Ocean Park Hong Kong
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Ocean Park - by en (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Description
Ocean Park Hong Kong is an amusement park comprising of an oceanarium, marine mammal park and animal theme park. It is visually striking, being separated in two distinct areas by a mountain and linked by a 1.5km cable car system. Ocean Park now comprises two main attraction areas: the Waterfront and the Summit, subdivided into eight attraction zones: Amazing Asian Animals, Aqua City, Whiskers Harbour, Marine World, Polar Adventure, Adventure Land, Thrill Mountain and the Rainforest.
Access & Transport
The complex is located on the southern shores of Hong Kong Island. It is directly accessible by MRT; visitors should alight at the Ocean Park station on the South Island Line (starting in Admiralty). There is also a car park and a couple of large bus stops near the park's entrance. The Aberdeen tunnel is the best way to reach by road from the northern side of HK Island.
Instructions & Recommendations
The size of the park is such that most of it can mostly be covered in 1 day, provided there are no large crowds that day. There is a Marriott Hotel next door for those looking to spend an extra day or more time on the south side of the island.
Environmental & Social
The Park's sustainability policy is available on its website at https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/en/sustainability/overview. However, it is very high level / generic and lacks actual measurements. There seem to be some significant investments in (i) increasing solar power generation, (ii) sustainable dining and (iii) reducing plastic consumption. The park is advertising its falling carbon emission but with lower number of visitors over the last few years, it is difficult to quantify the actual progress made. Very little actual information available in relation with employees and due to its geographic location, there are little community impact issues for the park. The main ethical issue is its handling of animals, in particular the capture of wild animals for purpose of its shows.
Conclusion
Even if it has seen better days, Ocean Park is still one on the city's most popular attractions with plenty of rides and shows on offer. It is however clearly in need of re-inventing itself due to international competition amongst theme parks
Key positive
Easy access by public transport for those staying on HK Island or Tsim Sha Tsui area
Unique layout with spectacular views and cable car
Some thrilling rides
Key negative
Long waiting time and fast track is expensive
Disappointing sustainability practice
Comes under criticism for capturing wild animals to be used in shows
Suitability
All ages welcome but definitely best for families. Several rides are not accessible for customers with reduced mobility.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 40m
est. visit time:6h
Monday10:00 - 19:30
Tuesday -
Wednesday00:00 - 19:30
Thursday10:00 - 19:30
Friday10:00 - 19:30
Saturday10:00 - 19:30
Sunday10:00 - 19:30