Singapore 2017|| Meeting the Mythical Merlion

A trip to Singapore wouldn't be complete if you haven't got a chance to see the mythical Merlion. A significant landmark and icon with a head of lion in a body of a fish which symbolizes humble beginnings of Singapore as a fishing village when it was called "Temasek" which means "sea town". It is located at Merlion Park which is a 'must-see' for all tourists.  

From Chinatown, I walked back to Raffle's Place station only to find out that my next destination isn't far enough and just a walking distance from there on. So instead of riding a train, I opted to walk and have a city sightseeing once more. People walking to and fro since the day has already in its full swing. Locales and tourists alike getting to their respective destinations. What I like about this city is the scattered green trees and plants across the streets, giving shades and not only freshens air but gives a pleasing sight to the eyes. 

Giving a more specific description, the city is like the Ayala in Makati, with tall sckycrapers and clean furnished streets connected by overpass and underpasses decorated with colorful plants. As I walk further, I also stumbled upon some street art features. Blue to different colors or glass fish structures on the white walls which I got a chance to take pictures of. No wonder why Singapore is one if the best cities in the world, even the streets has got a lot to offer worth seeing and visiting for. 

I haven't got to the Park yet but already close when I saw the Marina Bay Sands Towers from afar. Looking at it for the first time, it really is breathtaking. I crossed the street going to the Fullerton and was welcomed by a beautiful sight. Now I can fully see the whole structure of the towers and the other landmarks Singapore is famous for. The Fullerton Hotel garden alone has an exquisite view of Marina Bay and instead of walking directly to Merlion, I stopped for a while and took some pictures, I couldn't miss not having to capture the beauty which was in front of me. Colorful flowers and artificial butterfly trees, overlooking Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Flyer, and the Cultural Center all in one. 

I walked further and finally reach the spot where the statue of mighty Merlion is standing proudly, with water coming out of its mouth falling freely to a catch of pool water down below. Since it's almost midday, the place is already swarmed with locales and tourists, students who are having a fieldtrip and different nationalities in group tours with native translators. A lot of people are taking pictures, and luckily I was able to ask one of the tourists to kindly take shots of me. 

Another attraction tourists see in the area as well is the Esplanade bridge, a 261-meter long road bridge across the Singapore River. It connects the Merlion Park to the Esplanade Theaters on the bay. So from the statue, I walked further up the bridge and catch a glimpse of the famous theater, a closer look at "The Eye" in the bay and a boat crushing through the river.  

The sun is already at its peak and I can feel its scorching heat and also feeling a bit hungry, I went to the part where there are some food stalls with available chairs and table. I was literally sweating and my blouse is already soaked. I ordered refreshment drink and snack and stayed for a while, observing and looking at the people passing by. Before finally leaving after some time, I saw a smaller version of the Merlion statue called the "Merlion Cub" with its own small pool where lots of tourists mostly children take pictures of. I also took a pic and went on my way to the train station going to my next destination, the Little India. 

Next blog: Singapore 20177|| Getting Lost at the Street Arts of Little India