a little adventure, and to experience something simply because it brings us joy. A recent junket to Hong Kong Ocean Park and Water World gave us a chance to do that.

What makes Ocean Park Hong Kong interesting is that, beyond being a place for fun and adventure, it is a registered charitable institution dedicated to connecting people with nature. And it has been doing so for generations—it’s actually older than many of us, celebrating its golden year in January 2027.

Through the years, it has successfully developed into a premier international resort destination with the launches of Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel in October 2018 and Water World Ocean Park Hong Kong in September 2021, and the opening of The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong in July 2022. 

Set against the lush southern side of Hong Kong Island, the Park spans more than 91.5 hectares and has over 80 attractions across two main areas: The Waterfront and The Summit. Getting from one to the other is part of the experience, with visitors able to take in sweeping views aboard the Cable Car or hop on the Ocean Express, a funicular train system. 

A few kilometers away from Ocean Park is Water World, which is also operated by Ocean Park Corporation. The all-weather, year-round water park by the sea covers almost 700,000 square feet of land, offering a wide range of retail, dining and entertainment options. With 27 indoor and outdoor attractions across five themed zones, it offers fun for all ages and different levels of adventure. 

With so much to see and do, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of my top picks: 

During our visit to Ocean Park, we had the opportunity to get up close with the sea lions, learn more about these fascinating animals, hear anecdotes from their caretakers, and pick up conservation tips along the way. According to the animal caretakers, these close-up encounters with dolphins and sea lions are designed not only to educate visitors about ocean conservation but also to inspire them to become “Ocean Guardians.

Polar Adventure transports visitors to the polar regions, where they can encounter different species of penguins and Pacific walruses. The exhibit highlights the threats facing polar wildlife due to climate change and global warming. For an especially memorable experience, head to Tuxedos Restaurant, Hong Kong’s first and only dining destination where guests can enjoy a meal beside penguins. You can also browse the nearby retail stores for cute, animal-themed souvenirs.

It’s a delightful sight to watch the otters swim, play, groom each other, and explore their surroundings. At Panda Village, you can meet a family of Asian small-clawed otters, the world’s smallest otter species. Two Asian small-clawed otters moved to the Park for shelter and care after being confiscated by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong, and later on gave birth to three bevies of adorable otter pups. The family of nine is now enjoying their family time at Ocean Park.

Here you can find the Chinese alligator, a species that is endemic to the lower basin of the Yangtze River of China and classified as national first-class protected species. During the cold weather from late autumn to early spring, they hibernate in burrows which often have a complex structure with a lot of air holes. Threatened by habitat degradation due to human activities, it is estimated that the wild population of Chinese alligator is around 100.

Ocean Park is home to The Grand Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in Asia, with more than 200 marine species. Inspired by the coral atolls of the Pacific Ocean, it takes visitors on a multisensory journey from the shoreline to the darkest depths of the sea, offering a glimpse into the fascinating world of marine ecology. For an experience that brings you even closer to the underwater world, head to Neptune’s Restaurant, located inside The Grand Aquarium. Dining here feels almost like being underwater, with marine life swimming past as you enjoy your meal—a truly fascinating way to take in the aquarium.

The Giant Panda Adventure exhibit recreates the natural habitat of giant pandas, so you can see these lovable creatures in their element—munching on bamboo, climbing, exploring their surroundings, or simply lounging around and enjoying a leisurely day. Apart from beloved giant pandas Ying Ying, Le Le, and their twin cubs Jia Jia and De De born on 15 August 2024, visitors can also meet their neighbors from the temperate bamboo forests of Mainland China—the red panda and the Chinese giant salamander, the largest amphibian in the world. 

Ever wonder what Hong Kong was like in the 1950s to 1970s? At Old Hong Kong, visitors can travel back in time by boarding an antique tram, trying their hand at retro carnival games, and wandering through an old-fashioned streetscape lit by dazzling neon signs. It’s also a great spot for capturing Instagram-worthy moments. The area is home to popular food stalls, including Michelin-recommended Mammy Pancake and Wing Lai Yuen, as well as well-known Hong Kong brand KamCha. Visitors can enjoy nostalgic snacks and drinks such as Hong Kong-style milk tea, egg waffles, and dandan noodles, all in one place. Even better, some offerings, such as fish balls made with “Blue Seafood,” let visitors enjoy beloved Hong Kong street food while supporting marine conservation.

Serious adrenaline seekers can count on Ocean Park to provide some of the best thrill rides. There’s Hair Raiser, a literally floorless roller coaster that sends riders through multiple inversions at speeds of up to 88 kilometers per hour. The Flash is another heart-pounding experience, swinging riders up to 22 meters in the air while rotating a full 360 degrees at 60 kilometers per hour speed. The Rapids takes riders through a jungle-inspired course of undulating terrain, with Amazonian species and surprise water-gun attacks along the way. Families can also enjoy Arctic Blast, a snow-themed roller coaster inspired by the bobsleds used at the Winter Olympics, offering a thrilling ride through a wintry wonderland.

If you’re in the mood for some adrenaline rush, Water World packs plenty of thrills. You can ride the waves at Surf Striker, which features an indoor surfing simulator; dive head first down the 107-meter Rainbow Rush slide; spin through a giant funnel on Vortex!; hop on a raft for the twists and turns of Cavern Chase. For those looking for an extra dose of courage, take on the three heart-pumping slides at Thunder Loop, Daredevil Drop, and Bravery Cliffs.

Getting between The Waterfront and The Summit is part of the Ocean Park experience. The iconic Cable Car takes visitors 205 meters above the South China Sea on an eight-minute journey, offering sweeping views of the sea, Ocean Park’s attractions, and Brick Hill along the way. For a different experience, hop aboard the Ocean Express, a submarine-inspired funicular that travels through a 1.3-kilometer tunnel in just five minutes. Multimedia visuals, lighting, and sound effects turn the journey into an underwater adventure. Together, these transport systems offer two distinct and equally memorable ways to explore the Park.

Photos courtesy of Hong Kong Ocean Park

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