Merlion Park
Merlion Park is a waterfront public park and iconic Singapore landmark centered on the 8.6-meter Merlion statue — a mythical creature with a lion's head and a fish's body that spouts water from its mouth. It sits at the mouth of the Singapore River with sweeping views of the Marina Bay skyline, making it one of the most photographed spots in the city.
Location
Merlion Park, One Fullerton promenade (near Merlion Park Pier), Singapore, Singapore
Duration
30–60 minutes (can be combined with a longer Marina Bay walk or nearby attractions)
Best Time to Visit
Early morning (sunrise) or evening (sunset & after dark) — early morning for fewer crowds and softer light; evening for illuminated skyline and light shows (check local show schedules).
Pricing
Free entry to the park. Paid attractions nearby (e.g., Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, river cruises) have separate fees.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
The original 8.6 m Merlion statue (the larger Merlion in Sentosa is separate)
Panoramic views of Marina Bay Sands, ArtScience Museum, and the CBD skyline
Iconic photo opportunities with the statue spouting water
Evening illumination of the skyline and nearby light & water shows (e.g., Spectra at Marina Bay)
Short river- and bay-cruise boarding points nearby
Itinerary
Sunrise visit and photography
Arrive early to avoid crowds and capture soft morning light; bring a wide-angle lens for skyline shots.
Combine with a Marina Bay promenade walk or nearby museums
Visit the fullerton area and ArtScience Museum; many cafes nearby for a mid-morning break.
Sunset, golden hour, and evening skyline views
Evening offers dramatic lights; time your visit with the Marina Bay light show (check local schedule for show times).
Night photography and city lights
Use a tripod for long exposures if available; be mindful of other visitors and park rules.
Safety Requirements
Watch your step on wet or uneven promenade surfaces; some areas can be slippery after rain.
Stay behind railings and avoid leaning over the water edge — tides and currents exist near the river mouth.
Keep personal belongings secure; high-footfall tourist spots can attract pickpockets.
Protect against sun exposure (hat, sunscreen) for daytime visits; stay hydrated.
Tips
Best photo spot: slightly left of the statue facing Marina Bay Sands to include the statue and the hotel in one frame.
Visit early weekday mornings for the fewest tourists.
Public transport: get off at Raffles Place or Esplanade MRT and walk ~8–12 minutes to the park; many bus routes also stop nearby.
Combine with a river cruise from the nearby Merlion Park pier for a different perspective of the bay (paid).
Bring a small tripod or use phone night-mode for low-light shots; handheld long exposures may be blurry.
No entrance fee — budget only for adjacent paid attractions or dining.
