We wanted to go to the Shark Aquarium but with the wave of bodies that are shoulder to shoulder, we were led to the Atoll Reef. This one is different. Unlike the glass tunnel that other aquariums have, the Atoll Reef literally takes you to the deep. Upon entrance, we were greeted by a giant pool with a small man-made island in the center. We then took the stairs a floor below to view the fishes and turtles. This occurred several times until we came to about four floors under. We saw manta rays and colorful fishes as well as yellow and blue corals and starfishes.

But the main attraction there was the 80-year old and seven-foot long Giant Grouper and the Napolean Fish. There are over 2,000 fishes there and the new species are the Sea Angel and the Bowmouth Guitarfish. At the walls were mini-aquariums that displayed small fishes like the clown fish and fragile sea corals and sea plants. Children enjoyed seeing the marine life and the blue water. Flashes of camera light up everywhere as visitors tried to capture the beauty of the deep.

From afar, the colorful Ocean Park balloon could be spotted soaring higher to the sky. The SkyFair Balloon lifts to over 100 meters from the ground. It has a similar build with the DHL balloon which we took in Singapore. A number of colorful balloons are also in display at the Ocean Park ground although they do not soar to the sky. Every now and then clowns on stilts or blowing bubbles come out to meet the guests. They also perform some entertaining shows to the delight of the kids.

Several souvenir shops were found within the SkyFair grounds. Food and drinks were also sold near the balloon area. Since there were tables and chairs nearby, visitors take a rest and watch from the food area as the balloon rise while music was being played in the background. The SkyFair was not as rowdy as the other attractions and since it was the one nearest to the entrance, we spent time there while waiting for the agreed time of meeting with group tour members. The SkyFair is also near the Panda Habitat, the Grand Prix and the Cable Car Plaza.

The Ocean Park Escalator was probably the longest escalator ride I’ve ever taken. We were supposed to take the cable car back to the lowland to get there in time for our tour group agreed time of meeting. But with the long queue, an announcement was made that visitors should instead take the bus ride from Tai Shue Wan entrance to the main entrance. But to get to the entrance, we had to go down via an escalator. Coming from the lowland via the cable car, I didn’t have any idea how long it was. The escalator has a vertical rise of 115 meters from the ground but its total length is 225 meters because it has four sections. From the top, it will take you to Pacific Pier then another escalator ride to the Mine Train.

The next section took us to the Raging River and the last section led us to the Bird Paradise. The longest among the four sections, I think, was the first section. But whichever section it is, the longest section is said to be 63.5 meters long. What made taking the escalator interesting aside from connecting us to other parts of Ocean Park were the photo galleries that featured about Ocean Park and about the history of Hong Kong. While descending the escalator, we got a view of the ports. We also passed by the Mine Train which is also like a roller coaster ride. We saw the New Ocean Park Exhibition Hall with the Middle Kingdom Restaurant that looked like a Chinese palace. Then the Bird Paradise featured beautiful flower and plant arrangements. Overall, the Ocean Park escalator ride was a fun thing after all far from the boring concept I had in mind. And even when there are so many people, I’m just glad that it’s moving smoothly.

Ocean Park’s cable car ride is one of the exciting cable car rides I’ve ever taken. The round-shaped cable car gives riders a breathtaking view of the southern part of the Hong Kong island and nearby Lamma island. For one and a half kilometers, one can transfer from the lowland to the headland, and vice versa, in just eight minutes. But because of the long queue in the car ride, the Ocean Park management provided a free bus ride from the Tai Shue Wan entrance to the main entrance. It took us about 10 to 15 minutes going through the winding roads of southern Hong Kong island. From inside the cable car, we watched the long line of colorful cable cars hanging on four cables. From below, there were maintenance crews checking every part of the cable car. At the left side towards the sea, there were a number of boats and ships that were probably on the way to the Hong Kong port. Suspended on the side of the hill near the sea, the cable car ride seems safe. For those who are afraid of heights, do not look directly below but try to look at the horizon and enjoy the beautiful topography of the island.

Ocean Park is designed especially for kids, although adults will certainly enjoy visiting, too. At first glance it appears to be just a big amusement park, with its plethora of rides, games, mascots, and fun food. Look closer and you will notice an emphasis on wildlife conservation, with an estimable animal population on this sprawling complex along the south coast of Hong Kong Island. A mix of entertainment and education is the key to its flourishing success since opening in 1976.

Ocean Park is so large that a cable car connects the two areas (Headland and Lowland) separated by a ridge. There are so many things to see and do, but I made a beeline to the cable car for an exciting introductory journey above the grounds. Enjoy the futuristic vision of colorful bead-like pods coasting over treetops and near the blue Deep Water Bay. There are plenty of thrill rides, but this slow people-mover provided a scenic buzz for me.

The Lowland features a habitat with two panda bears (named An-An and Jia-Jia) lying about and a Dolphin University for up-close dolphin experiences. You can also see birds, butterflies, and goldfish in their respective pavilions. Otherwise, there are kid-friendly rides and activities, and you are bound to run into Whiskers or one of his other mascot friends.

The Headland features rides like the Dragon roller coaster and the Abyss freefall. More animal encounters include the impressive Shark Aquarium, the colorful Atoll Reef, the feeding of the seals at the Pacific Pier, the Flamingo Pond, and the Aviary. Precious peaceful moments can be attained in the Japanese Garden and along some of the lovely paths with superb views of the natural landscape, or what is left of it. The Middle Kingdom injects some historical displays within brightly colored recreations of Chinese temples and pagodas.

There is plenty of walking to do at Ocean Park, so one must refuel at one of the numerous food outlets and shops sprinkled amongst the grounds. For real meals, check out the buffet and the splendid views at the Seaview Cafe, or the dim sum at the Middle Kingdom Restaurant. From one of the stands I ordered a surprisingly appetizing lunch of chicken and rice, accompanied by a tangy tomato sauce.

Ocean Park faces stiff competition with the new Disney theme park, which opened at Lantau Island late in 2005, but I feel that Ocean Park will retain its fair share of the business thanks to its unique "something for everyone" variety of rides, animals, and educational fun. There are a good number of buses that will take you here, and usually these are breathtaking scenic rides over and around Hong Kong Island while riding one of these buses.