Under the sea in Hong Kong

I will always remember Hong Kong for two things: as the place where we got a bargain on a brand-new Super Nintendo system; and riding the gradually undulating cable car in Ocean Park. This was the first time the Subido household would own a gaming console, and it would also be the first time for me to visit any sort of amusement park. While the idea of being able to play countless hours of Street Fighter II and Mario Kart at home thrilled me beyond measure, I was equally excited to set foot in what was considered to be the best theme park in this part of the world.

That trip to Hong Kong was made more than 15 years ago. To say that things have changed over that period of time would be a huge understatement. For one thing, the video game consoles today are on an entirely different level. They’ve taken yet another evolutionary step towards becoming more excellent. They keep with the times; they are interactive, they aren’t necessarily just for children anymore, and to some degree, I guess one could say that there is an art to creating really solid games and platforms. The changes are certainly more complex than just making the switch from game cartridges to CDs and external hard drives.

Dr. Allan Zeman, chairman of Ocean Park, talks about the world’s first 360-degree water screen.

That kind of progress also mirrors the positive changes Ocean Park has undergone over the past few years. While it remains an iconic Hong Kong attraction, the natural progression of things likewise means that certain changes had to be made. Now in its 34th year of operation, “Hong Kong’s People’s Park” continues to adapt and stay competitive in these modern rimes.

Currently in the last quarter of its six-year, HK$5.55-billion Master Redevelopment Plan (MRP), Ocean Park is getting more than just a new coat of paint. The animal and ride attractions have been doubled, while wholesome and interactive activities with the message of conservation have been revamped. Think of it as Ocean Park on steroids.

As of now, Amazing Asian Animals and Ocean Express have been in operation since 2009, while The Flash and Sea Life Carousel have been up since 2010. Also, the Hong Kong government supported the building of three hotels at Ocean Park in January 2008. These include Ocean Hotel near the Ocean Square, Fisherman’s Wharf at Tai Shue Wan, and the Spa Hotel at the Summit area.

Symbio!, the story of the Fire Dragon and the Water Dragon, teaches an important lesson about the symbiotic relationship between human beings and nature. The egg-shaped structure in the background is the Grand Aquarium.

Most recently was the launch of Ocean Park’s new Aqua City during the last week of January. This marine-theme zone showcases the beauty of sea life while integrating conservation, education and entertainment. Its flagship attractions include The Grand Aquarium, one of the best aquariums in the world; Symbio!, a conservation story told on the world’s first 360-degree water screen; Neptune’s Restaurant, Hong Kong’s first and only fine dining destination in an aquarium setting; and a brand-new themed retail space.

The launch of Aqua City also coincided with the opening of a brand-new main entrance, thus presenting Hong Kong and the world a new Ocean Park experience and marking the second most important milestone in the Park’s history, since its opening in 1977. 

“The opening of Aqua City represents the birth of the New Ocean Park as it gives us a new flagship aquarium and a new iconic entrance. Ocean Park has been connecting people with nature for over 34 years by showing unconditional love for the animals under its care, extending educational opportunities to the public, opening our eyes to the wonders of nature and offering world-class theme park experiences. Aqua City will enable us to set new standards in all of these areas, bolstering Ocean Park as the premier international travel destination that combines conservation advocacy with the best theme park enjoyment,” says Dr. Allan Zeman, chairman of Ocean Park.

The Bubble Tunnel features the world’s largest aquarium viewing dome at a diameter of 5.5 meters.

The egg-shaped Grand Aquarium looks like a giant marine creature and it brings to Ocean Park a new iconic landmark. Inside it, guests will encounter some 5,000 species of marine animals of over 400 species in what is the world’s ninth largest aquarium. A major highlight of the aquarium is the Panoramic Ocean Gallery, which features a 13-meter panoramic acrylic viewing panel, one of the largest in the world. Two other highlights in the Grand Aquarium are the Bubble Tunnel, which features the world’s largest aquarium viewing dome (at a diameter of 5.5 meters,) and the Swirl Tank, which strikingly shows the swirling movement of a school of fish swimming in a tight formation.

Aqua City also displays a fantastic conservation message in its outdoor lagoon, where the new nighttime Symbio! show is shown on the world’s first and only 360-degree water screen. Set against a rousing musical score created by Oscar-winning composer, sound designer and mixer Peter Lehman, the show teaches an important lesson about the symbiotic relationship between human beings and nature through the story of the Water Dragon and Fire Dragon.

For the older set, Neptune’s Restaurant is where one can enjoy a gourmet meal right in the heart of the Grand Aquarium. Neptune’s Restaurant not only offers diners a mesmerizing panoramic view of the underwater world, but also surrounds them with specially designed tableware like dolphin-themed napkin rings and ocean-blue stemware for a completely immersive meal. In keeping with Ocean Park’s roots in conservation, dishes are created from sustainably sourced seafood and ingredients.

Dr. Allan Zeman, chairman of Ocean Park, accompanies Donald Tsang, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, through the Grand Aquarium.

For more casual eats Ocean Park opened its Aqua City Bakery, where Hong Kong’s world-famous pastries such as pineapple buns and egg tarts will be featured. Also, fans of alfresco dining will be glad to know that the Lakeside Snacks Food Cart is conveniently located at the beautiful outdoor setting of The Lagoon.

For Ocean Park, the MRP has really come together with the launch of its new Aqua City. And there are still roughly two more years left in the MRP, so one can only speculate as to what else the people at Ocean Park still have in store for everyone. Remember: they aren’t quite done yet.

For more information on Ocean Park and Aqua City, visit the official website at www.oceanpark.com.hk.

* * *

E-mail me at enricomiguelsubido@gmail.com.

Care for a traditional egg tart or a pineapple bun? Grab one at the Aqua City Bakery and enjoy.