Keen for a bit of extra excitement in your life just now? We certainly are! That’s why we plan to be among the first in line at Ocean Park’s Water World, when the much-anticipated theme park opens on Hong Kong’s Southside.
Fast Facts
Open 21 September
5 zones
27 attractions
9 waterslides
55,000 square metres
4,500 daily visitors
Located where the mountain meets the sea on the western side of the peninsula that’s home to Ocean Park, Water World is set to open in September. It’s been a much longer wait than anticipated, but hopefully all worth it!
Here’s a preview of the five different zones to explore.
#1 Splendid Reef
This is where your day out will begin, at a spacious area beside the sea, where you can take a stroll and enjoy the ocean air. (A more likely scenario is that the kids will be tugging your sleeve and pointing towards the waterslide action in the park proper!) Guides are here in the entry zone to help out with any questions you have about the park.
#2 Torrential River
If it’s torrents of water you want, it’s torrents you’ll get here. Along with the thrills of intertwining waterslides Cyclone Spin and Tropical Twist, you’ll want to make a beeline for Vortex!, a high-intensity raft ride that includes massive bowl and half-pipe features, and Rainbow Rush, an eight-lane racer slide with a striking multicoloured appearance where you can race friends at super-high speeds.
#3 Hidden Village
Deep within Water World is another watery zone, whose highlights are best spied from a river tube on the Lazy Cruise. We’ll be making a point of visiting surfing simulator Surf Strikers, where you can catch a wave without needing to wait for a rare HK swell, and – for the littlies in tow – Whisker’s Splash, an interactive play structure and maze.
#4 Adventure Coast
Catch some rays in Big Wave Bay, which you might call the centrepiece of Water World. It’s a large outdoor wave pool where you can relax in a cabana or hit the water for a wave or two. Meanwhile, Riptide is an action river with a superb ocean view.
#5 Thrill Valley
This zone might be located at the highest point of Water World – with amazing views, of course – but Skyhigh Falls is all about a quick, freefall descent. Then there’s the triple threat of Thunder Loop/Daredevil Drop/Bravery Cliffs, a trio of intertwined speed slides that include a sudden drop from an elevated position and high speeds. This one has our name all over it…
Logistics Tickets: Water World’s “Grand Opening Deal” includes tickets for HK$320 for adults and HK$225 for kids
Getting there: Free 15-minute Shuttle bus from Ocean Park MTR station Lockers: Different sizes are available for self-storage, from HK$20
Health and hygiene: Masks are required to be worn except while on slides and other attractions (COVD19 vaccination is encouraged but not compulsory for visitors). Water quality is monitored continuously, and guests must walk through a water curtain and foot bath before entering play zones.
More details: Visit waterworld.oceanpark.com.hk/en
This article first appeared in the Autumn 2021 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
