Flowers in bloom at Ocean Park, Hongkong |
Hongkong Family Trip 2017: Ocean Park Hongkong
We woke up to a rainy Hongkong on our second day. I was praying the rain won’t last since we can’t afford to extend this trip. We thought authentic Hongkong noodles are the best way to go with this kind of weather. Luckily, we found this little ramen nook along Haiphong Road and this charming and kind Chinese lady attending to us was so cordial to my son. She must have really liked Angelo; she kept talking to him in Chinese the whole time we’re eating. And my son who knew nothing about Chinese language except for saying XieXie of course was just nodding in agreement all throughout, hahaha.... That incident brought me to think, he’s going to learn to speak a little conversational Chinese when he gets back home. Most of the people here don’t really care about anyone. Everyone has its own business to mind. But amidst all these, one thing I’ve learned - kindness and an endless chain of smile transcends language barrier.
Nathan Road, TST, Hongkong |
Nathan Road, TST, Hongkong |
We’re off to Ocean Park today. It’s this big theme park by the bay located at the Southern district of HongKong. It’s famous for orca whale shows, as it’s a marine, animal and amusement theme park rolled into one. The newly opened MTR South Island Line that connects Admiralty Station to Ocean Park made going there actually a breeze. But thinking about – Hey! We went to Hongkong to see sights, taking the train that passes under the ground will forfeit the idea. So we took the long way - that is taking the Star Ferry and ride the bus to Ocean Park today. The park will open at 10AM anyway so we have much time to spare on the route.
And so the morning walk began. The nice thing about this part of Tsim Sha Tsui is that, all its streets are very walkable. Tourist friendly signs, shops along the way, so much to see actually. From that little ramen house, we need to walk to the Star Ferry Terminal – kind of wearisome to think of but believe me, it’s just like a walk in the park. So we took Haiphong Road and then left taking Canton Road, passing by Kowloon’s biggest mall, the Harbour City. I also mentally noted about that Food Republic at Silvercord we passed by, thought that’s where we’re going to have dinner later.
Somewhere in Middle Road, Hongkong |
Peking Road, Hongkong |
Harbour City, Canton Road, Hongkong |
Canton Road - Home to many upscale retail shops in Hongkong |
So after 30 minutes of walking, taking pictures, saying Hi to Kababayans we meet along the road, we finally came to the end of Canton Road. At this point we’re now seeing the TST Clock Tower at the Harbour. If you’re doing what we did, don’t cross the street, just turn right and walk straight ‘till you reach the bay. To your left then is the Star Ferry Terminal. One should experience taking this ride when Hongkong.
Salisbury Corner Canton Roads, Hongkong |
Off to Star Ferry Terminal in Kowloon |
Star Cruise at the harbour |
Octopus cards can be used to pay your HKD3.40 fare. Boat ride is just about 5 minutes and you’ll embark at Pier 7 at Central Ferry Terminal.
Star Ferry Terminal Entrance |
View of Hongkong Skyline on board the ferry |
On the sidelight, you should always have lead time when travelling with kids and senior citizens. You know why? Toilet breaks are their favourite thing to do. As patience is a virtue, apply it as it is necessary on these occasions. There’s this nice and clean toilet right across the road facing HongKong Financial Tower though, so it’s just OK. We dropped by a group of Kababayan DH too who were prepping to have a Sunday picnic and we’re forced to eat ‘biko’, typical Pinoy character, so why not... hahaha!
Nobody messes up with directional signs here, so just follow 😂😂😂 |
Footbridge from Star Ferry to Central, Hongkong |
International Finance Centre, Central Hongkong |
When your kababayan force you to eat 'biko' because it's someone's birthday,
why not! Indulge! Hahaha!
From Central Ferry, we’re taking the bus to Ocean Park. Obviously, riding a bus will let you see a good view of some parts of Hongkong compared to taking a train where you see nothing at all. The bus terminal is to your right when emerging from the ferry boat. Look for the bus post with #629. Be first on the line so you can take the first row seats at the second deck of the bus – full view of where the bus is heading.
Bus Terminal at Central Ferry grounds |
The 629 City Bus to Ocean Park |
You get a good view of the city when you're lucky to occupy the front seats
Ocean Park is divided into two sections. The Waterfront, where the giant aquarium is located, other bird and animal cages and the Old Hongkong Walk. I was hoping I will be able to see a real Panda, but it was closed. Well, the Panda’s need to rest and stay away from people, I’m sad.
Then, The Summit. This is where the real action and thrill happen. You need to ride the cable car for a breathtaking 10 minutes to get there. But if you’re a fraidy cat, there’s Summit Express, a subway train, where you can’t see anything, except for the digital octopus on tv swimming overhead, that’ll take you to the other side of Ocean Park.
The fieldtrippers! |
The Giant Aquarium. Was hoping to see shokoy and serina, pero wala man hehehe
Refillable pop corn bucket, HKD20/refill 😆😆😆 |
As what I’ve told you on my previous post, get your legs together, walking starts now! Gawwd! kakapoy kaayo magbaktas! Hahaha! So glad the rain has stopped, t’was an overcast weather and it did us favour, thank God! It wasn’t hot.
We ate lunch at one of the cafes near Pacific Pier .... When you’re with kids and you get to attend to their growling stomachs, sometimes taking photos is the least of your priority – dropping my blogger twinset at this point. Food sets at Ocean Park cafes range from HKD42 to HKD132 per meal, so yeah, it’s kind of expensive.
Old Hongkong walk at Ocean Park |
Long queue to cable car ride |
While on the line to ride the cable car, you'll walk through and
get a glimpse of what it's like back in Hongkong heyday. Nostalgic!
Pwede pa magbaligya langgam kaniadto!
Our finance officer with a nice view of the Southern District
of Hongkong at the background! That Catamaran is real, hehehe
No luck here, wa jud ko'y nadala! hahaha!
The right ride is beyond my powers, that abrupt drop will shorten my life, lols.
So we took the left ride. A slow, spiral ride up where you can see
the panorama of Ocean Park in 360 degrees. Breathtaking up there!
The funny, clapping Walrus and our amazed fieldtripper under the sea!
We’re out of the park by 3PM because we’re heading to the Peak. The pinnacle of Hongkong Island where you can see the bird’s eye view of the city. Though this can be accessed by bus, taking the tram going up is the most popular way to reach the top.
Ocean Park MTR Station. |
South Island Line (Green Line) at Admiralty Station, Hongkong |
Unlike Central to Peak Tram, directions how to walk from Admiralty Station to Lower Peak Tram Terminus is kind of scarce online. People here aren’t chummy giving you directions when you’re lost or when you want to go somewhere. You have to figure it out on your own. So I’m this direction in hope that it’ll help you.
Continue reading ....
HOW TO WALK FROM ADMIRALTY STATION TO PEAK TRAM TERMINUS?
(coming right up)
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