Merlion Park Singapore: The Complete Visitor’s Guide

If Singapore had to be represented by one monument, it would be the Merlion statue. Located right along the Singapore River, Merlion Park is home to Singapore’s mascot of tourism. Before you jet off to Singapore, catch up on your Merlion facts in this ultimate guide to Merlion Park Singapore.

Find out what to expect when visiting Merlion Park – from history, MRT station access, attractions and things to do nearby, entrance fees, and the best time to visit Merlion Park Singapore. Read on to learn everything you need to know!

What Is Merlion Park Singapore?

Merlion Park Singapore is a waterfront promenade located at One Fullerton Road, Singapore 049213. Facing Marina Bay at the mouth of the Singapore River, it is home to two Merlion statues: a towering 8.6-metre Merlion statue which stands at 70 tonnes, along with its little Merlion cub counterpart beside it. Every day, both Merlion statues spit water into Marina Bay as one of Singapore (and all of Southeast Asia)’s most photographed attractions.
As Singapore’s official tourism mascot developed by the Singapore Tourism Board in 1964, the Merlion’s lion head represents Singapura (or Lion City), while its fish body represents Singapore’s early history as a fishing village known as Temasek. Today, Merlion Park sees millions of visitors from around the world flock to its grounds every year.

History Of Merlion Park Singapore

Singapore’s original Merlion statue was sculpted by local artist Fraser Brunner. The statue was first unveiled on 15 September 1972 at the mouth of the Singapore River. It remained at the same spot by the Esplanade Bridge until 2002, when it was moved to a new permanent spot at Merlion Park.
Merlion Park was moved due to the redevelopment of the Marina Bay area. Since then, Merlion Park has undergone several expansions and upgrades, such as its waterfront promenades, illuminated lights for night visits, as well as its twin Sentosa Merlion statue.

Merlion Park Singapore Location: Where Is It?

Address: Merlion Park is located at 1 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049213. It is right across Marina Bay Sands and the ArtScience Museum.

Merlion Park faces the mouth of Singapore River into Marina Bay. This location also provides visitors with unhindered views of the city skyline.

Merlion Park is conveniently located besides other tourist attractions, including Fullerton Hotel, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay and Jubilee Bridge. Merlion Park Singapore opens everyday from 00:00am to 12:00mn. Take your pick to visit Merlion Park Singapore during the day or night!

How To Get To Merlion Park Singapore by MRT

The easiest and cheapest way would be by MRT.

Nearest MRT stations:

• Raffles Place MRT Station (EW14/NS26, East-West and North-South Lines) – about 8 to 10mins walk through Change Alley or One Fullerton. This is by far the nearest MRT station to Merlion Singapore that most visitors would recommend.
• Downtown MRT Station (DT17, Downtown Line) – about 6 to 8mins walk through Fullerton Road.
• Telok Ayer MRT Station (DT18, Downtown Line) – this is another option if you are coming from the Chinatown direction. The walk is about 12 minutes.

Take Exit H or I if you are coming from Raffles Place MRT and follow the sign towards One Fullerton. Along the way, you will walk through the business district and by the river which makes for a nice walk. Bus services are available along Collyer Quay and Fullerton Road as well.

Merlion Park Singapore Entrance Fee

Here’s a good one for anyone visiting Singapore on a budget – Merlion Park Singapore has zero entrance fee. You can enter the park and promenade anytime day and night for free. It’s definitely one of the top FREE things to do in Singapore.

There’s no booths, ticket purchases, reservations, nothing. Just walk up to the park entrance and go. Grab some great pictures in front of the Marina Bay viewing platform and glittering city lights. (Tickets to nearby attractions like the Singapore River Cruise or Marina Bay Sands SkyPark do require payment, of course.)

Best time to Visit Merlion Park Singapore

You’ll find Merlion Park Singapore awesome at any time of day, but your experience will vary wildly based on when you visit.

Morning (7am – 9am)

Morning hours are best if you want to avoid crowds of people. During this time you can take amazing golden-hour shots with the iconic Merlion and Marina Bay Sands buildings in the background. With fewer people around, you’ll likely have your pick of angles along the promenade.

Daytime (10am – 5pm)

Lines and crowds are big in the daytime, especially on weekends and public holidays. Singapore can get humid and hot during this time, so remember to pack a hat and sunscreen (and water). This is still a good time to visit Merlion Park, as Singapore often has gorgeous blue skies during this time (when it’s not raining, of course).

