If you’re planning a trip to Singapore, you won’t want to miss out on the chance to visit the iconic Merlion Park. Located in the heart of the city, this park is home to the famous Merlion statue, which has become a symbol of Singapore.
For those who may not be familiar, the Merlion is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. It is said to represent the city’s history as a fishing village and its current status as a major financial hub. The original Merlion statue stands at a towering 8.6 meters tall and is located in the park. There is also a smaller Merlion statue that shoots water from its mouth, making it a popular spot for tourists to take photos.
Aside from the statues, the Park is also a great place to relax and take in the views of the city. It is located along the waterfront, so you can enjoy the sea breeze while looking out at the skyline. There are also plenty of benches and grassy areas where you can sit and rest.
One of the best times to visit the Park is during the evening when the statues are illuminated. The park is open 24 hours, so you can enjoy the views at any time. Just be aware that it can get quite crowded during peak tourist seasons.
Overall, the Park is a must-visit destination in Singapore. Whether you’re interested in taking photos with the iconic statues or just want to relax and take in the views, this park has something for everyone.
History of Merlion Park
The Merlion statue was designed by Fraser Brunner, a member of the Souvenir Committee for the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board, in 1964. The statue was originally located at the mouth of the Singapore River and was meant to serve as a mascot and tourism symbol for the city.
In 1972, the original Merlion statue was moved to its current location at the Park. The park was developed as a tourist attraction, with the smaller Merlion statue that shoots water from its mouth being added later.
Over the years, the Merlion has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Singapore, and the statue at Park has become a popular destination for tourists visiting the city. In addition to the statues, the park also features a small pond and a footpath that leads to a viewing deck with views of the Marina Bay area.
Today, Merlion Park is managed by the Singapore Land Authority and is open to the public 24 hours a day. It continues to be a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with over 1 million visitors each year.
Things to do at Merlion Park
There are a number of things you can do while visiting Park in Singapore:
- Take photos of the iconic Merlion statues. The original Merlion statue stands at 8.6 meters tall, while the smaller Merlion statue that shoots water from its mouth is a popular spot for tourists to take photos.
- Relax and take in the views. Merlion Park is located along the waterfront, so you can enjoy the sea breeze while looking out at the skyline. There are also plenty of benches and grassy areas where you can sit and rest.
- Visit in the evening. The park is open 24 hours, so you can visit at any time. However, the statues are illuminated at night, making it a particularly beautiful time to visit.
- Go on a walking tour. The park is located in the heart of the city, so it’s a great starting point for a walking tour of the surrounding area.
- Enjoy a picnic. The park has plenty of green space, making it a great spot for a picnic. You can bring your own food or purchase snacks from nearby vendors.
- Learn about the history of the Merlion. The Merlion statue is a symbol of Singapore’s history as a fishing village and its current status as a major financial hub. You can learn more about the history of the statue and its significance to the city at the park.
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Facts about Merlion Park
- The original Merlion statue was designed by Fraser Brunner, a member of the Souvenir Committee for the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board, in 1964.
- The park was officially opened in 1972, and the smaller Merlion statue that shoots water from its mouth was added later.
- The original Merlion statue stands at a towering 8.6 meters tall.
- The park is located along the waterfront and offers views of the Marina Bay area.
- The park is open 24 hours a day and attracts over 1 million visitors each year.
- The park is managed by the Singapore Land Authority.
- The Merlion is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. It is a symbol of Singapore’s history as a fishing village and its current status as a major financial hub.
- The park features a small pond and a footpath that leads to a viewing deck with views of the surrounding area.
Hotels near Merlion Park
There are a number of hotels located near Park in Singapore:
- The Fullerton Bay Hotel: This luxury hotel is located just a few minutes’ walk from Park and offers stunning views of the Marina Bay area.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore: This luxury hotel is located a short walk from Park and features a range of amenities, including multiple dining options and a spa.
- The Pan Pacific Singapore: This upscale hotel is located just a few minutes’ walk from Park and features multiple dining options, a spa, and a fitness center.
- The Swissotel The Stamford: This luxury hotel is located a short walk from Park and offers a range of amenities, including multiple dining options and a spa.
- The Mandarin Oriental, Singapore: This luxury hotel is located a short walk from Park and features multiple dining options, a spa, and a fitness center.
How to reach Merlion Park
There are a number of ways to reach Merlion Park in Singapore:
- By public transportation: The park is easily accessible by public transportation, including the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) train system. The nearest MRT station is Raffles Place, which is just a short walk from the park. You can also take the bus to the park, with several bus stops located nearby.
- By taxi: Taxis are widely available in Singapore and can be a convenient way to get to the park. Just be aware that traffic can be heavy at times, so the journey may take longer.
- By foot: If you’re staying in the downtown area, it’s possible to reach the park on foot. It’s a pleasant walk and a good way to explore the surrounding area.
- By bike: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also reach the park by bike. Bicycles can be rented from various locations around the city.
- By car: If you’re driving, you can reach the park by car. There are several parking garages located nearby. Just be aware that traffic can be heavy in the downtown area, so it may be easier to park and walk to the park.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Merlion Park
Q. What is the Merlion?
A – The Merlion is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. It is a symbol of Singapore’s history as a fishing village and its current status as a major financial hub.
Q. Where is Merlion Park located?
A – Merlion Park is located in the heart of Singapore, along the waterfront.
Q. What is there to do at Merlion Park?
A – Visitors to the park can take photos of the iconic Merlion statues, relax and take in the views, visit in the evening when the statues are illuminated, go on a walking tour, enjoy a picnic, or learn about the history of the Merlion.
Q. How tall is the original Merlion statue?
A – The original Merlion statue stands at a towering 8.6 meters tall.
Q. How many visitors does Merlion Park receive each year?
A – Merlion Park attracts over 1 million visitors each year.
Q. Who designed the original Merlion statue?
A – The original Merlion statue was designed by Fraser Brunner, a member of the Souvenir Committee for the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board, in 1964.
Q. When was Merlion Park opened?
A – Merlion Park was officially opened in 1972.
Q. How do I get to Merlion Park?
A – There are several ways to reach Merlion Park, including by public transportation, taxi, foot, bike, or car.
Q. Is Merlion Park open 24 hours a day?
A – Yes, Merlion Park is open 24 hours a day.
Q. Are there any hotels located near Merlion Park?
A – Yes, there are several hotels located near Merlion Park, including the Fullerton Bay Hotel, the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, the Pan Pacific Singapore, the Swissotel The Stamford, and the Mandarin Oriental, Singapore.
Q. Is there a charge to enter Merlion Park?
A – No, there is no charge to enter Merlion Park.
Q. Is there food available at Merlion Park?
A – There are no food options available within the park, but there are plenty of dining options located nearby.
Q. Can I take photos with the Merlion statues?
A – Yes, visitors are welcome to take photos of the Merlion statues.
Q. Is there a parking garage near Merlion Park?
A – Yes, there are several parking garages located nearby.
Q. Are there restrooms available at Merlion Park?
A – Yes, there are restrooms available at the park.
