There are very few places that feature attractions for family holidays as well as romantic ones. One of the best destinations for families, groups, and honeymooners is Singapore. This is a city-state found off southern Malaysia. It is renowned as a global finance centre and enjoys a tropical climate and a multicultural population. Its official languages are Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, and English. Hence, you need not fret about a language barrier during your vacation.
Sentosa Island, which hosts the Merlion Tower, is one of the primary attractions in Singapore. Although Singapore is not renowned as a beach destination, Sentosa Island is the location for anyone looking for fun in the sun. Towering at 121 feet over this island is the Merlion Tower. This is a statue that comprises a lion’s head and a fish’s body. It is the largest of the five Merlion statues that are scattered in different areas of Singapore. Here are some of the attractions in this iconic statue on Sentosa Island:
Murals
Different murals detailing the culture of Singapore dot the inside walls of the Merlion Tower. These range from demonic eels and snake-like mermaids to paintings that resemble crosses between plesiosaurs and the Loch Ness monster. The murals cover the cave-like winding interiors of the towers to deliver a treasure trail for those who want to discover the history of Singapore and are excited about art.
Film Rooms
The winding interiors covered with murals lead to a film room. There, you can enjoy an animation that attempts to explain the origin and significance of the Merlion. It is said that when a Malay king landed on a fishing village’s shore, which would later be named Singapore, he encountered a terrifying beast. This explains the name Singapore, which means lion and city in Sanskrit. The statue merges the lion or beast in the legend with the fish on the island. The animated film is sure to capture the interests of people of all ages.
Virtual Reality Tours
You can also opt for a virtual reality tour detailing the creation and conceptualisation of the Merlion statue. You will gain an in-depth knowledge of the various elements used in the statue and its overall makeup. This is a rare opportunity to appreciate the merging of architecture and art
Panoramic City Views
There is a roof deck at the top of the Merlion statue that gives you a panoramic view of the entire city. This view also offers the best photo op for your whole trip. The best times to enjoy the panoramic views across the bay and of Singapore’s skyline are early mornings and late evenings when you can enjoy the sunrise and sunset before and after the crowds come in or leave.
A visit to Singapore is incomplete without a taste of the inside of the Merlion Tower. There is also Merlion Park to which entry is free; it surrounds the statue. Admission to the tower requires a small fee, but the available attractions mentioned above make it worth the ticket. It is open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily, with the last entry at 7:30 p.m.
