Information
Landmark: Merlion ParkCity: Central Region
Country: Singapore
Continent: Asia
Merlion Park, Central Region, Singapore, Asia
Overview
Merlion Park is among Singapore’s most famous sights, and every visitor should see it-especially when the spray from the lion’s mouth catches the sunlight.Right on the waterfront by Marina Bay, it gives you sweeping views of Singapore’s skyline and the striking three-towered Marina Bay Sands rising above the water.In the park stands the Merlion Statue, its stone face a fierce lion and its tail a curling fish, a reminder of Singapore’s roots in the sea and the legend of its founding.One.The Merlion, with its lion’s head and fish’s tail, was designed in 1964 as a symbol for the Singapore Tourism Board.The figure blends two parts of Singapore’s past: the Lion’s Head, symbolizing its first name, Singapura-Sanskrit for “lion city,” a nod to the fierce animal once said to roam its shores.People say the name comes from a legend about a Singa-a lion-the Malay prince Sang Nila Utama claimed he saw prowling the shore when he first set foot on the island in the 14th century.Fish Body: The fish’s shape recalls Singapore’s modest start as a quiet fishing village, where nets dried in the sun along the shore.Before it was called Singapore, the island went by the name Temasek, a Malay word meaning “sea town,” evoking the scent of salt on the breeze.The Merlion blends Singapore’s deep historical roots, its seafaring past, and the energy of its modern city-state life, like waves lapping against a harbor beside gleaming skyscrapers.Number two.At the center of Merlion Park, the famous Merlion rises with a lion’s head and a fish’s tail, a proud symbol of Singapore.The statue rises like a guardian, its lion’s head fierce above a shimmering fish’s body.Water pours from its mouth into Marina Bay, catching the sunlight in a sparkling arc and making it one of the most photographed sights around.The Merlion stands 8.6 meters high and tips the scales at roughly 70 tons-about the weight of a dozen elephants.It looks out over the bay, perfectly placed so visitors can snap shots of the Singapore skyline with Marina Bay Sands rising in the distance.Water Feature: The Merlion sends a steady stream of water from its open mouth, splashing into the bay below.The statue’s charm hinges on its water feature, where the steady trickle suggests both prosperity and the flow of life.Three.Merlion Park sits on the Marina Bay waterfront, right by the promenade near the Fullerton Hotel and One Fullerton, where you can watch sunlight glint off the water’s surface.From this spot, you can take in sweeping views of Singapore’s skyline, from the Marina Bay Sands towers to the glittering Singapore Flyer at dusk.From the park, you can take in the sweep of Marina Bay Sands, catch the slow spin of the Singapore Flyer, spot the domed curves of the Esplanade, and admire the gleaming towers that rise over the central business district.The Fullerton Hotel sits just across from the park, its grand white columns hinting at its past life as a bustling post office before it became a luxury stay.It gives the area a touch of charm and makes a perfect backdrop for photos, especially with the old brick wall catching the afternoon light.Number four.Attractions and activities spill beyond the famous Merlion statue-wander the park and you’ll hear street musicians, smell roasting chestnuts, and find plenty more to explore.You’ll find it in a lively part of town, surrounded by everything from buzzing food stalls to quiet gardens, making it perfect for a day spent exploring Singapore.At the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, visitors can wander beside the water’s edge, catching the scent of the sea breeze, with easy paths leading to Gardens by the Bay and the iconic Marina Bay Sands.You’ll find plenty of restaurants, lively bars, and shopping spots here, including The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands with its gleaming storefronts and polished marble floors.Light and Water Show: From the park, you can catch a clear view of the nightly Spectra Light & Water Show, as colorful beams sweep across Marina Bay Sands.The show blends soaring water fountains, sharp bursts of laser light, and vivid projections, coming together in a dazzling spectacle that catches the eye.Around the Merlion statue, neat green lawns and scattered sculptures create a calm spot where visitors can linger in the shade of a nearby tree.It’s a great place to kick back, watch the light shift across the hills, and soak in the view.Number five stood alone, like a single chalk mark on an empty board.With its sweeping view of Marina Bay, Merlion Park ranks among Singapore’s favorite places to snap a photo.Here, you can snap striking shots that frame the Merlion’s white stone curves against the gleaming glass towers and the wide, shimmering waters of Marina Bay.The best time to shoot is that golden hour before sunset, when the light turns soft and the skyline shimmers in a warm, honey-colored glow.Night Views: At dusk, the Merlion glows under soft golden lights, and the arc of water from its mouth catches shimmering reflections from the city, making it a perfect scene for night photography.Number six stood alone, like a single note hanging in the air.Merlion Park welcomes visitors 24/7, rain or shine, and there’s no entry fee-just stroll up and take in the view, whether you’re a local or a traveler.Morning, afternoon, or evening-it’s always the same calm scene at the park, with sweeping views and plenty of spots to snap a photo.Opening hours: The park’s open-air and public, so you can wander in anytime-whether it’s dawn with dew on the grass or late under the streetlamps.Still, you’ll get the most out of it if you come in daylight, when the colors are sharp and every detail stands out.Public Access: You can reach the park with ease by hopping on public transport-Raffles Place or Bayfront MRT stations leave you just a few minutes’ stroll from its gates.Seven.Merlion Park sits in the heart of it all, just steps from landmarks like the Marina Bay Sands and other sights that make the whole waterfront buzz with life.Marina Bay Sands towers over Singapore’s skyline, with its gleaming hotel, buzzing casino, sweeping observation deck, and a vast mall where glass doors hiss open to cool air.Gardens by the Bay is a futuristic wonderland of plants, where towering Supertrees glow at night and the misty Cloud Forest wraps you in cool, damp air.Singapore Flyer: a towering Ferris wheel that lifts you high above the city, where you can spot the glitter of Marina Bay far below.The Fullerton Hotel and One Fullerton are historic landmarks where you can linger over dinner, sip a cocktail, or browse art, all while looking out at the glittering waterfront.Eight.In the end, Merlion Park stands as a vivid symbol of Singapore’s rich past, sleek modern skyline, and thriving prosperity, with the spray of its fountain catching the sunlight.Whether you’re here to snap a photo of the Merlion, watch the sunlight ripple across Marina Bay, or wander through the nearby sights, this park belongs on your must-visit list.The iconic Merlion still draws visitors from every corner of the globe, its stone mane catching the morning sun as it stands tall-a proud symbol of Singapore’s seafaring past and its bright, bustling future.
