This is another area of Singapore that has changed in the last 20 years, Merlion Park.
The Merlion was created in 1964 for the Singapore Tourism Board. With the head of a lion and the body of a fish resting on a crest of waves, it symbolizes the founding of Singapore. In the 11th century A.D., a Javanese prince thought he saw a lion on the island so he named the island Lion city – Singa Pura (I would have thought Lion island would have been more logical – something like Singa Pulau – but them I'm not a prince). The fish body of the Merlion symbolizes the city's origins as a fishing village. This is one of five Merlions in Singapore today.
Today this Merlion has been moved. It's about 250 feet south-east of where it sits in this photo, best I can tell. It used to be right at the confluence of the Singpore river that flows under the bridge at right and the Kallang river. The Fullerton Hotel – the building on the left of the image with the red roof tiles was much closer to the Kallang river. Now it appears that it's separated from the river by the eight-lane Esplanade Drive and One Fullerton complex.
The Hong Kong Bank, now HSBC appears to have had a major face lift and there are now additional high-rises behind the Fullerton Hotel and in front of the high-rises seen here.
The short, three-storey building immediately left of the Merlion is still there, now the Boathouse restaurant and Fullerton Waterboat House Souvenirs shop.
I've no recollection at all of taking this image. I don't recall a boat trip so I most likely was just across the river close to where the Esplanade complex sits today.
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