Where is the Merlion? And what is that red building in its place?
It's... The Merlion Hotel!
Yeah.. I was equally as surprised as you (if you are an overseas Singaporean/ tourist familiar with Singapore). Is this Merlion Hotel for real? A permanent fixture?
Well.. yes and no. Yes, this is real, and happening right now. The hotel consists of just one suite, but it is a fully functional 5-star suite, operated by Fullerton Hotel. It is available for booking from April 4 to May 5. But, it is already fully booked.
It is not a permanent fixture but is an art installation for Singapore Binennale (an annual art festival) 2011. This is designed by a Japanese artist, 西野達 Tatzu Nishi.
From 10am to 6.15pm (last admission), it is opened to public viewing. I decided that I have to visit it while I am home for this spring vacation.
In the queue on a weekday afternoon, most of the visitors are either tourists or students on school excursions.
TIP
We have to remove our shoes before entering. We are given only about 7 minutes to explore the suite. We can take as many pictures/ videos as we like, but we cannot touch both the Merlion nor the furnishings in the room.
In the room...
Woaah.. this is the first time I am so close to the Merlion. It's huge!
Matching wallpaper
The bathroom with the Singapore river view
Great views...
I think you can watch the Marina Bay Sands weekend laser shows from the balcony, too.
Picture taken from the platform and not from the hotel balcony.
And a cheeky sign to remind hotel guests...
And with that, time's up... and I have to leave the Merlion Hotel. :(
I still miss the our iconic statue, the Merlion, though. It's seems so strange to see it boarded up. So, tourists, who visit Singapore during this period, will have to be contented with the smaller one, if you miss the visiting hours of The Merlion Hotel.
And here's the Merlion Hotel, whilst it last. After that, we will have our plan old merlion buddy back :)
大きな地図で見る
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