Merlion Park is one of the iconic landmarks of Singapore, located in the Marina Bay area. Here's what you need to know about it:
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Location: Situated near the mouth of the Singapore River, Merlion Park offers stunning views of Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore skyline, and the Esplanade.
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Symbolism: The park is famous for its iconic statue, the Merlion, which is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. The Merlion is a symbol of Singapore's history as a fishing village (the fish tail) and its transformation into a modern metropolis (the lion head, representing the original name of Singapore, "Singapura," meaning "lion city").
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Merlion Statue: The Merlion statue stands at 8.6 meters tall and weighs 70 tons. Originally designed by Fraser Brunner for the Singapore Tourism Board, it was unveiled in 1972. In 2002, a smaller Merlion cub statue was added nearby.
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Visiting: Merlion Park is open to the public, and visitors can admire the Merlion statue up close, take photos with it, and enjoy the scenic views of Marina Bay and the surrounding landmarks.
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Night View: The park is especially enchanting at night when the city lights illuminate the skyline, creating a magical ambiance for visitors.
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Accessibility: Merlion Park is easily accessible via public transportation, including the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and buses. It's also within walking distance from other attractions in the Marina Bay area, such as Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum, and the Singapore Flyer.
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Surrounding Attractions: Besides the Merlion statue, visitors to Merlion Park can explore nearby attractions such as the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, the Marina Bay Sands complex, Gardens by the Bay, and the Marina Bay waterfront promenade.Overall, Merlion Park is a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike, offering not only a glimpse into Singapore's history and culture but also breathtaking views of its modern skyline and waterfront.