Statue of Merlion on Sentosa Island
How to get there by Singapore MRT. Singapore interactive metro guide.
The giant, 37-meter-high Statue of Merlion – a mythical creature with lion head and fish body that became the tourist symbol of Singapore long ago – is one of the most notable sights on Sentosa Island. It is a modern copy of an 8-meter-high Statue of Merlion, installed in the namesake Park on the Marina Bay Quay.
The main selling point of the Sentosa Merlion is not only its impressive size, but also the opportunity for the island’s visitors to get inside the huge statue. Aquariums with exotic fish recreate a true underwater world, through which the guests can walk up the original stairs to a small cinema, where a short film, telling the legend of Singapore's symbol, is broadcasted.
The same stairs also lead to the observation decks, one of which has been set up in Merlion’s mouth, while the other is perched upon mythical beast’s head. From these vantage points, guests can admire some luxurious panoramic views of Singapore and the surrounding areas. Meanwhile, the lower observation deck offers breathtaking views of the Fountain Alley; while the upper one shows the sea, beaches and ships standing in the roads. A novel feature of the tour is that upon leaving the statue, visitors can exchange their entrance tickets for a small souvenir.
Every evening, the laser show "Ascent of Merlion" is held on the Fountain Alley. Illuminated by lasers, the fountains’ water jets interweave in a peculiar dance, as the figure of half-lion-half-fish becomes iridescent.
