Merlion Park,Singapore
Merlion Park is home to the Merlion, an iconic national symbol of Singapore — a mythical creature with a lion's head and a fish's body. The lion head references the island's original name Singapura ("Lion City") from the legend of Sang Nila Utama, while the fish body symbolizes Singapore's origin as a fishing village (Temasek). Erected originally in 1972 for tourism promotion and designed as a mascot in the 1960s, the statue embodies Singapore's transformation from a humble port to a global city.
Places to visit
- The Merlion statue (original): an 8.6 m tall statue that spouts water from its mouth
- Merlion Cub (smaller statue) nearby
- Panoramic views of Marina Bay Sands, Fullerton Hotel, Esplanade and the city skyline
- Marina Bay waterfront promenade and photo points
- Boat landings for Singapore River cruises and bumboat tours
Unique Aspects
- The Merlion fountain — a popular photo subject, especially at sunrise and sunset
- Scenic skyline and reflections at night with illuminated landmarks
- Easy connectivity to nearby attractions such as the Helix Bridge and Gardens by the Bay
- Public jetty and waterfront promenade suited for leisurely strolls
Things to do
- Photography and skyline viewing — prime spot for iconic Singapore photos
- Take a Singapore River or Marina Bay cruise that docks at/near the park
- Stroll along the Marina Bay waterfront and cross the Helix Bridge
- Watch nightly light and water shows (e.g., Marina Bay Sands 'Spectra')
- Attend nearby cultural attractions, museums, and waterfront dining
Best Time to Visit
Early morning (sunrise) or early evening (golden hour to night) for cooler temperatures and best photo light; year-round access, but avoid heavy midday heat and typical tropical showers. Peak tourist months are during school holidays and major events.
Weather Conditions
Tropical climate: hot, humid and generally warm year-round with frequent short rain showers. Monsoon periods: Northeast Monsoon (Nov–Mar) and Southwest Monsoon (Jun–Sep) bring heavier rain at times.
Entry Fees & Permits
Merlion Park is a public space with free entry and is accessible 24/7. Note: access to certain parts of the jetty or statue base may occasionally be restricted for maintenance or events.
Accessibility
Nearest MRT stations: Raffles Place (EW14/NS26) ~10–15 min walk, Esplanade (CC3) / Promenade (CC4) also within walking distance. Taxi drop-off at One Fullerton/Fullerton Road. River cruises and bumboats dock nearby. From Changi Airport, expect ~20–30 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.
Recommended Duration
Plan 30–90 minutes for Merlion Park itself; combine with a Marina Bay walk or nearby attractions for a 2–4 hour outing.
Clothing & Gear Tips
Light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a compact umbrella or raincoat for sudden showers. Bring a water bottle and a camera or smartphone with a wide-angle lens for skyline shots.
Local Food & Souvenirs
Nearby dining options include Fullerton Hotel restaurants, waterfront cafés and hawker centres close to Raffles Place (e.g., Lau Pa Sat). Must-try Singapore foods: Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, laksa, and local desserts. Souvenirs: Merlion figurines, orchid-themed gifts, kaya jam, and local snacks.