Once you set your foot on the island city-state of Singapore, you cannot help admiring the massive scale of development that the country achieved in a limited span of 55 years post its independence in 1965. It is one of the most advanced countries of the South East, doing swell business in trade and commerce. No other economy has grown so rapidly with a near-perfect statistical record indicating increased life expectancy, inclusive education and housing, and full employment. Today it features as one of the richest places on earth to visit in one’s lifetime. You sure don’t want to miss including this in your travel bucket list!
Singapore never stops to excite and entertain you. It is a country that is steeped in folklore, historical truth, myths, and legends. There are many theories behind Singapore’s nomenclature, but the popular one that goes around is that the Prince of Sumatra had named the island ‘Singapura’ – meaning ‘The Lion City’ after he accidentally discovered the paradise land when he was shipwrecked. He confronted the beast when he found himself stranded on the island but was never attacked.
One of the most famous tourist attractions of Singapore is the iconic Merlion with the body of a fish and the head of a lion. The fish represents ‘a fishing village’ that Singapore once was; the lion symbolizes what Singapore originally means (The Lion City). The Merlion is the national symbol of the island country, and the structure stands imposingly at 8.6 meters, weighing 70 tonnes on Singapore’s Fullerton Road. The most adorable feature lies in the ‘lion’ spouting water continuously into the Singapore River, which most believe is the symbol of prosperity and good luck as it mimics throwing money endlessly into the deep waters.
The Merlion statue once occupied the mouth of the Singapore river but in 2002 it was shifted to its current location overlooking Marina Bay which bustles with day and night- long activities packed with fun and entertainment.
Know the Highlights
Let’s take a look at the list of things you could do at Merlion Park.
Most Favored Destination For Photo-op — You will not come across this spectacular sight often in your life. People crowd at all times during the day to take solo photos or in groups with this iconic statue in the background just to capture its essence. At night, visitors flock to marvel at the beauty of the Merlion with the city’s towering skyscrapers in the backdrop. There’s another baby Merlion close by where you can safely pose for a beautiful picture or two if the original one refuses to allow space for a crowd-free photo.
Cruise Ride On The Singapore River — One of the best ways to explore the city’s landmarks with family and children is to take a relaxing 40-minute Singapore River Cruise ride that passes most of them on the banks. Besides the Merlion Statue, you can also keep your eyes peeled for Little India, Clarke Quay, Marina Bay, and Gardens By The Bay. The guide will regale you with stories of Singapore’s rise from a fishing village to a global hub. You also get to try some amazing food.
Enjoy Waterfront View — As you quietly sit on the steps facing the waterfront at Merlion Park, you get an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the city across the banks. The evening breeze makes it ideal for you to stay that much longer, while your kids feed the birds at the park behind you.
Savor Great Street Food — Your trip to Singapore will remain incomplete without giving in to your taste buds for its famous street food. There is a lineup of food stalls with a variety to pick from. Nothing can be more romantic than strolling through the breezy weather on the Jubilee Bridge with your loved one by your side savoring a plate of mouth-watering delicacies. You need not worry if street food is really not your type. There are hundreds of dine-in restaurants and cafes on the other end of the street to spend time with the best ones as company.
Spectacular Spectra Show — The Light and Water show is a free nightly show, an electrifying one that is hard to miss in the evenings on Merlion Park. It is a beautifully choreographed event on the Promenade, Marina Bay, that stupefies you for a quarter of an hour. It is a remarkable presentation that uses fountain jets, lasers, mist effects, and graphic projections in symphony with the accompanying orchestral beats against the stunning Singapore skyline. It’s a big hit with both the locals and tourists.
Address & Contact
Merlion Park has no entrance fee. It is open between 12 am and 11:59 pm round the year, all seven days a week to everyone. The major tourist attraction is located at 1 Fullerton Rd, Singapore 049213. For queries, you can reach the Singapore Tourism Board on +65 6736 6622.
How to Reach
You can take the bus or the metro service to reach Merlion Park. Both public transit systems are undoubtedly cheaper than a taxi or private vehicle ride.
Bus line numbers 10, 100, 131, 57, and 196 pass near Merlion Park. The nearby bus stations are North Bridge Road (opposite the treasury), Collyer Quay – Oue Bayfront, Raffles Avenue – The Esplanade, and Fullerton Road- Fullerton Square. All of these are 4 to 5 minutes’ walk from the Park.
The metro line that stops near Merlion Park is the East-West line. You can avail of both the MRT (Metro Rail Transit) and the LRT (Light Rail Transit) to reach Merlion Park.
