Merlion Park
Label : Top Attraction
Tags : Garden & Park
Timings : 24 hours
Time Required : Less than 1 hour
Entry Fee : No entry fee
Merlion Park, Singapore Overview
Merlion Park is one of Singapore’s most famous landmarks, home to the iconic Merlion statue overlooking Marina Bay. The waterfront promenade offers excellent skyline views of Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer, making it a popular stop for photography and evening walks. It is best visited around sunset or at night when the surrounding skyline is illuminated.
Spouting water from the mouth, the larger of the two statues measure 8.6 metres, which was later joined by a Merlion cub, measuring 2 metres and located near the main Merlion. While visiting the concrete structure isn't in itself worth the time, the Marina Bay views make the trip worthwhile.
The 70-tonne concrete statue was first unveiled in 1972 and became one of the must-visit tourist spots of Singapore. The original Merlion statue and the cub is one of the seven approved Merlion sculptures in the metropolitan. The best time to enjoy this half-lion, half-fish structure is either early in the morning or late at night when the crowd is less and view from across the Marina Bay is breathtaking.
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Things to Do at Merlion Park
Merlion Park is full of fun, especially with the kids. There are a number of stops such as the Jubilee Bridge Sign, Ulysses by the Merlion, Merlion Park Sign and so on, that can be explored together as a family. To make it more interesting, the children can be given a clue and they must be rewarded after completing the quest.
Take Pictures
A trip to the Merlion Park is incomplete if one doesn't take pictures of the legendary Merlion statue. The place looks magical after sundown and offers some of the best backdrops to take photos.
Wander Around
Merlion Park is a great place to soak up the typical Singapore vibe. It is a perfect escape from the city's hustle where visitors can relax and enjoy the calm surroundings. The cool breeze, the admirable silence and the peaceful ambience make the park worth visiting.
Watch the Light and Water Show
The Merlion Park is one of the few spots from where visitors can witness the popular light and water show at Marina Bay Sands. The show depicts sheer magnificence and watching it delights the senses.
Historical Significance of Merlion
The origin of the park goes back to 1964 at the mouth of the Singapore River where the iconic statue was installed in 1972. However, due to the rapid commercialization, the Merlion was no longer visible from the Marina Bay. As a result, the authorities decided to move the statue to its current location. The initial expenditure for relocating the statue in 2002 was USD 7.5 million. In 2009, the Merlion statue was struck by lightning and broke into pieces. Finally, it was restored in 2012 and stands tall overlooking the Marina Bay.
