Merlion Park | Central Region

Information

Landmark: Merlion Park
City: Central Region
Country: Singapore
Continent: Asia

Merlion Park, Central Region, Singapore, Asia

Merlion Park is a public space featuring a statue of the Merlion, a mythical creature with a lion's head and a fish's body, located in the Central Region of Singapore.

The park serves as a prominent viewpoint for Singapore's Marina Bay skyline.

Visual Characteristics

The central feature is the Merlion statue, constructed from concrete and mounted on a pedestal. The statue stands 8.6 meters tall and weighs 70 tons. Its body is clad in ceramic tiles, and its eyes are made of red teacups. Water spouts from the Merlion's mouth into the Singapore River. The park itself is paved with concrete and features landscaped areas with tropical plants.

Location & Access Logistics

Merlion Park is situated at 1 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049214. It is approximately 1.5 kilometers southeast of the central business district. Access is via Raffles Place MRT station (East-West Line and North-South Line), which is a 10-minute walk away. Several bus routes serve the area, including bus numbers 10, 57, 70, 75, 100, 107, 128, 130, 131, 162, 167, 196, 198, and 961. Limited metered parking is available at the adjacent Fullerton Hotel and Marina Bay Financial Centre.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Merlion statue was designed by Fraser Brown and MacKenna, with the sculpture created by Singaporean artist Lim Nang Seng. It was officially unveiled on September 15, 1972, by then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. The Merlion was conceived as a symbol for Singapore, representing its origins as a fishing village (fish tail) and its original name, Singapura, meaning "lion city" (lion head).

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the Merlion statue and its water-spouting feature. Photography opportunities with the statue and the city skyline are a primary activity. Walking along the waterfront promenade provides views of Marina Bay Sands and the Esplanade. The park is a common starting point for exploring the Marina Bay area.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the park. Shade is provided by strategically placed trees and the overhang of nearby buildings. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong throughout the park. Food and beverage options are available at the nearby Fullerton Hotel and various establishments within the Marina Bay Financial Centre and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal photography lighting, early morning (sunrise) or late afternoon (before sunset) is recommended. The park is accessible 24 hours a day. Weather is generally consistent year-round, with average temperatures between 25-31°C. Humidity is high. Rain showers are common, particularly in the afternoon.

Facts & Legends

The original Merlion statue was located at the mouth of the Singapore River. In 2002, it was relocated to its current position in Merlion Park to make way for the Esplanade Bridge. The statue is equipped with a pump system that circulates water from the Singapore River to the spout.