Merlion Park / Merlion Statue

Standing proudly at Marina Bay, the Merlion Statue in Merlion Park is one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks — a mesmerizing fusion of legend, art, and national pride. This half-lion, half-fish creature spouting water into the bay is not just a tourist attraction; it is a story sculpted in stone, representing Singapore’s transformation from a humble fishing village into a global powerhouse.

The lion head symbolizes “Singapura”, meaning “Lion City,” while the fish tail recalls Singapore’s origins as the fishing village of Temasek. Together, they embody the nation’s deep connection to both its land and the sea — courage, resilience, and harmony in perfect balance.

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A Brief History of the Merlion

The Merlion was designed in 1964 as a symbol for the Singapore Tourism Board, and later became the city’s official tourism emblem. The statue itself was sculpted by Lim Nang Seng, a respected Singaporean artist, and officially unveiled on 15 September 1972 by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

Originally, the statue stood at the mouth of the Singapore River near Anderson Bridge. However, when the Esplanade Bridge was built in the late 1990s, the Merlion’s view of Marina Bay was blocked. To restore its visibility, the statue was carefully relocated in 2002 to its present home at One Fullerton, overlooking the stunning Marina Bay skyline.

Today, it continues to face east — a direction long considered auspicious — welcoming visitors from all over the world.

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Design and Dimensions

The main Merlion statue stands 8.6 meters tall and weighs about 70 tons, made of cement fondue, porcelain plates, and small red teacups that glimmer under the sunlight. Next to it sits the Merlion Cub, a smaller version measuring two meters tall, representing the nurturing bond between heritage and the new generation.

Both statues continuously spout water into the bay — a symbol of vitality and everlasting prosperity. After a lightning strike in 2009 caused minor damage, the statue was restored and has since been maintained regularly to preserve its timeless charm.

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Why the Merlion Matters

The Merlion is more than a landmark — it’s a national symbol woven into Singapore’s identity. You’ll find its image everywhere: in tourism campaigns, souvenirs, artworks, and even pop culture. To Singaporeans, the Merlion represents pride, transformation, and the strength to rise from humble beginnings.

It also serves as a cultural meeting point. Locals bring friends and family to share the story, while tourists come for the spectacular skyline views. Standing here at sunset, with the Marina Bay Sands and city lights glistening behind the Merlion, you truly understand why this is called the soul of Singapore.

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Visitor Guide to Merlion Park

How to Get There

Merlion Park is located at One Fullerton, Marina Bay, just a short walk from Raffles Place MRT Station. The area is pedestrian-friendly, with wide walkways, benches, and plenty of cafés nearby.

Opening Hours

The park is open 24 hours daily, with free entry — making it a perfect stop any time of day or night.

Best Time to Visit

• Early morning: For calm views and soft golden light for photography.
• Evening: To enjoy the illuminated skyline, the Merlion’s glowing stream, and the nightly Marina Bay light show.

Nearby Attractions

• Marina Bay Sands
• Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
• Fullerton Hotel
• Singapore River Cruise
• Gardens by the Bay

A stroll along the waterfront connects all these attractions, creating one of the most picturesque walks in Asia.

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Fun Facts You Might Not Know

• The Merlion’s name blends “mer” (meaning sea) and “lion.”
• The original design was created by Alec Fraser-Brunner, a curator at the Van Kleef Aquarium.
• Singapore actually has five official Merlion statues, including the original, the cub, and others at Sentosa and Mount Faber.
• The statue’s fountain pumps are built with a backup system so the Merlion never stops “breathing life” into the bay.

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Photography Tips

To capture the Merlion at its best:

1. Stand across the bay to frame the statue with Marina Bay Sands in the background.
2. Use a wide lens for dramatic reflections on the water.
3. Come at dusk to photograph the transition between day and night — the perfect golden-blue hour shot.

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Conclusion: The Soul of the Lion City

The Merlion Park is not just a scenic stop — it is the very essence of Singapore’s journey. From fishing village to modern metropolis, the Merlion tells a story of vision, courage, and transformation.

Whether you visit to take a photograph, enjoy the skyline, or simply feel the energy of the bay, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for what this statue truly stands for — the unbreakable spirit of Singapore.