Merlion Park

The Basics

Spanning 27,000 square feet (2,500 square meters), Merlion Park is one of Singapore’s most popular landmarks. There are actually two Merlion statues here: the original 28.2-foot (8.6-meter) Merlion, which spouts water from its mouth into the bay, and a smaller, 6.6-foot (2-meter) Merlion cub. The park also offers stunning views of the city’s other famous attractions, including the Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum, and the Singapore Flyer.

To hit many of Singapore’s sights in one day, book a tour that takes you to Merlion Park along with other spots like Chinatown, Little India, Jurong Bird Park, and the Gardens by the Bay. Alternatively, for a different perspective, you can see the park from the water on a scenic cruise.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The park is open and free to visit.

• Merlion Park is a very popular place to take selfies; bring a camera, and be prepared for crowds.

• There are several hotels, cafés, restaurants, gift shops, and restrooms located nearby.

How to Get There

Merlion Park is located at One Fullerton, near Singapore’s central business district. The closest MRT station is Raffles Place, and the closest bus stop is Fullerton Square.

When to Get There

Merlion Park is open 24 hours a day, all year round. Visit early in the morning or late at night to avoid crowds. If you visit at night, you can enjoy views of the nearby sights illuminated with colorful lights.

Merlion Statues

The Merlion springs from Singapore’s founding myth. According to legend, a Malay prince stopped here when it was just a fishing island, returned saying he had seen a lion, and renamed the place Singapura (Lion City in sanskrit). There are seven official Merlion statues in Singapore. In addition to the two in Merlion Park, there are statues on Sentosa Island, at the Tourism Court near Grange Road, on Mount Faber, and in Ang Mo Kio.

What is the significance of the Merlion statue in Singapore?

With a head of a lion and the body of a fish, the Merlion is the national icon of Singapore. The lion refers to Singapore’s original name—according to legend, a Malay prince spotted a lion and renamed the island Singapura (City of the Sea Lion). The fish symbolizes Singapore’s beginnings as a fishing village.

When was Merlion Park built, and why?

The new Merlion Park was built in its current location in 2002 when the Merlion was moved from its original location 394 feet (120 meters) away. Views of the Merlion were blocked when the Esplanade Bridge was built. Singapore's original Merlion Park was built in 1972 to showcase the Merlion.

Can you go inside the Merlion statue or climb to the top?

No, you cannot enter or climb the Merlion statue in Merlion Park. You can get close to the statue or view it from the nearby jetty. There used to be a large Merlion on Sentosa that visitors could enter and take an elevator to the top, but it was demolished in 2019.

What are the opening hours of Merlion Park, and is there an entrance fee?

Merlion Park is open 24 hours a day. It’s free to enter Merlion Park and to view both the 28-foot (9-meter) Merlion statue, which spouts water into Marina Bay, and the smaller 6.6-foot (2-meter) Merlion cub statue that sits in a fountain behind the main statue.

What is the best time of the day to visit Merlion Park?

You can visit Merlion Park and the Merlion 24 hours a day. For the best lighting and photos, visit around sunrise, sunset, and at night, when the Merlion and nearby buildings are all illuminated. To avoid crowds at this popular attraction, visit very early in the morning or very late at night.

Is there more than one Merlion statue in Singapore?

Yes, there are currently six authorized Merlion statues in Singapore. In addition to the original Merlion statue and a smaller Merlion cub in Merlion Park, there is one statue at Tourism Court, one at Faber Point on Mt. Faber, and a pair of statues at Ang Mo Kio.