Night (6pm – 10pm)

The evening is said by many to be the best time to visit Merlion Park Singapore. As night approaches, Merlion comes to life with bright lights. The Marina Bay skyline turns into an incredible kaleidoscope of twinkling lights for truly jaw-dropping views. Don’t forget to catch the Marina Bay Sands nightly light and water show (Spectra) at 8pm and 9pm. Merlion Singapore at night becomes a whole new — and arguably more beautiful — experience.

What to See and Do Near Merlion Park Singapore

Located near the center of town, Merlion Park is a great jumping off point for Marina Bay. Here are some of our favorite activities within walking distance.

• Marina Bay Sands – Stroll along the Promenade for classic photos of the three tower integrated resort and its signature SkyPark. You’ll also find the ArtScience Museum here.
• Singapore River Cruise – Hop on board one of the bumboats located at Clarke Quay or Boat Quay and enjoy a narrated Singapore River Cruise that passes Merlion Park. A fun family activity and a great way to see the Merlion up-close and from the water.
• Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay – Known locally as “The Durian” this iconic performing arts venue is within walking distance from the park. Free outdoor shows are frequently held.
• The Fullerton Hotel Singapore – One of Singapore’s finest heritage hotels. Formerly the General Post Office, it first opened its doors in 1928. Don’t miss checking out the stunning architecture.
• Jubilee Bridge and Cavenagh Bridge – Two scenic heritage bridges that flank the mouth of the Singapore River. Excellent for photos and a leisurely stroll.
• Boat Quay and Clarke Quay – Take a stroll upstream for great dining, bars and nightlife. These waterside districts are perfect for dinner following an evening visit to Merlion Park.

Insider Tips for Visiting Merlion Park Singapore

Having been to Merlion Park Singapore several times over various seasons, we’ve compiled some tips that you may find helpful when visiting to ensure you make the most of your trip:

• Come early if you’re visiting on the weekends. By 10am on Saturdays, you will be pushed elbow to elbow with tourists like yourself. If you wish to snap a photo of the Merlion without anyone behind you, try getting there between 7am to 8am.
• The most popular photo spot is taking a picture facing the Merlion statue from the raised platform right beside it (Photo 1 of this article was taken from this angle), as you can fit both Merlion and Marina Bay Sands in the background.
• Carry along a small umbrella or poncho just in case. It rains frequently in Singapore during the afternoons due to its tropical weather. Luckily, there are covered pavilions beside the Merlion Park where you can take shelter.
• Did you know Merlion Park’s promenade connects to Marina Bay Sands via Jubilee Bridge and The Esplanade on the opposite side of the Merlion? You can walk around the entire loop in less than 2 hours.
• Visit Merlion Singapore at night between 7.30pm and 9.30pm to view Marina Bay Sands’ Spectra light show that lights up the Marina Bay beautifully in the background.
• Although there aren’t any food stalls at Merlion Park, there is The Fullerton One (A group of restaurants located along One Fullerton) right beside the park that offers a variety of cuisines.

Practical Information at a Glance

Address: 1 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049213 (Merlion Park)

Opening Hours: 24 hours daily

Entrance Fee: Free

Nearest MRT: Raffles Place MRT (EW14/NS26) — approximately 8 to 10 minutes’ walk

Alternative MRT: Downtown MRT (DT17) — approximately 6 to 8 minutes’ walk

Best Time to Visit: Early morning for photography; evening for city light views

Nearby Attractions: Marina Bay Sands, Esplanade, Fullerton Hotel, Singapore River Cruise, Boat Quay

Final Thoughts: Is Merlion Park Worth Visiting?

Yep. Merlion Park Singapore ranks up there as one of Southeast Asia’s best FREE attractions. And for good reason. Whether you’re snapping selfies in front of the Merlion while balancing a toddler on your hip (see our photo above! ), people watching along the Marina Bay waterfront during sunset, or simply gazing up at the city lights come nightfall – it’s always a wonderful experience.

Photographs courtesy of a recent trip we took. Merlion Park is active, scenic, and has mesmerizing photo ops day or night. Seriously. The fact that you can get the Merlion statue, Singapore River, Marina Bay Sands, AND ArtScience Museum all in one epic view means this is hands down the best panoramic spot in Singapore.

Visit Singapore? Add Merlion Park to your “must see” list. It’s free. It’s iconic. It’s the soul of Singapore’s waterfront.