Top 10 Interesting Facts about Merlion Park

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Merlion Park

The original Merlion Park was first designed by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in 1964, near the mouth of the Singapore River as an emblem of Singapore. On September 15, 1972, the park was officially opened at an installation ceremony for the statue, conducted by then Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

In November 1971, the Merlion building was started and completed in August 1972. It was crafted by the late Singaporean Sculptor, Mr Lim Nang Seng, and his 8 children. The sculpture measures 8.6 meters high and weighs 70 tons.

In 1997, the Esplanade Bridge was completed, the original Merlion Park Location was no longer the entrance to the Singapore River and the statue could no longer be viewed clearly from Marina Bay. Later on April 23, 2002, the statue was relocated to a new pier, on the other side of The Esplanade Bridge adjacent to The Fullerton Hotel.

Catch the MRT to Raffles Place station on the East-West Line to get to Merlion Park. Take the exit towards the United Overseas Bank Plaza and from the middle of the plaza, you will see the Fullerton Hotel. Merlin Park is Behind the hotel.

• Address: 1 Fullerton Road Downtown Core, Singapore
• Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours
• Ticket Price:  Free

       Let’s look at the interesting facts about Merlion Park;

1. It Represents a Mythical Creature With a Deeper Meaning

Merlion in Merlion park Photo by Supanut Arunoprayote Wikimedia

The Merlion is a mythical creature that serves as the national symbol of Singapore. The Merlion has a body of a fish and the head of a Lion and statues of it can be found in several locations in the city. The word Merlion has a deeper meaning, it is a combination of,” mer” which means sea, and “Lion” relating to the mighty big cat.

 The naming is a reference to the origin of Singapore as a fishing village. It was earlier known as Temasek which means sea town in Javanese. The initial name of the city was Singapura which means Lion City.

2. You Can’t Just use the Merlion Symbol Anywhere

Merlion Statue at Merlion Park, Singapore Photo by Ank Kumar Wikimedia

The Merlion symbol is respected and can’t be used anyhow by anybody, however, you can use it following the right protocol. Even though the Merlion is used as a logo of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), it was trademarked in 1966 and is still protected.

This indicated that you can’t just use the Merlion symbol on items with its pictures and sell it. If you do it will be illegal and can lead you to trouble unless you’re given the mandate and approval by the STB.

3. Building Costs Millions

Initially, the cost to build the original Merlion in Merlion Park it was around $165,000. Which was not much expensive. However, the relocation from the mouth of the Singapore River to the other side of The Esplanade Bridge adjacent to The Fullerton Hotel cost millions of money.

The relocation of the Statue started on April 23, 2002, and its completion was on April 25, 2003. The relocation and expansion of Merlion Park are said to have to spend around $7.5 million.  However, the 37 million Merlion in Sentosa is the most expensive and it costs $8 million.

4. It was Relocated in 2002

The statue remained in its original location till the early 2000s. It was then relocated due to the completion of the Esplanade Bridge which blocked the Singapore River view and was no longer the entrance of the Singapore River.

Due to those obstacles, the Singaporean government started looking for a location better suited to house the ultimate symbol of the city, and they found just 120 meters further in a little piece of reclaimed land now known as Merlion Park.

5. Merlin Park is One of the Most Picturesque Locations in Singapore

If you ever visit Singapore, Merlin Park should be the first place to adventure. Even though the statue looks quite amazing and attractive, the location situated in it is pretty incredible and accessible.

At night it looks amazing with a nice view, which makes the place attractive. It became one of the most picturesque locations in a city full of marvellous spots.

6. Tourism Attraction

Merlion Park in Singapore is one of the tourist attraction centers. Many people all over the world visit the park to go and see the Merlion Statue. At night time, the place is well lit and coupled with the gentle breeze and the bright skyline, the beauty of the park is further enhanced and attracts more tourists.

7. Free to Visit

In many parks, we are entitled to pay an entrance fee which prevents many from visiting. But with Merlion Park things are different. The park is completely free to visit. That’s amazing who doesn’t love free things I mean. However, the free entrance boasts lots of restaurants, shops, and cafes offering Singapore’s local delicacies in the park.

8. Where You Meet the Iconic Statue

When you visit Merlion Park you will see several things but the most attractive will be the Iconic Statue. The statue is the main attraction of tourists in Merlion Park. You get to enjoy the different colours of the Merlion brightening at night and the water sprouting from its head like a lion’s mouth. The water-sprouting mouth never stops, it keeps coming out all the time.

9. Hold the National Icon of Singapore

A photograph of the Merlion statue in Singapore’s Merlion Park on the 27th of March, 2018 Photo by Adams Wilson Wikimedia

The Merlion Statue is used as Singapore’s icon and trademark. The Colossal statue is used to represent Singapore Sports teams, it is also used in advertising commodities to mark their origin, Again it attracts tourists to the country adding more revenue that helps in development. The last part but not the least is used as national identity.

10. The Land was Reclaimed

The statue was relocated from the original land when the Esplanade Bridge was completed and blocked the view of Merlion search that it could not be viewed clearly from Marina Bay. The original Merlion Park was no longer the entrance to the Singapore River enhancing the government plan for his relocation. The land in which it was relocated was reclaimed land and cost millions of money.