Hong Kong: Ocean Park Entry & Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour

If you’re thinking about visiting Hong Kong and want a seamless way to see the city’s highlights plus enjoy its family-friendly treasure, this combined Ocean Park and Big Bus tour might just fit the bill. It’s designed for travelers who want to experience the thrills of one of Asia’s top theme parks while also exploring the city’s iconic sights comfortably from an open-top bus.

Two things we particularly like about this experience are its flexibility and variety. The hop-on, hop-off bus allows you to tailor your sightseeing day, hopping off at attractions like Victoria Peak or Stanley Market, and returning at your own pace. Plus, the chance to tour Ocean Park, with its mix of adrenaline rides and animal exhibits, offers a true taste of Hong Kong’s blend of nature and entertainment.

The only thing to keep in mind is that this isn’t a guided tour with a personal guide leading you through each stop. Instead, it’s a self-paced experience, which is perfect if you like controlling your schedule but less ideal if you prefer a guided, narrated experience.

This tour suits travelers who want a practical, value-packed introduction to Hong Kong and don’t mind some independent exploration. Families, first-time visitors, or anyone eager to combine theme park excitement with sightseeing would find this tour appealing.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing with a 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass across three routes.
• Visit Ocean Park, one of the world’s most scenic theme parks, with rides, wildlife, and shows.
• Includes a scenic Star Ferry trip, offering iconic views of Victoria Harbour.
• Optional add-ons like the Peak Tram or Sky100 Observation Deck for panoramic city views.
• Good value for the price, combining multiple experiences in one ticket.
• Ideal for families and first-timers wanting a comprehensive Hong Kong experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Experience: What You Can Expect

Combining Ocean Park with Hong Kong Sights

This tour offers a practical way to see both a top family attraction and the city’s main sights. For around $131, you get entry to Ocean Park plus a 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass. The flexibility here is key: you can start your day at Ocean Park or from any bus stop along the three routes, which cover Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and Stanley.

Ocean Park’s Highlights

Once inside Ocean Park, you’ll find a mix of adrenaline-pumping rides like the Hair Raiser and the Abyss Turbo Drop—perfect for thrill-seekers—along with animal encounters such as the Giant Panda Adventure and Grand Aquarium. The park is designed with themed zones, including Aqua City, where the dazzling Symbio! water show takes place, and Old Hong Kong, which offers a nostalgic peek at the city’s past. Reviewers often mention the knowledgeable guides and friendly staff, making the experience more engaging.

While some visitors note that the park can be crowded during peak times, most agree that the entertainment value and scenic views make it worthwhile. In particular, the Giant Pandas are a highlight for many, and the Grand Aquarium provides a peaceful, colorful respite from the excitement.

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

The red, green, and blue routes are designed to cover Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and Stanley, respectively. Buses run every 30-60 minutes, giving you ample options to hop off and explore. You might love the way this setup allows you to see Man Mo Temple, Victoria Peak, or Stanley Market at your own pace.

A standout feature is the Star Ferry ride, included in the Essential or Explore tickets, which offers a breathtaking view of Victoria Harbour and a real sense of Hong Kong’s cityscape. Reviewers say this simple ferry trip is surprisingly memorable, offering stunning views of the skyline at a bargain price.

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Optional Add-Ons for the Explore Ticket

For those with a bit more time or who want a deeper experience, the Explore ticket includes an extra activity: the Peak Tram with Sky Terrace 428, sky100 Observation Deck, or a Sampan Houseboat Tour. These add-ons allow you to see Hong Kong from above or on the water, enhancing the sightseeing value.

The Peak Tram is a classic ride giving sweeping views as you ascend Victoria Peak, but it’s only available with the Explore ticket, which is a good upgrade if panoramic vistas are your thing.

Practicalities and Logistics

The starting point on the Red Route is at the Central Star Ferry Pier, an iconic spot and easy to reach from most hotels. You’ll need to redeem your ticket with a Big Bus staff member before you hop on, which is straightforward. Buses are wheelchair accessible, making this tour inclusive for many.

The tour schedule is quite relaxed, with buses starting from 10:00 AM for the Hong Kong Island route, and every 30-60 minutes for the others. You can choose a single-day or two-day option, providing enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

Pricing and Value

At $131 per person, this experience offers good value—especially considering it includes Ocean Park admission, a Star Ferry ride, and a 24- or 48-hour bus pass. When you factor in the cost of individual attractions, this combo becomes an efficient way to cover your bases, particularly for first-timers eager to see the highlights.

While some reviews mention the lack of hotel pickup and drop-off, this isn’t necessarily a drawback. Most travelers find the designated meeting point easy to reach, and the flexibility of the hop-on, hop-off buses compensates for the lack of door-to-door service.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is ideal for families looking for a fun day out that combines adventure and sightseeing without the hassle of separate tickets. It’s also suited for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Hong Kong’s key sights with some time at a major theme park.

If you’re comfortable exploring independently and appreciate flexibility, you’ll enjoy the freedom to hop on and off as you wish. Meanwhile, those seeking a guided experience or personalized commentary may find this option less satisfying, as it’s largely self-guided.

Final Thoughts

This combination tour offers a practical, cost-effective way to see some of Hong Kong’s most famous sights while enjoying the thrill of Ocean Park. You’ll love the scenic views from the Star Ferry, the adrenaline rides, and the opportunity to customize your day across different districts with minimal stress.

It’s particularly well-suited for families and first-time visitors who want an all-in-one introduction without the burden of multiple bookings or complicated logistics. The inclusion of key experiences like the Peak Tram or sky100 makes it flexible for those wanting a little extra panoramic perspective.

While it doesn’t replace a guided tour for those craving detailed commentary, it’s a solid choice for travelers who value independent exploration and affordable convenience. Overall, it’s a good way to make the most of your time in vibrant Hong Kong.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
No, this tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to meet at the designated starting point, most conveniently at the Central Star Ferry Pier.

How long do the bus routes take?
Buses on the three routes depart roughly every 30 to 60 minutes. The exact travel time varies by route and traffic but expect a full loop to take around an hour.

Can I use the hop-on hop-off bus for more than one day?
Yes, if you choose the 48-hour ticket, you can explore Hong Kong at your own pace across two days.

What’s included in the ticket?
Your ticket includes one-day entry to Ocean Park, a 24- or 48-hour bus pass covering three routes, and a return trip on the Star Ferry. The Explore option adds an extra attraction like the Peak Tram or sky100.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible, making this experience suitable for travelers with mobility needs.

Can I buy the tickets on the day of my visit?
Yes, tickets are available for purchase, but booking in advance is recommended to secure your preferred start time and to avoid potential sell-outs.

Are there any age restrictions or height constraints?
The tour is suitable for all ages, but certain rides at Ocean Park may have height or age restrictions. Check these directly with the park or at the time of booking.

This combination tour provides a well-rounded, flexible way to experience the essence of Hong Kong, blending adrenaline, wildlife, city views, and cultural sights in one straightforward package. Whether you’re with family, a first-time visitor, or someone who loves independent exploration, it’s a practical way to maximize your time in this vibrant city.

You can check availability for your dates here: