Ocean Park Hong Kong, perfect for a staycation

For those who want a change of view and some fun without the hassle of long-distance travel, our neighboring city Hong Kong offers many choices.

A family of four pose for a photo with staffers in costumes at Ocean Park Hong Kong. Courtesy of the park

One popular destination is Ocean Park on Hong Kong Island. This marine-themed amusement park offers animal exhibits, educational experiences, and thrilling rides, set in a lush mountain-and-sea environment. Since its opening in 1977, it has attracted millions of visitors from across the world.

A 15-minute high-speed rail ride from Futian Station, followed by another 25-minute transfer on Hong Kong’s MTR, will bring you to Ocean Park Station, where the park entrance is just minutes away.

Overview

Covering an impressive 91.5 acres, the park is divided into two main areas: The Waterfront and The Summit. The Waterfront features family-friendly attractions, exhibits, and dining options, while The Summit boasts adrenaline-pumping thrill rides and more adventurous activities.

Visitors experience a new feature at Ocean Park Hong Kong. Courtesy of the park

Aqua City is designed to educate visitors about marine life while providing interactive experiences. At the Grand Aquarium, watching thousands of fish, rays, and a few sharks swim leisurely amid coral reefs offers a calm moment away from the bustling city life.

Pandas

Perhaps the park's biggest attraction is its six giant pandas, which reside in two different locations.

A giant panda is taking a nap up in the tree. Photos by Debra unless otherwise stated

In the Amazing Asian Animals section, Ying Ying and Le Le, both now 20 years old, live with their adorable twins Jia Jia and De De. Ying Ying made headlines two years ago when she became the oldest first-time giant panda mom.

When I visited the other day, the pandas were taking their noon nap high in the trees, resembling cute giant plush toys. Just looking at them makes you feel happy and in awe of nature's wonder. If you are lucky, you may see De De, the little brother, frolicking and teasing his elder sister Jia Jia.

Other experiences

A view of the cable cars. 

Riding the cable car in the park is another must-try experience, as the short journey up offers a breathtaking sea view and takes you to The Summit.

Getting off the cable car at The Summit, visitors will discover Pompompurin's Secret Garden, featuring a giant 2.5-meter-tall inflatable of the popular Sanrio character in celebration of his 30th anniversary. Inside the garden, you will find Pompompurin's lush green cottage and adorable pudding-shaped topiaries, all perfect for selfies or photos with your besties.

A visitor poses for a photo at Pompompurin's Secret Garden. Courtesy of the park

Another way to navigate the park is the Ocean Express, a submarine-themed train connecting different zones. Currently, the ride features videos of six Sanrio characters in diving gear on a deep-sea exploration.

A sea lion is saying hello to visitors.

At The Summit, apart from thrilling rides, visitors can watch seals and sea lions, learn about their traits and habitats, and get close to the creatures and interact with them for a fee. Seeing a sea lion flipping its fins is healing, and hearing them roar thunderously is amazing. Like humans going to the dentist, the sea lions have been trained to open their mouths wide and roar so that their caretakers can regularly check their teeth.

A meerkat on the watch.

A sea lion during a training session.

A red panda receives snacks from its caretaker. 

At the park, animal lovers will also find meerkats, giant tortoises, penguins, dolphins, jellyfish, and many other species from various parts of the world. Visitors can learn about these animals and their habitats through interactive exhibits and scheduled feeding sessions.

Facilities

Visitors will find numerous bathrooms and nursing rooms scattered throughout the park. The venue also provides various dining options catering to different tastes and budgets. Fast food, sit-down restaurants, and snack kiosks are readily available. At Neptune’s Restaurant, visitors can sit next to a huge aquarium, enjoy delicate set meals, and watch sea creatures float by. The Ginger Grill offers Western-style courses alongside snacks and drinks.

The outerior of the Marriot is fitted with wavy aluminnum alloy panels that help to keep the rooms cool and save electricity.

A few minutes' walk from the park is the pet-friendly Ocean Park Marriott, with 471 guest rooms, several restaurants, outdoor gardens, pools, a gym, and a spa. Three types of cartoon-themed guestrooms, about 20 in total, cater to families with children.

Water World

A free shuttle bus will take visitors from Ocean Park to Water World on the other side of the mountain. The water-themed amusement park reopened on May 16, attracting over 2,000 visitors on its first day.

Set against breathtaking ocean views, the park features 27 indoor and outdoor attractions spread across five themed zones.

People having fun at the Water World. Courtesy of Ocean Park Hong Kong

Here, you can find water slides of various shapes and sizes for all age groups. It is truly amazing to see many seniors, teens, and young couples with children all together at the park.

Visitors experience the Rainbow Rush.

The highlights include Rainbow Rush, an 8-lane mat racing slide featuring a 17-meter drop through dark tubes; the Vortex, where groups of two to four ride in a raft spinning into a massive funnel; and Skyhigh Falls for extreme thrill seekers, which features a 70-degree suspended drop.

Visitors run into the Big Wave Bay. Courtesy of Ocean Park Hong Kong

More fun than thrilling are the Surf Striker (indoor surfing) and the Lazy River, a relaxing drift with ocean views.

Until June 30, visitors can wear graduation gowns and pose for photos at the park's entrance.

Facilities

Life jackets and floaties are free to use. Snacks and drinks are available at kiosks. Independent showers and changing rooms are on the first floor near the lockers.

The living room of a penthouse suite at Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel.

The mermaid-themed guest room.

The Infinity Pool seen from a guest room window. 

Next to Water World is the five-star, eco-friendly Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel, which opened in 2022. Each of its 425 rooms features floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning South China Sea views. Nine of the rooms are decorated with themes of pandas, mermaids, forest safaris, and others.

The hotel also features an infinity pool by the seaside and a large indoor children's playground.

And, if you choose to stay at the hotel, take the seed pencil on the bedside shelf home as a unique souvenir — you can plant it!