New Bond Limited
Light up and Enliven Aberdeen
The Story of the Seafood Floating Restaurant
in Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter
In 1976, there were a total of three seafood floating restaurants in Aberdeen. Hong Kong Aberdeen Catering Company Limited (the owner and operator of Jumbo Seafood Restaurant) acquired the Ocean Palace in 1982 through a share swap, which was later rebuilt in the early 1990s and renamed Jumbo Kingdom. In 1988, they purchased Tai Pak Seafood Restaurant , ending the competitive situation between the three restaurants. In the mid-1990s, due to internal business adjustments, Ocean Palace closed down and was sold abroad. In 2003, Jumbo Seafood Restaurant and Tai Pak Seafood Restaurant were renovated and collectively referred to as "Jumbo Kingdom," which is now commonly known as "Jumbo Seafood Restaurant."
As a iconic tourist attraction in Hong Kong, the seafood floating restaurant have hosted millions of visitors from around the world, Tai Pak too has had a vast historical presence among the harbour. The strong impression left on visitors comes not only from seeing the cultural marvel in person but also from people's familiarity with it through movies and popular culture. For instance, it was featured in the 1973 Bruce Lee film "Enter the Dragon", and in 1996 during the final showdown in Stephen Chow's film "The God of Cookery".
In the 1970s and 1980s, many world-famous guests attended, including Queen Elizabeth II, the President of Argentina, and numerous Hollywood stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and John Wayne.
The earliest seafood floating restaurant in the"Jumbo Kingdom" was the Tai Pak Restaurant. The first Tai Pak opened around 1948, after World War II, this version of Tai Pak was a simple wooden landing craft. The second Tai Pak built in 1952 grew in size measuring 105 feet. The third Tai Pak, resembling the marvel we know today was a two-story structure measuring 150 feet, opening on the 17th of January 1962. Its predecessor was relocated to Cheung Sha Wan, continuing operations on the same day. The third Tai Pak Seafood Restaurant has now been in operation for over 60 years, dazzling spectators and visitors for over a half-century.
In August 2022, New Bond Limited took over the vessels on the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter in Hong Kong.
Tai Pak Seafood Floating Restaurant
Project Introduction
New Bond Limited aims to utilise the excellent location of the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter to develop a memorable and culturally significant tourist attraction that is rich in historical significance and has evolved alongside the development of Hong Kong.
The Harbour Lab
The Harbour Lab is a groundbreaking partnership between New Bond Limited and The Harbour School, combining the school’s acclaimed expertise in hands-on experiential science and history education with the Jumbo Kingdom’s close proximity to the harbour and its rich heritage.
Open to schools, visitors, and corporate groups, this innovative experience invites participants to engage with Hong Kong's vibrant harbour ecosystems, explore the challenges facing marine life, and hear first-hand stories that connect deeply to the harbour’s history and industries.
Touring Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter.
Tai Pak Seafood Restaurant is an iconic landmark in the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter. It has witnessed the prosperous years of Hong Kong and attracted numerous local and international tourists and VIPs, making it a must-visit destination in the past. While the once-bustling atmosphere has temporarily settled, time seems to stand still at Tai Pak Seafood Restaurant, patiently awaiting renovation and a revival of its charm. Visitors can currently explore the restaurant's history and transformation by joining guided tours, experiencing the unique features of Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, and visiting exhibitions on the water.
3D LED Advertising Board
The "Welcome" sign on the Tai Pak partition boat was originally a feature of Jumbo Kingdom. It will now be transformed into Hong Kong's first and only 3D LED screen on the water. This screen will be capable of displaying various videos and advertisements. This upgrade will enhance the tourism experience and allow for the hosting of various events, showcasing specially produced videos that will breathe new life into the historically and culturally significant Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter.