Lion City - Fun Facts!

While many of us are familiar with Singapore's spotless streets, glitzy malls, dazzling food and expanding MRT network, little-known facts about the many familiar places and things around us may have escaped our notice. Get clued in to some fun facts and look at the city we call home with fresh eyes :-)

How many Merlion Statues are there in Singapore?

• There are seven of these half-lion, half-fish mythical creatures in Singapore. The two most famous ones are situated at the Merlion Park, next to One Fullerton. The other five are at Sentosa, outside Singapore Tourism Board's office at Tourism Court, Faber Point at Mount Faber and two pink-granite ones flanking the public carpark entrance along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1. Let's go Merlion hunting then!

The Singapore Botanic Gardens used to have a Zoo?

• The zoo was established in 1875 by James Murton, the Superintendent of the Gardens at the time. Many animals were donated to the zoo, including a sloth bear, bush-tailed wallaby, two leopards, one tiger, among others. Though the zoo was immensely popular with visitors, the hefty expenses of feeding and housing the increasing number of animals were too heavy for the Botanic Gardens to bear back then. So, in 1903, the zoo was established and the animals were given away.

What does it take to be called 'City in a Garden'?

• It takes 17 reservoirs, 4 nature reserves, over 2 million trees, 256 'Heritage Trees', the surprising fact that Bukit Timah Hill has more tree species than the whole of North American continent and nearly 50% of the island covered in greenery to live up to that name. Let's dive into nature's green embrace!  

Which MRT station has the longest escalator?

• The escalator at Bras Brasah station along the Circle Line wins hands down. Stretching for 41.3 metres from the ticket concourse to the transfer level, it takes approximately one minute to travel from end to end!

Why hang out at Changi Airport before your flight?

• That's because you and your loved ones can be enjoying a whole day at one of the world's best airports without even spending a single cent! Catch a free movie whenever you like, or explore the magical Enchanted Garden interactive display with your kids. Better yet, snap a photo with your loved ones at the amazing Social Tree, have it archived permanently and then retrieve upon subsequent visits to the airport! The Butterfly Garden and the Sunflower Garden are also sanctuaries where you can get up close and personal with nature at the airport.  

• On your next trip overseas, check in early and enjoy these facilities before you board your flight! :)

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