Merlion Park | Central Region

Merlion Park is one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit destination for tourists. It is located along the waterfront near Marina Bay, offering stunning views of the Singapore skyline and the famous Marina Bay Sands. The park is home to the Merlion Statue, a symbol that combines a lion’s head with the body of a fish, representing Singapore’s historical connection to both the sea and its founding legend.

1. Historical Significance of the Merlion

The Merlion itself was created as a symbol for the Singapore Tourism Board in 1964. The figure combines two key aspects of Singapore’s history:

• Lion's Head: The lion represents the city’s original name, Singapura, which means “lion city” in Sanskrit. This name is believed to have originated from the legend of a Singa (lion) that was spotted by a Malay prince, Sang Nila Utama, upon his arrival on the island in the 14th century.
• Fish Body: The fish body symbolizes Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village. The island was known as Temasek (which means "sea town" in Malay) before it became known as Singapore.

The Merlion is thus a fusion of Singapore’s historical roots, its maritime heritage, and its modern identity as a thriving city-state.

2. The Merlion Statue

At the heart of Merlion Park stands the iconic Merlion statue, which has become a symbol of Singapore. The statue is a majestic creature, with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. It spouts water from its mouth into the Marina Bay, creating a stunning visual effect and an iconic photo opportunity.

• Height and Size: The Merlion statue is 8.6 meters tall and weighs about 70 tons. It faces the bay and is positioned in such a way that visitors can capture perfect pictures with the Singapore skyline and Marina Bay Sands in the background.
• Water Feature: The Merlion is known for spouting a continuous stream of water from its mouth into the bay. The water feature is a key element of the statue’s allure and symbolizes prosperity and life.

3. Merlion Park Location and Views

Merlion Park is situated at the waterfront promenade near the Fullerton Hotel and One Fullerton, along the Marina Bay waterfront. The location offers visitors breathtaking views of some of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks.

• Singapore Skyline: From the park, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Flyer, the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, and the stunning architecture of the central business district.
• The Fullerton Hotel: Just across from the park is the Fullerton Hotel, a historic building that was once a post office and is now a luxurious hotel. It adds to the charm of the area and is a great backdrop for photographs.

4. Attractions and Activities Around the Park

The Merlion Park is not just about the iconic statue itself. It is located in an area with a variety of attractions, making it an ideal spot for a day out exploring Singapore.

• Waterfront Promenade: Visitors can stroll along the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, which provides access to several nearby attractions, including Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands. The area is also home to many restaurants, bars, and shopping areas like The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.
• Light and Water Show: The park offers a great vantage point for watching the Spectra Light & Water Show, which is held nightly at Marina Bay Sands. This show features a captivating combination of water fountains, lasers, and projections, creating a dazzling display.
• Sculpture and Green Spaces: The area around the Merlion statue is landscaped with green lawns and sculptures, providing visitors with a relaxing environment. It’s an excellent spot to sit, relax, and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

5. Photography and Iconic Views

The Merlion Park is one of the most popular photography spots in Singapore. It offers unique opportunities to capture the contrast between the iconic Merlion statue, the city’s modern skyline, and the Marina Bay area.

• Best Time for Photos: The golden hour before sunset is the perfect time for photographers to capture stunning pictures, as the lighting is softer and the skyline is illuminated in a warm glow.
• Night Views: In the evening, the Merlion is beautifully lit, and the water spouting from its mouth reflects the lights from the surroundings, providing an excellent setting for night-time photography.

6. Visiting Information

Merlion Park is open to the public all day, every day, and free to visit, making it an accessible destination for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re visiting in the morning, afternoon, or evening, the park offers a consistent experience with beautiful views and photo opportunities.

• Opening Hours: Since the park is outdoors and open to the public, there are no fixed opening hours. However, it is best to visit during the daytime for the full experience.
• Public Access: The park is easily accessible via public transportation, especially the Raffles Place MRT Station and Bayfront MRT Station, both of which are just a short walk away from the park.

7. Nearby Attractions

Merlion Park is located in a prime location, with many notable attractions within walking distance, making it part of a larger touristic experience in the Marina Bay area.

• Marina Bay Sands: One of Singapore's most iconic landmarks, featuring a luxury hotel, casino, observation deck, and a massive shopping mall.
• Gardens by the Bay: A futuristic garden with stunning horticultural displays, including the Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest.
• Singapore Flyer: The giant Ferris wheel that offers an incredible aerial view of Singapore.
• The Fullerton Hotel and One Fullerton: Historic buildings that house restaurants, bars, and galleries, along with beautiful waterfront views.

8. Conclusion

Merlion Park is a symbol of Singapore’s rich history, modernity, and prosperity. Whether you are visiting to admire the Merlion statue, take in the stunning views of Marina Bay, or enjoy the surrounding attractions, the park is a must-see destination. The iconic Merlion continues to capture the imagination of tourists from all over the world and stands as a proud reminder of Singapore’s maritime heritage and vibrant future.