Here’s a cool holiday activity for the whole fam: Spot Merli as he pops up in various locations and score some cute Merli merch!
With the kids all hyped up for Santa’s imminent arrival, us parents are at our wits’ end trying to keep them on the nice list. It’s especially tough since it’s the school holidays. They’ve probably had it with camps and classes and are ready for some outdoorsy fun! We say round up the kids and take them on a treasure hunt all ‘round town with the Singapore Tourism Board. All you need to do is follow the map, find Merli, snap a photo and get the chance to score some super cool exclusive Merli merchandise. Are you in? Here’s the full lowdown:
Who’s Merli?
The adorable Merli (short for Merlion) is energetic and outgoing. He has friends from Singapore and all around the world. Whenever they visit, he takes them to his fave spots around the city and treats them to some kaya toast (which is his fave food, FYI). When he’s not busy showcasing Singapore to his mates, he likes going on adventures around the Little Red Dot, discovering new things wherever he goes!
Where’s Merli?
Over the month of December, Merli will be popping up all over the island in his fave hangouts – each with their own unique offerings and charm. Take a peek at our map to discover where you can find him! They’re the coolest places for families to hang out in this holiday season.
Christmas Village (at Ngee Ann City) – Nothing says Xmas quite like the bright lights and enchanting Disney-themed decorations along Orchard Road! Whether you’re on the hunt for a new ornament for your festive fir or the latest Lego building kit for your young’un, seek out the shopping delights all over Orchard Road. Don’t forget to hop on the Duplex Carousel or check out the live performances!
Gardens by The Bay – Back for its fifth edition, Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay brings magical festive fun for the whole family with a Festive Market, Southeast Asia’s largest luminarie mirror maze, an outdoor skating rink, carnival games and plenty more.
Chinatown – What’s not to love about Chinatown? From the explosions of colour to knickknack shopping spots, the hustle and bustle certainly never get old. Whether you’re grabbing some char kway teow along Chinatown Food Street, sneaking in an egg tart or two at Tong Heng (the best in Singapore, in our opinion!) or hunting down mini Chinese Lion puppets on Pagoda Street, there’s always heaps to discover in Chinatown!
Kampong Glam – A grumbling tummy is always good to have when you’re adventuring in this neighbourhood! From local delicacies like Malay kueh to Middle Eastern, Japanese, Swedish and even Mexican fare, delicious and authentic food awaits the whole family at Kampong Glam.
Sentosa – There’s a good reason why it’s called Asia’s favourite playground – this little island is jam-packed with fun things to do with the whole fam! Whether you’re looking for thrills and spills or good old-fashioned bucket and spade action, you’ll find it all at Sentosa! Challenge the kids to a race down the Skyline Luge’s Jungle Trail or fly like an eagle down a 75m zip line over the jungle canopy at Mega Adventure Park!
National Museum of Singapore – Take the kiddos on a culture vulture exploration of one of Singapore’s coolest museums: perfect for when the weather rains off outdoor play. It’s one of the best ways to get the kids to learn about Singapore’s history and also a chance to check out cool exhibits such as In an Instant: Polaroid at the Intersection of Art and Technology.
What you’ll need to do
Have you spotted Merli yet? If you’ve caught sight of this cute inflatable, grab your phone and take a photo (or even a #selfie)! Post it on either Instagram or Facebook and tag @Visit_Singapore (on Instagram) and @VisitSingapore (on Facebook). Use the hashtags #VisitSingapore and #PassionMadePossible. Go visit as many Merli spots as you can to get exclusive Merli merch! Take 1 photo to redeem a Postcard Set. Snap photos at 3 different locations and get a chance to grab a Merli Plush Toy. Terms and conditions apply.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to explore the sights – there’s always lots to learn and discover about Singapore, even if you think you’ve seen it all before. Who knows, you might even discover your newest passion!
Happy hunting!
This post is sponsored by the Singapore Tourism Board