My sister’s flight back was in the afternoon, so I was trying to think – what can we do in the morning on the way to the airport. Recent news announced a brand new attraction in Hong Kong – a huge Noah’s Ark to biblical scale on Ma Wan island. Looking at the website, I didn’t know what to expect, but it was obviously something to do with Christianity. "What the heck", I figured, "let’s go have a look, it’s on the way". We packed the suitcase, and headed out to Central piers for a ferry to Ma Wan Park.
What a surreal odd experience it was. Till now, I’m not quite sure what that was. Ma Wan Park, BTW, is this huge posh isolated neighborhood, and by the looks of it – intended for the very wealthy.
The Ark is visible from very far away…
The Ark is located just next to the Tsing Ma bridge (named, you should know, after Tsing Yi and Ma Wan islands), considered among Hong Kong’s finest and the world’s 7th longest suspension bridge.
The nearby beach was spotless clean and appeared at first deserted, although we did finally notice there was a guy there just chilling out.
The attraction itself is not yet complete, but there are already people visiting. Still, they didn’t know what to do with us, and had no solution for our suitcase ("we’re still building the luggage room and you can’t leave it with us"). Brilliant.
The whole Ark, I should point out, is this really surreal Christian missionary experience. They wanted to take us through all those really bizarre activities. At some point, when one of the girls suggested I take the "Rainbow path" where I’m suppose to follow instructions in the spirit of "Tell yourself Thank You in the mirror, you deserve it", I just couldn’t stop laughing and had to go out to calm myself. My sister was much more open to all that…
So, for example, they’ve asked me to close my eyes while my sister draws her wish for me on my hand (chillout at the beach, thanks sis!).
The entire complex is a set of rooms with different activities for kids…
and adults…
and some strange oddities, like "you don’t know what’s coming" as you pull handles coming off the wall and you have a chance of 1 in 5 to get a cold shower and 1 in 5 to get ball rain. We asked them what this is suppose to represent, or be, but all we got in reply is that we should do it. Why?! just do it, it’s fun.
Okay, now…. this was the point both my sister and I decided we’re done with this building.
On the way out we had some photo fun…
and were surprised to notice that their biblical Christianity doesn’t have any problem with modern interpretations of evolution and dinosaurs.
I don’t know. Can’t put my finger on it, but something about that place made me feel very uncomfortable. Still, an experience. 😛
Pretty good post. I just found your blog and wanted to say
that I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts. Any way
I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
Great story, and sounds truly bizarre.
And hey, tell your sister I think she’s cute 🙂
Fili, it looks like the Ark would be better just being viewed from a distance rather than going inside and all those silly things. excellent reporting!
Wow Fili…first I have to comment on the incredible number of photos I’ve seen from your sister’s trip the last week. Did you ever put your camera down!? Ha!
This Noah’s Ark thing is weird. Would be interesting to pass by, I think, although I’m not sure I’d want to spend money to go in judging from your experience. Too bad it looks like a bad representation of Biblical Christianity.
Thanks guys, for the positive feedback.
Tobbie – will pass along your comment to my sister 🙂
Josh – I remember a time where I couldn’t stand cameras. Now, it’s all part of the fun. Having my sister to model HK for me helped alot ^_^
Hi Fili,
I’ve stumbled upon your blog when I was trying to find a some suggestions travel itenary for 7 days in Hong Kong. Your post has helped me in planning my trip this November. Thanks alot for the tips..
Cheers,
Kylie
Kylie – thanks, that’s nice to hear. Hope to have a follow up with another suggested 7 days (making it 14 :P), maybe sometime later in September.