Uniqueness of this attraction
Uniqueness of this attraction
The Merlion is Singapore’s national icon and deemed a must-see when visiting Singapore. Half-fish and half-lion, the statue of the mythical sea lion creature reflects the island’s humble beginnings as a fishing village. Singapore is previously known as Singapura, the Malay term for ‘Lion City’. The combination of these historical elements resulted in the Merlion, a mythical creature unique to Singapore.
The statue of Merlion was designed by the late Singaporean sculptor, Mr Lim Nang Seng. Standing at 8.6 metres tall and weighing 70 tons, it is a magnificent statue that spouts water from its mouth. The statue itself has a fascinating history of its own. Originally located at the Singapore river mouth, it was relocated after the completion of the Esplanade Bridge as the statue was not clearly visible from the waterfront. It now calls a new pier overlooking Marina Bay Sands home, making Merlion Park a favourite photography spot for tourists in Singapore.
The Merlion cub is a much smaller version of the original statue located nearby. The 2-metre tall sculpture is a recent addition to the park. Fun fact: the Merlion Park houses two of seven approved Merlion statues that can be found across the island. Spot the rest as you travel across Singapore!
The statue of Merlion was designed by the late Singaporean sculptor, Mr Lim Nang Seng. Standing at 8.6 metres tall and weighing 70 tons, it is a magnificent statue that spouts water from its mouth. The statue itself has a fascinating history of its own. Originally located at the Singapore river mouth, it was relocated after the completion of the Esplanade Bridge as the statue was not clearly visible from the waterfront. It now calls a new pier overlooking Marina Bay Sands home, making Merlion Park a favourite photography spot for tourists in Singapore.
The Merlion cub is a much smaller version of the original statue located nearby. The 2-metre tall sculpture is a recent addition to the park. Fun fact: the Merlion Park houses two of seven approved Merlion statues that can be found across the island. Spot the rest as you travel across Singapore!
Other things to do here?
Other things to do here?
Take a stroll down Waterfront Promenade and enjoy the scenic bay view. Up for a dose of history? Take a free Fullerton Monument tour to uncover the history behind one of the most famous buildings in Singapore. Or visit the Asian Civilisations Museum, home to special exhibitions featuring artefacts that reflect Asia’s rich heritage.
What to bring home?
What to bring home?
Go under the bridge near Merlion Park and you will find some small gift shops available for you to take home local souvenirs.
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Getting around
Getting around
Easiest way to reach Merlion Park is by MRT. Take the MRT and alight at Raffles Place Station (East West Line). Then, exit towards the United Overseas Bank Plaza and follow the directions to Fullerton Hotel. The Merlion Park is behind the hotel and you can easily spot the large statue from afar. Alternatively, take a bus, taxi or use ride-hailing apps to travel from anywhere in town.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- Do check the weather forecasts before heading over as Merlion Park is an open area.
- Avoid the crowd with an early visit. It is also a famous place for locals to hang out and gather over the weekends and public holidays.
- Visit the park at night to have a good view of the spectacular light show from Marina Bay Sands. The Merlion statue is also lit up at night, donning various colourful images of Singapore places of interest via light projections.
- Before leaving the area, visit 2 different sculptures of Sir Stamford Raffles (founder of modern Singapore) in white and black, namely Statue of Raffles and Black Statue of Raffles located near Quay and Victoria Theatre respectively.
Check out the famous landmark at Merlion Park and take a memorable photograph with Singapore’s iconic statue against the scenic Marina Bay Sands backdrop!
Opening hours
Always open
Check out the famous landmark at Merlion Park and take a memorable photograph with Singapore’s iconic statue against the scenic Marina Bay Sands backdrop!
Opening hours
Always open
Uniqueness of this attraction
Uniqueness of this attraction
The Merlion is Singapore’s national icon and deemed a must-see when visiting Singapore. Half-fish and half-lion, the statue of the mythical sea lion creature reflects the island’s humble beginnings as a fishing village. Singapore is previously known as Singapura, the Malay term for ‘Lion City’. The combination of these historical elements resulted in the Merlion, a mythical creature unique to Singapore.
The statue of Merlion was designed by the late Singaporean sculptor, Mr Lim Nang Seng. Standing at 8.6 metres tall and weighing 70 tons, it is a magnificent statue that spouts water from its mouth. The statue itself has a fascinating history of its own. Originally located at the Singapore river mouth, it was relocated after the completion of the Esplanade Bridge as the statue was not clearly visible from the waterfront. It now calls a new pier overlooking Marina Bay Sands home, making Merlion Park a favourite photography spot for tourists in Singapore.
The Merlion cub is a much smaller version of the original statue located nearby. The 2-metre tall sculpture is a recent addition to the park. Fun fact: the Merlion Park houses two of seven approved Merlion statues that can be found across the island. Spot the rest as you travel across Singapore!
The statue of Merlion was designed by the late Singaporean sculptor, Mr Lim Nang Seng. Standing at 8.6 metres tall and weighing 70 tons, it is a magnificent statue that spouts water from its mouth. The statue itself has a fascinating history of its own. Originally located at the Singapore river mouth, it was relocated after the completion of the Esplanade Bridge as the statue was not clearly visible from the waterfront. It now calls a new pier overlooking Marina Bay Sands home, making Merlion Park a favourite photography spot for tourists in Singapore.
The Merlion cub is a much smaller version of the original statue located nearby. The 2-metre tall sculpture is a recent addition to the park. Fun fact: the Merlion Park houses two of seven approved Merlion statues that can be found across the island. Spot the rest as you travel across Singapore!
Other things to do here?
Other things to do here?
Take a stroll down Waterfront Promenade and enjoy the scenic bay view. Up for a dose of history? Take a free Fullerton Monument tour to uncover the history behind one of the most famous buildings in Singapore. Or visit the Asian Civilisations Museum, home to special exhibitions featuring artefacts that reflect Asia’s rich heritage.
What to bring home?
What to bring home?
Go under the bridge near Merlion Park and you will find some small gift shops available for you to take home local souvenirs.
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Getting around
Getting around
Easiest way to reach Merlion Park is by MRT. Take the MRT and alight at Raffles Place Station (East West Line). Then, exit towards the United Overseas Bank Plaza and follow the directions to Fullerton Hotel. The Merlion Park is behind the hotel and you can easily spot the large statue from afar. Alternatively, take a bus, taxi or use ride-hailing apps to travel from anywhere in town.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- Do check the weather forecasts before heading over as Merlion Park is an open area.
- Avoid the crowd with an early visit. It is also a famous place for locals to hang out and gather over the weekends and public holidays.
- Visit the park at night to have a good view of the spectacular light show from Marina Bay Sands. The Merlion statue is also lit up at night, donning various colourful images of Singapore places of interest via light projections.
- Before leaving the area, visit 2 different sculptures of Sir Stamford Raffles (founder of modern Singapore) in white and black, namely Statue of Raffles and Black Statue of Raffles located near Quay and Victoria Theatre respectively.
