Merlion Park Singapore

The Merlion Park is where visitors can admire Singapore's iconic Merlion - a must-see for tourists visiting the island. The water-spouting Merlion has the body of a fish, symbolising Singapore's humble beginnings as a fishing village; while its lion head symbolises Singapore's original name, Singapura, or 'lion city' in Malay. It was built by local craftsman, Lim Nang Seng, and was unveiled on 15 September 1972 by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew at the mouth of the Singapore River, to welcome all visitors to Singapore. A smaller Merlion statue can also be found in the park. Both statues are the most well-known among the seven approved Merlion statues in Singapore. Visitors can then take a stroll across the Jubilee Bridge to another icon of Singapore, Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay.