If you are planning a trip to Singapore, you cannot miss visiting Merlion Park, one of the most iconic and popular landmarks in the city-state. Merlion Park is home to the Merlion statue, a mythical creature that has the head of a lion and the body of a fish, and represents the history and culture of Singapore. Merlion Park is also a great place to enjoy the stunning views of Marina Bay, watch the spectacular light and water show, and take a relaxing bumboat ride along the Singapore River. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Merlion Park, including how to get there, when to visit, what to see and do, and what to expect from this amazing attraction.
What is Merlion Park?
Merlion Park is a waterfront park located at One Fullerton, near the Central Business District of Singapore. The park was built in 2002 to house the original Merlion statue, which was relocated from its previous site at the mouth of the Singapore River due to the construction of the Esplanade Bridge. The park also features a smaller Merlion cub statue, which stands at 2 metres tall and weighs 3 tonnes, as well as a viewing deck, a souvenir shop, and a café.
The main attraction of Merlion Park is the Merlion statue, which stands at 8.6 metres tall and weighs 70 tonnes. The statue is made of cement, with its skin consisting of porcelain plates and eyes made of red teacups. The statue spouts a jet of water from its mouth, creating a fountain effect that is visible from afar. The statue is also illuminated at night, creating a beautiful contrast with the dark sky and the bright lights of the city.
The Merlion statue is more than just a tourist attraction, it is also a symbol of Singapore's identity and heritage. The Merlion was designed by Alec Fraser-Brunner, a member of the Souvenir Committee of the Singapore Tourism Board, in 1964. The Merlion combines the lion and the fish, two elements that are significant to Singapore's history. The lion represents the legend of Sang Nila Utama, a prince from Palembang who named the island Singapura (lion city) after seeing a lion on the shore. The fish represents the fishing village that Singapore used to be, as well as the connection to the sea and the maritime trade.
How to Get to Merlion Park?
Merlion Park is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, such as MRT, bus, or taxi. Here are some of the options you can choose from:
- MRT:
The nearest MRT station to Merlion Park is Raffles Place, which is on the East-West Line and the North-South Line. From Raffles Place, you can walk for about 10 minutes along the Battery Road, Fullerton Road, and One Fullerton to reach Merlion Park.
- Bus:
There are several bus stops near Merlion Park, such as Fullerton Square, Fullerton Road, and Collyer Quay. You can take bus numbers 10, 10E, 57, 70, 75, 100, 107, 128, 130, 131, 162, 167, 196, 196E, 531, 541, 546, 587, 590, 598, or 599 to these bus stops, and then walk for a few minutes to Merlion Park.
- Taxi:
You can also take a taxi to Merlion Park, which is convenient and fast, but also more expensive. You can hail a taxi from any taxi stand or use a ride-hailing app, such as Grab or Gojek, to book a taxi. The taxi fare will depend on the distance, time, and traffic conditions, but you can expect to pay around S$10 to S$15 from the airport, and around S$5 to S$10 from the city centre.
When to Visit Merlion Park?
Merlion Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is no entry fee to visit the park. However, the best time to visit Merlion Park depends on your preferences and what you want to see and do. Here are some factors to consider:
Light and water show:
One of the highlights of Merlion Park is the light and water show, which is a spectacular display of lasers, music, and water effects that showcases the story of Singapore. The show is held every night at 8 pm, 9 pm, and 10 pm, and lasts for about 15 minutes. The show is free to watch, but you need to find a good spot to enjoy the best view. The best spot is at the viewing deck of Merlion Park, which faces the Marina Bay Sands hotel. However, this spot can get crowded, so you need to arrive early to secure your place. Alternatively, you can also watch the show from the Esplanade Bridge, the Jubilee Bridge, or the Helix Bridge, which offer different perspectives of the show.
