Sentosa Merlion

My Research!

A photo of me in Sentosa previously!

The Sentosa Merlion is one of the main attractions within Singapore. It can be dubbed as one of Singapore’s most well-known icon. It is the tallest Merlion in Singapore with a whopping height of 37 metres! After the journey within the Merlion, visitors are rewarded with a unique view of Sentosa at the mouth and the head of the half-lion half-fish statue.

Programme

Screenshot from: http://merlion.sentosa.com.sg/explore-whats-inside.aspx

Within the Merlion,  there are exhibition galleries where visitors will be able to enjoy learning about the origins and history of how Singapore was founded. As shown in the screenshot above, there are lucky statues which give a Prosperity Coin as a souvenir. There is also a section called the Prosperity Bell, a symbol for peace and prosperity, which can be rung for luck and positive energy. The main product within the attraction is the view at the mouth and the head of the Merlion. IT contributes to the atmosphere and the uniqueness of the attraction while allowing visitors to take good pictures with a picturesque background. There is also a cafe and gift shops to end off the experience.

The Merlion is also consisting of interesting features that not many may know of. As the night falls, mesmerizing lights will be projected upon its scales as it stands tall in all its glory. The 3D projection mapping turns the Merlion into a canvas, bringing it to life. Accompanied by music and sound effects to give the best experience for the visitors who are gazing in awe at the optical illusion. The 3D projection changes occasionally so every experience may be different!

Picture from:
http://merlion.sentosa.com.sg/seeing-is-believing.aspx

Picture from:
http://merlion.sentosa.com.sg/seeing-is-believing.aspx

Fun fact: The Merlion also celebrates National Day!

Picture from: https://www.littledayout.com/2016/08/04/national-day-2016-family-fun-activities-singapore/

An experience so different, only the brave will dare to challenge, Abseiling. Abseiling up the Merlion for a good cause, to raise awareness and funds for a children’s charity. Mount Faber Group hosted 100 daredevils to climb the Merlion with some professionals' help.

Picture from: https://www.facebook.com/pg/outwardboundsingapore/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10151733683717299

Price

The ticket prices for the general public are $12 for the adults while $9 for children or senior citizens. While, for local residents, the tickets are sold at $10 and $7.50 respectively. 

To be applicable for the rates of the senior citizens, the visitors will have to be aged 60 and above. The opening hours for the Singapore Merlion is 10am to 8pm daily with their last entry being 7.30pm.

My Experience!

I didn’t really have much opinions or expectations for the Merlion causing me to be really neutral as I walked in. However, the Merlion has proved me otherwise with the galleries and customer service which they have provided.

The attraction starts with a cave-like room as I make my way towards the gallery. The gallery was ocean blue with interesting stories, pictures and carvings on the wall. Additionally, there are also some structures of sea creatures. This made me imagine that I was emerging from a cave into the depths of the sea.

While I was taking my time, taking pictures with a dragon carving, the staff was kind enough to inform me that there is a show and it’s about the start. I gratefully thanked her and went into the room. The show was an animated version of the origins of Singapore, the origins of Singapore's name and how the Merlion was created. Within the room, there were children really enjoyed the program as they were totally immersed in the story-line and were asking questions to their parents.

I was quite amazed to see that the lift was also following the theme of the gallery as its appearance was a submarine.

"We are under the seaaa~ In a submarineee!"

When I went up to the head of the Merlion, I was surprised that I am actually able to see the Siloso beach and Harbourfront clearly. There are also facts about how tall the Merlion is in comparison with other well-known statues around the world. 

As I went down to the mouth of the Merlion, I was surprised by one of the staff’s initiative as he suggested to help me take some pictures. The pictures taken by him was quite impressive and I couldn’t have thanked him enough.

Unfortunately, the café, photo printing booth and the souvenir store are closed for renovation and I am unable to experience the Merlion fully.

Overall, I felt that the attraction is veered towards families and tourists that want to visit the landmark of Singapore as it is a more educational attraction. Customer’s service within the Merlion was great as the staff were attentive towards their customer’s needs. However, I was not able to partake in getting the prosperity coin and ringing the prosperity bell as the staff ushered me into the lift immediately. Hence, not allowing me to experience the attraction fully. :( Understandably, the Merlion is an old structure hence the lift will be slow, however, I feel that the lift should be upgraded with more concurrent technology to avoid potential breakdowns in the future. Regardless, I was impressed by their staff and the fact that the whole attraction stayed committed to a theme which enhances the atmosphere of the attraction. 

"Hey look! That is the Wings of Time!"