Nature, relaxation, and culture on the south side of town
Few destinations pack as much variety and terrain into as compact a place as Hong Kong Island. You can go from pulsating metropolis to lush and leafy peaks to sparkling surf in just a few kilometres. And one district, Southern, lets you experience all three in a day, should you wish.
With the opening of the MTR South Island line in December 2016, getting from Central to the golden sands of Southern District is easier than ever. The first stop, Ocean Park, is a mere six minutes from Admiralty Station. From there it’s a short taxi or bus ride to some of Hong Kong’s finest beaches, stretching from Deepwater Bay in the southwest to Big Wave Bay in the southeast.
Each has its own character and demographic: Repulse Bay, with its prime real estate inhabited by affluent Hongkongers and expat families; the buffed, tanned and flamboyant at Middle Bay; and boho young things and surfers at Big Wave Bay and Shek O villages.
Don’t fancy sand between your toes? Southern District’s Wong Chuk Hang neighbourhood is a thriving contemporary arts hub, with a slew of top-notch galleries and independent artists’ studios secreted away in the area’s many converted warehouses and office buildings. Keep an eye out for names like De Sarthe, Rossi and Rossi, Pekin Fine Arts, Blindspot and Alisan Fine Arts, the last of which is in Aberdeen, where sampans and fishing boats still moor in the typhoon shelter and the fish market hums with activity.
Southern District – insiders’ favourites
Hong Kong’s Southern District is laid back, but it’s also one of the city’s most diverse districts. Here, you can experience Hong Kong’s most popular hike, visit artisan shops, and feast at local seafood joints.
Feeling Hong Kong’s beach vibes
Hong Kong Island packs a lot of beach into a little bit of land. While the north-side districts of Central and Western, Wan Chai and Eastern are crammed with glass and steel skyscrapers and towering apartment blocks, Southern district boasts bay after bay of golden sand and calm waters that are safe for a splash and swim with family and friends year-round. Whether you want to dive in for some water sports, dine by the seaside, or simply find a patch of sand to chill out, the Island’s southern coastline has a beach for everyone. Running from south-east to south-west there are: surfy Big Wave Bay; village-y Shek O; touristy Stanley; secluded Chung Hom Kok; chilled South Bay; flamboyant Middle Bay; glitzy Repulse Bay; and leafy Deepwater Bay. Below is a rundown of a few of our favourites.
Plan the perfect family day trip to Ocean Park
As Hong Kong’s longest-running family-friendly theme park, Ocean Park Hong Kong is a treasured attraction where many locals have created special childhood memories they hold close to their hearts. With fun activities and thrill rides, dining spots, and even educational options all packed into one convenient setting, Ocean Park makes for a perfect day trip for both families in the city as well as travellers who wish to experience a true, authentic Hong Kong with their younglings.
Where to get tickets and transport
Tickets can be easily purchased in all parts of Hong Kong, such as in 7-Eleven stores and travel agencies. However, if you’re looking for a good deal, check Ocean Park’s website for regular ticket deals or even hotel packages that include tickets to the theme park. The easiest way to head to Ocean Park is by MTR. Interchange to the South Island line in Admiralty station and you’ll reach Ocean Park station in 6 minutes.
Popular attractions
Upon entering the park, you’ll arrive at The Waterfront, home to attractions such as the world-class, marine-themed Aqua City, interactive exhibit Amazing Asian Animals, and the activity-filled Whiskers Harbour. You’ll be able to engage in child-friendly carnival games at Whiskers Harbour, where little ones can hop on rides like Bouncer House, Frog Hopper, Merry-Go-Round, and Toto the Loco train ride.
Crossing over to The Summit via the iconic cable car ride, tourists can admire the beautiful green mountains and glistening sea. If you want to skip the cable car queues and reach The Summit faster, take the 4-minute Ocean Express train, which simulates an underwater adventure inside a submarine! Once you’re at The Summit, be prepared for a splash on The Rapids and Raging River wet rides and remember to put on your biggest smile for the cameras as the boat rushes down the giant water slopes. Not thrilling enough for you? Go on some scream-inducing rollercoasters such as the Hair Raiser and The Flash for an exhilarating experience. Last but certainly not least, don’t leave without going to The Abyss for a VR space voyage, where you’ll be transported through space on an extra-terrestrial mission before plummeting back down to earth through virtual reality headsets.
Educational encounters
For visitors who prefer a deeper educational experience, Ocean Park has plenty more animal exhibitions. Observe otters at Panda Village and furry koalas at Adventure in Australia, discover native pandas at Amazing Asian Animals and sharks at Shark Mystique, and check out the adorable king penguins at Polar Adventure! The theme park also offers special animal experiences, where you and the kids can get up close with animals, learn about wildlife conservation as well as animals’ daily routines, and see for yourself how their trainers take care of them.
A rest with a view
There is a lot of ground to cover at Ocean Park, so for a midday break, catch a show at the Ocean Theatre about an adventurer’s journey to discovering the beauty of the sea and its inhabitants. Afterwards, make your way towards Ocean Park Tower, a rotating, 360-degree observation tower that soars 200m above sea level for guests to look beyond the park and appreciate the gorgeous views of Aberdeen and the outlying islands.
Bring the day to an end by taking photos at Old Hong Kong, a street dedicated to the 1950s to 1970s era in Hong Kong with retro decorations, street food, games, and souvenirs — a perfect set-up for visitors to understand and get a glimpse into Hong Kong’s past. For a touch of night-time fun, your Ocean Park experiences continue into the evening with Gala of Lights, an interactive multimedia show filled with dazzling performances and an immersive dance of light and fountains. Get swept away on an oceanic adventure to round out your trip!
Where to eat and stay
Next door to the theme park, Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel is a vibrant, nature-inspired hotel with three different family-themed rooms — Whiskers Submarine, Redd Forest, and Bao Bao Paradise. The close proximity to Ocean Park and cheerful decor make it an ideal place to stay for family getaways.
As for dining options, there’s no need to fret if you get hungry during the day. Families can settle down at Neptune’s Restaurant for some Chinese fine dining next to the restaurant’s giant viewing panel of the Aquarium, chow down on delicious pizza and other East-meets-West fusion dishes at Tuxedos Restaurant, or enjoy a relaxing night of open-fire charcoal-grill Thai food at Ginger Grill. If you’re staying at the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel, dine at one of the hotel’s five restaurants, or treat yourself with 24-hour room service if you’re looking to escape the crowds for a few hours.
