The Merlion statue is Singapore’s most beloved and recognizable landmark. This popular Singapore attraction is free, though its popularity means crowds are anxious in getting their perfect picture (especially from the Jubilee pedestrian bridge). Feel free top hop around the blog post using the table of contents:
1. Overview
📍1 Fullerton Road (Merlion Park)
The best time to get your unique shots is in the morning hours, so if you are feeling jet lagged, time is on your side. However, you may be lucky if you visit Merlion Park at dusk as it often boasts beautiful light projections.
Fullerton Promenade, the water front area right beside Merlion Park, is also a great spot to watch the nightly Spectra Light and Water Show hosted across the bay on the Shoppes at the MBS Promenade (arguably, the better view from here as you get to see the MBS with its lights and in all its glory).
Though you may not hear the sounds, you get to see the show with the iconic Marina Bay Sands in the backdrop, which also includes the ArtScience Museum, the Singapore Flyer, and the Helix Bridge.
🦁For those wondering, this Singapore attraction is completely free as it is an open area that anyone can access! The Merlion does spout water 24/7, rain or shine.
🌧️ Singapore has two monsoon (rain) seasons, the main stretching from December-March while the second, much drier May-September. The weather in Singapore can be unpredictable so be sure to always bring an umbrella.
♿ There are steps near the Merlion statue, however wheelchair users can get a great view from the nearby platform and Jubilee bridge. Please note that Fullerton One Mall does have a staircase, so accessing Merlion Park is best done by accessing the Fullerton One Mall carpark entrance (right by a Starbucks) and taking an elevator a floor down. Basically, in terms of getting right to Merlion Park, I don’t find it very accessible to wheelchair users.
⚠️Every year, the Merlion closes down for annual cleaning and maintenance. In 2025, this was in February, but do check details on the Singapore Tourism Board homepage. The closure lasts about 10-14 days.
2. Other Merlions in Singapore
Did you know? There are more merlions located across Singapore! One of which is the merlion cub located behind its mama in Merlion Park. Other’s can be located on Mount Faber, inside the Singapore Tourism Court, and in several other locations around the city. The Sentosa Island statue has unfortunately been closed and disassembled since 2019.
3. Dining near Merlion Park
Dining near Merlion Park: There are a number of restaurants at the Fullerton Mall and Promenade to include Palm Beach Seafood, Jypsy One Fullerton, The Fullerton Pavilion and more.
Hawker Centres: Market Street Hawker Centre is the closest hawker, and there are more options once you walk across Fullerton Road and back into the Central Business District such as Lau Pa Sat and Amoy Street Food Centre. Near the Esplanade, you’ll also find Makansutra Gluttons Bay, which is more like an upsacle outdoor food hall, as well as Satay Street at Gardens by the Bay.
There are also numerous other dining options at the nearby malls outlined below.
4. Getting to Merlion Park
How to get to Merlion Park:
- Take the MRT to Raffles Place (EW14/NS26) and walk along Battery Road towards Fullerton Square.
- The closest bus stop outside Fullerton Square (#03011) runs lines 10, 57, 70, 100, 107, 130, 131, 167, 196, 652, 656, 660, 663, 665, 850E, 868E, and 951E.
- Short walk from The Esplanade, Suntec City Mall, the National Gallery of Singapore, the Asian Civilizations Museum, Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre, and Clarke Quay/Fort Canning Park.
- Take a taxi or a Grab to Fullerton Square Mall at 1 Fullerton Road; let your driver know you are going to the Merlion. Walk down the steps at One Fullerton and take a left once you get to the waterfront.
- Take a boat taxis/river boat to Merlion Park. They stop all along the river and the Marina Bay. Learn more here.
5. Other Singapore Attractions in the Area
Lastly, since you are in a the city centre, there are dozens of other Singapore attractions within walking distance. If you prefer to take public transport, your best options from Merlion Park are the bus system or the boat taxis, as well as the MRT.
The most popular attractions around the Merlion Park:
- Marina Bay Sands & Shoppes at the Marina Bay Sands
- ArtScience Museum
- Esplanade/DBS Foundation Esplanade Outdoor Theatre,
- Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade (Spectra Light Show)
- Helix Bridge
- Singapore Flyer & Formula One Racetrack for the Singapore Grand Prix
- Gardens by the Bay
- Marina Barrage
- Fort Canning Park
The lesser known attractions:
- Singapore River Cruise via Merlion Jetty
- Singtel Waterfront Theatre
- The Five Boys By The River, statues near Cavenagh Bridge (Fullerton Side)
- Kulnari Mystery Golf
- War Memorial Park
- The Promontory@Marina Bay (views of the city from the CBD)
- Slingshot Singapore
- Mermaids at the NCO Club
- Long Bar at Raffles
- New Bridge Road pedestrian tunnel (across from Old Hill Street Police Station)
- Pororo Park Singapore at Marina Square Mall (indoor playground)
- MBS Casino (need passport to enter)
Nearby malls:
- One Fullerton
- Suntec City Mall
- Marina Square
- Millenia Walk
- Funan Mall
- Raffles City
- Shoppes at the Marina Bay Sands
- Change Alley
- CIMB Plaza
- The Adelphi
- Capitol Sinapore
Nearby museums:
- Asia Civilizations Museum
- The Arts House
- Singapore National Gallery
- Civil Defence Heritage Gallery (CDHG) & Emergency Preparedness Centre (EPC)
- Fort Canning Park Heritage Gallery, the Spice Gallery, and the Battle Box (Battle Box requires reservation)
- Nation Museum of Singapore
- Children’s Museum Singapore
- Armenian Heritage Gallery (reservation required)
- MINT Museum of Toys
- Mulan Gallery (fine art)
- Singapore Musical Box Museum
- ArtScience Museum
- Red Dot Design Museum
- Marina Barrage
- Singapore Maritime Gallery
Unique architecture & cool spots to take photos:
- The Fullerton
- Clifford Pier Jetty/Clifford Square
- Free rooftop garden at the Esplanade
- Esplanade MRT Station (CC3)
- Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay (inside)
- Pan Pacific Singapore (inside)
- Victoria Theatre
- Old Hill Street Police Station
- Central Firestation
- Fort Canning Park Tree Tunnel & Sang Nila Utama Garden
- Raffles Singapore
- Capitol Singapore
- Armenian Street
- Chijmes
- Funan Mall Garden
- The Capitol
- National Library / Lee Kong Chian Reference Library
- Flatiron House Singapore
- Rain Oculus at the Shoppes at MBS
- Floating Louis Vuitton & Apple Stores, near ArtScience Museum
- PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering/Hong Lim Park
- Furama City Centre
- Marina One
- CapitaSpring Skygarden
- Green Plant Map at the Ocean Financial Centre
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Thank you for reading through my blog post all about the famous Singapore Merlion! If you a detail-oriented trip planner like me, I’m sure you got some use of the details I outlined about the Merlion. After all, it’s not trip to Singapore without a trip to Merlion Park!
Have a safe and fun trip to Singapore! Finally, if you know someone who is planning to travel to Southeast Asia, please consider sending them my blog so they too can enjoy all that Singapore has to offer.
