Singapore Hotels

Walk along Anderson Bridge over the Singapore River to Merlion Park. This is where the Merlion statue stood until its recent move to One Fullerton (in front of the Fullerton Hotel) in late April 2002. Officially installed at the mouth of the Singapore River on September 15, 1972, the Merlion statue has been a favorite among photographers and tourists. A much larger Merlion statue may also be found on the island of Sentosa.

Part-fish, part lion, the Merlion is a fitting icon of Singapore as legend has it that the Singa, or lion, which Indonesian Prince Sang Nila Utama first caught a glimpse of on the island was seen near this very spot. Integrating the lion head with the body of a fish was a way to pay tribute to Singapore's history as Temasek - the ancient sea town.

Getting There: A short walk from Raffles Place MRT Station.