Merlion Park
Central Singapore
Merlion Park is a renowned landmark in Singapore, situated near the Central Business District at One Fullerton. The park showcases two prominent statues of the Merlion, a mythical creature with a lion's head and fish's tail that represents Singapore's origins as a fishing village and its transformation into a lion city. The original statue stands 8.6 meters tall and spouts water from its mouth, crafted by Singaporean sculptor Lim Nang Seng and completed in 1972. A smaller Merlion cub statue, measuring 2 meters tall, accompanies the original. The park was relocated in 2002 to a larger site adjacent to The Fullerton Hotel to improve visibility after the construction of the Esplanade Bridge. Despite lightning damage in 2009, the statue was promptly repaired, maintaining its status as a symbol of Singapore's identity and a major tourist attraction. The park offers scenic views of Marina Bay and is a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.
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Tip: The best time to visit Merlion Park is during the early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures. Visitors are advised to book tickets for nearby attractions, such as river cruises, in advance for convenience. The park is open daily and free to access, with no entrance fees. Photographers should consider visiting at sunset for picturesque views of the city skyline and the Merlion statue illuminated at night.
Interesting facts
- •The Merlion statue weighs approximately 70 tons and stands 8.6 meters tall.
- •The Merlion was designed as a national symbol combining Singapore's original name 'Singapura' meaning 'Lion City' and its fishing village heritage represented by the fish tail.
- •The Merlion Park was expanded to four times its original size during the 2002 relocation.
- •The statue was struck by lightning in 2009, causing damage that required repairs completed within a month.
History
The Merlion statue was originally designed in 1964 by the Singapore Tourism Board as an emblem of Singapore.
Construction began in November 1971 and was completed in August 1972.
The statue was officially unveiled on 15 September 1972 by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
In 2002, the Merlion was relocated from its original position at the mouth of the Singapore River to a larger park near The Fullerton Hotel to enhance its visibility after the Esplanade Bridge was built.
The statue suffered lightning damage in 2009 but was quickly restored to full functionality.
Place Guide
Original Merlion Statue1972
The main statue features a lion's head and fish tail, symbolizing Singapore's history and identity. It spouts water from its mouth, creating a dynamic and iconic image against the Marina Bay backdrop.
Merlion Cub Statue
A smaller Merlion statue located near the original, standing 2 meters tall, representing the offspring of the main Merlion and complementing the park's visual appeal.
Contact
Phone: 6736 6622
