16 May 2013 - Hong Kong Day 5: Noah's Ark

Today is another fun-filled day as we visited Noah's Ark (挪亚方舟), the world's only full-sized replica built to Biblical specifications.  It is a beautiful theme park inspired by love and harmony, with a focus on entertainment, education and natural scenic beauty.  Siting in the shadow of the spectacular Tsing Ma Bridge (青马大桥) with views of Rambler Channel, Noah's Ark features a full range of exhibitions and attractions, providing guests with a relaxing, yet entertaining experience.

We did some research last night on how best to get to Noah's Ark from Novotel Citygate and we confirmed it with the concierge this morning.  We took the hotel shuttle to the airport, which is just 5mins away.  From the airport (Terminal 2 Gate No. 27), there is a Circular Bus (NR334) that will bring us to Park Island (Ma Wan) where Noah's Ark is.  We reached Noah's Ark at about 11am.  First we visited the outdoor Ark Garden where we met up with 67 pairs of life sized animal sculptures as they emerge from the Ark and share their hope for the future.

We downloaded the "Noah's Ark Animal App" and used the in-App QR code reader to scan the code on the animal information signs to discover more fascinating fun facts.  Jerlene and Javier were busy helping us find the QR codes around the garden.

After walking one round of the garden, the sky suddenly turned dark and we decided to head into the interior of Noah's Ark.  There are a total of 5 floors within Noah's Ark.  We entered through the Ground floor where the Ark Expo is situated.  There are more life sized animal sculptures in this area plus some "LIVE" creatures such as lizards, horn-bills, spiders, snakes etc etc.

In this area, we also learned a lot about the origin of Noah's Ark.  There are many things to do and experience in Ark Expo.  First there is a 180 degree cinema where we can experience the power of the Great Flood and find hope for the future.  Then there is also a 4D theatre and a number of interactive games.  Jerlene and Javier were fascinated by the game where images are projected onto a huge wall, and they will react to our touch.  They were busy bursting the bubbles to save the butterflies.

After we completed the Ark Expo, we all felt hungry.  So we went to Lower Ground floor and had our lunch at the Harvest Restaurant.  Next we took the lift up to the 2nd floor where Treasure house is.  Treasure House consists of 15 discovery galleries filled with interactive activities and exhibition that let kids explore and learn about the amazing wonders of the world in a virtual miniature academy.  Elements of life education, multiple intelligence, critical thinking and liberal studies are all integrated in a fun-filled exhibitions and programs especially designed for children aged 3-15.  Jerlene and Javier really enjoyed this area very much as can be seen in the following photos.

I actually expected that we could complete Noah's Ark in half a day but it seemed like I'm wrong.  The children had not enough, especially the Treasure House.  When I told them that it's time to leave, they were so reluctant and sad.

Included in the Park ticket is a nearby Solar Tower, where we can unmask the mysteries of the sun and galaxies beyond. Through the Solar Tower’s professional vacuum solar telescope, you can view the Sun’s surface activity in real time!  

We managed to catch the last 3D show but it was quite boring for the kids as it is a documentary film about the sun.  In fact, there were other visitors who left the theatre half way through the show.

By that time, it was almost 6pm and it's time to leave the park.  Jerlene and Javier kept wanting to go back to the Treasure House.  I promised them that I will bring them back here in the near future.  In fact, I think we should stay in Noah's Ark Resort, which is located on the 3rd floor within the Ark, the next time we come here.

We took a bus to Tsing Yi (青衣) Shopping Mall and had our dinner there before taking the MTR back to Tung Chung station, where our hotel was.  At the end of the day, I asked the kids whether they like Disneyland or Noah's Ark.  Without thinking, both Jerlene and Javier shouted "NOAH'S ARK!".