- Weather:
Singapore has a tropical climate, which means that it is hot and humid all year round, with occasional rain showers. The average temperature is around 27°C, and the humidity is around 80%. The best time to visit Merlion Park is in the morning or evening, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. You can also avoid the midday sun, which can be harsh and uncomfortable. However, you should also be prepared for the rain, which can happen anytime, especially during the monsoon season from November to January. You should bring an umbrella, a raincoat, or a poncho, and wear comfortable and breathable clothes and shoes.
- Crowd:
Merlion Park is one of the most popular and visited attractions in Singapore, which means that it can get crowded, especially during the weekends, public holidays, and peak seasons. The peak seasons are from June to July and from November to December, when there are more tourists and local visitors. If you want to avoid the crowd, you should visit Merlion Park on weekdays, early in the morning or late in the evening, when there are fewer people and more space. However, you should also note that some of the nearby attractions and activities may have different opening hours and availability, so you should check them before you go.
What to See and Do at Merlion Park?
Merlion Park is not just a place to see the Merlion statue, it is also a place to enjoy the stunning views of Marina Bay, watch the spectacular light and water show, and take a relaxing bumboat ride along the Singapore River. Here are some of the things you can see and do at Merlion Park:
- Jubilee Bridge Sign:
The Jubilee Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that connects Merlion Park to the Esplanade. The bridge was opened in 2015 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Singapore's independence. On the bridge, you can find a sign that says "Jubilee Bridge SG50", which is a popular spot to take photos and selfies with the Merlion statue and the Marina Bay Sands hotel in the background. The sign is also illuminated at night, creating a beautiful contrast with the dark sky and the bright lights of the city.
- Ulysses by the Merlion:
Ulysses by the Merlion is a bronze sculpture by renowned Singaporean artist Lim Nang Seng, who also sculpted the Merlion statue. The sculpture depicts the Greek hero Ulysses holding a shield and a spear, facing the Merlion statue. The sculpture was commissioned by the Singapore Tourism Board in 1979, and was inspired by the epic poem The Odyssey by Homer, which tells the story of Ulysses' journey home after the Trojan War. The sculpture symbolizes the friendship and cultural exchange between Singapore and Greece, as well as the spirit of adventure and exploration.
- Merlion Park Sign:
The Merlion Park Sign is a large sign that says "Merlion Park" in English and Chinese, located near the entrance of the park. The sign is another popular spot to take photos and selfies, as it shows the name and location of the park, as well as the Merlion statue and the Marina Bay Sands hotel in the background. The sign is also illuminated at night, creating a stunning effect with the dark sky and the bright lights of the city.
- Photographic opportunities:
Merlion Park is a great place to take photos and selfies, as it offers many scenic and iconic views of Singapore. You can capture the Merlion statue from different angles and distances, as well as the Marina Bay Sands hotel, the Singapore Flyer, the ArtScience Museum, and the skyline of the city. You can also take photos and selfies with the Jubilee Bridge Sign, the Ulysses by the Merlion sculpture, and the Merlion Park Sign, which are unique and memorable landmarks. You can also take photos and selfies at night, when the park and the city are illuminated by colorful and dazzling lights, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere.
What to Know Before You Go to Merlion Park?
Before you go to Merlion Park, there are some things you should know to make your visit more enjoyable and hassle-free. Here are some of the things you should know:
- Opening hours:
Merlion Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is no entry fee to visit the park. However, some of the nearby attractions and activities may have different opening hours and availability, so you should check them before you go.
Entry fee:
There is no entry fee to visit Merlion Park, but you may need to pay for some of the nearby attractions and activities, such as the Singapore Flyer, the Gardens by the Bay, and the Marina Bay Sands. You can check the prices and availability of these attractions and activities online, or book them in advance to save time and money.
Duration:
The duration of your visit to Merlion Park depends on your interests and preferences, but you can expect to spend around an hour to see and do everything at the park. However, you may want to spend more time if you want to watch the light and water show, take a bumboat ride, or explore the other nearby attractions and activities.
