Merlion Park is the small waterfront park at the mouth of the Singapore River where the city's mascot, the Merlion, spouts water into Marina Bay. The statue, with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, is one of the most photographed sights in Singapore. Merlion Park is free, open at all hours and right in the middle of the bay, with Marina Bay Sands directly across the water.
Why visit Merlion Park
The Merlion was designed in the 1960s as a symbol for Singapore's tourism board. The fish body refers to the city's origins as a fishing village, known as Temasek, and the lion head to the name Singapura, meaning lion city. The statue was unveiled in 1972 near the mouth of the river and later moved to its current spot on the bay, where it faces east across the water.
A smaller Merlion, often called the Merlion cub, stands behind the main statue. The park itself is a simple promenade and viewing platform, so the appeal is the photo and the panorama of Marina Bay rather than a long list of things to do.
Getting to Merlion Park by MRT
The nearest station is Raffles Place, an interchange on the MRT East-West Line and North-South Line. Leave by the exit toward Fullerton or One Fullerton and walk past the Fullerton Hotel. An underpass or crossing leads to the waterfront and Merlion Park, around 8 to 10 minutes in total.
Esplanade on the Circle Line is another option, with a pleasant walk across the Esplanade Bridge toward the park. If you are coming from Marina Bay Sands, it is a 20 to 30 minute stroll around the bay via the Helix Bridge and the Esplanade.
Entry and opening hours
Merlion Park is free and open around the clock, with no ticket needed. The Merlion usually spouts water through the day and evening, but it is occasionally switched off or covered for maintenance. If seeing the water flowing matters to you, check the Singapore Tourism Board's official Visit Singapore website for any notices before you go.
Best time to visit Merlion Park
Early morning is the best time to visit Merlion Park for photos without crowds, when the light is soft and the promenade is quiet. Evenings are busier but rewarding, with the skyline lit up behind the statue and Marina Bay Sands glowing across the water. The Spectra light and water show at Marina Bay Sands can be seen from the bay in the evening, though the best view is from the promenade in front of the Event Plaza on the other side.
Most visitors spend 20 to 30 minutes here. It works well as a stop on a walk around the bay rather than a destination on its own.
Photo tips
- The classic shot: stand at the back of the viewing platform for the Merlion with Marina Bay Sands behind it.
- The playful shot: many visitors pose as if drinking from or catching the stream of water. Expect to wait your turn.
- From the water: river cruises from Clarke Quay and Boat Quay pass the statue for a different angle.
- Blue hour: the short time after sunset gives a deep blue sky and lit buildings.
Combining Merlion Park with a bay walk
The full loop around Marina Bay is one of the best free walks in Singapore. Starting at Merlion Park, follow the promenade past the Esplanade theatres, cross the Helix Bridge to Marina Bay Sands and continue round to the Marina Bay Financial Centre and back to the Merlion. The route is flat and well lit, takes around an hour without stops, and is most comfortable in the evening once the heat drops.
Nearby on the same stop
- The Fullerton Hotel: the grand former General Post Office building right beside the park.
- Cavenagh Bridge: one of the oldest bridges in Singapore, leading to the Civic District.
- Asian Civilisations Museum: across the river, with collections from across Asia.
- Boat Quay: riverside restaurants and bars a few minutes upstream.
- Lau Pa Sat: a historic hawker centre near Raffles Place, known for evening satay.
See the Merlion Park page for more, or browse all stops on our Singapore MRT guide.