Facilities:
Merlion Park has some basic facilities for visitors, such as a souvenir shop, a café, a restroom, and a drinking fountain. However, there are no lockers, luggage storage, or wheelchair rental services at the park. You can find these facilities at some of the nearby attractions and activities, such as the Singapore Flyer, the Gardens by the Bay, and the Marina Bay Sands.
Tips for Travellers
Here are some tips to make your visit to Merlion Park more enjoyable and hassle-free:
- Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated.
- Bring an umbrella, a raincoat, or a poncho to protect yourself from the rain, which can happen anytime.
- Wear comfortable and breathable clothes and shoes, as the weather can be hot and humid.
- Be respectful and courteous to other visitors and staff, and follow the rules and regulations of the park and the nearby attractions and activities.
- Be careful of your belongings, and do not leave them unattended or litter at the park or the nearby attractions and activities.
- Have fun and enjoy the experience of Merlion Park and its surroundings.
What to Do Near Merlion Park?
Merlion Park is not only a place to see the Merlion statue, it is also a place to enjoy the stunning views of Marina Bay, watch the spectacular light and water show, and take a relaxing bumboat ride along the Singapore River. However, if you want to explore more of the attractions and activities that Singapore has to offer, you can also visit some of the other nearby places that are within walking distance or a short drive from Merlion Park. Here are some of the places you can visit near Merlion Park:
Singapore Flyer:
The Singapore Flyer is a giant observation wheel that offers panoramic views of Singapore and beyond. The Singapore Flyer is located at 30 Raffles Avenue, which is about a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from Merlion Park. The Singapore Flyer is open daily from 8:30 am to 10:30 pm, and the ticket price is S$33 for adults and S$21 for children. You can book your ticket online or at the ticket counter, and enjoy a 30-minute ride on one of the 28 air-conditioned capsules that can accommodate up to 28 people. You can also enjoy some of the other attractions and activities at the Singapore Flyer, such as the Time Capsule, the Sky Dining, the Flight Experience, and the XD Theatre.
Gardens by the Bay:
Gardens by the Bay is a futuristic botanical garden that showcases the diversity and beauty of plants from around the world. Gardens by the Bay is located at 18 Marina Gardens Drive, which is about a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute drive from Merlion Park. Gardens by the Bay is open daily from 5 am to 2 am, and the ticket price varies depending on the attractions you want to visit. You can book your ticket online or at the ticketing hub, and enjoy some of the attractions and activities at Gardens by the Bay, such as the Flower Dome, the Cloud Forest, the Supertree Grove, the OCBC Skyway, the Garden Rhapsody, and the Children’s Garden.
Marina Bay Sands:
Marina Bay Sands is a luxury hotel and resort that offers world-class amenities and entertainment. Marina Bay Sands is located at 10 Bayfront Avenue, which is about a 25-minute walk or a 15-minute drive from Merlion Park. Marina Bay Sands is open daily from 6 am to 11 pm, and the ticket price varies depending on the attractions you want to visit. You can book your ticket online or at the concierge, and enjoy some of the attractions and activities at Marina Bay Sands, such as the Infinity Pool, the SkyPark Observation Deck, the ArtScience Museum, the Casino, the Shoppes, and the Theatres.
Merlion Park is one of the most iconic and popular landmarks in Singapore, and a must-visit attraction for anyone who wants to experience the history and culture of the city-state. Merlion Park is not just a place to see the Merlion statue, it is also a place to enjoy the stunning views of Marina Bay, watch the spectacular light and water show, and take a relaxing bumboat ride along the Singapore River.
Merlion Park is also a place to learn about the history and meaning of the Merlion symbol and the park itself, as well as to explore some of the other nearby attractions and activities that Singapore has to offer. Merlion Park is a place that will captivate and inspire you, and make you fall in love with Singapore.
If you are interested in visiting Merlion Park and its surroundings, you can book your ticket or tour online, or contact us at +65 1234 5678 or email@tripoto.com for more information. We hope to see you soon at Merlion Park, and we wish you a wonderful and memorable trip to Singapore.
