Merlion Monument

Address: Merlion Park (Marina Bay / One Fullerton area), Singapore

Hours: Public area open 24 hours

Admission: Free (public statue/park)

The Merlion is a national symbol of Singapore represented by a statue with a lion’s head and a fish’s body located at Merlion Park on the Marina Bay waterfront. The icon was designed in the 1960s for the Singapore Tourism Board and has become a widely recognized emblem of the city-state.

The prominent park statue, which spouts water from its mouth into the bay, was relocated to its current site near the Fullerton area and serves as a focal point for visitors seeking views of the bay skyline. A smaller original Merlion sits at its former location at the mouth of the Singapore River.

The figure references Singapore’s coastal origins as a fishing village and the ‘lion’ legend associated with the island’s early history. The Merlion Park is easily accessible from the downtown waterfront and is a short walk from key civic landmarks.

Situated on the northern edge of Marina Bay near the Fullerton Hotel and the Esplanade waterfront, the Merlion overlooks the central business district and is within walking distance of several MRT stations and pedestrian promenades.

• Size and origin: The original official Merlion statue was created in the 1960s and the relocated main statue at Merlion Park measures about 8.6 metres in height.
• Best viewpoint: Best photographic views are from the waterfront promenade facing Marina Bay Sands at sunrise or sunset when the skyline is illuminated.

The Merlion Park at One Fullerton/Fullerton Road is best reached from Raffles Place MRT (North-South/East-West lines, NS26/EW14) - it’s about a 5-10 minute walk along Fullerton Road to the waterfront. Esplanade/City Hall stations are also within a 10-15 minute walk. The park is on the Esplanade waterfront adjacent to the Fullerton area and taxis can drop you at One Fullerton.

• Go at sunrise or early morning for unobstructed photos and far fewer tour groups; later in the day the promenade fills with sightseers and river-cruise pick-ups.
• Access the Merlion from the One Fullerton/Fullerton waterfront side for the classic view with Marina Bay Sands behind it; step onto the adjacent Esplanade Bridge if you want alternative angles and less crowding.
• If the park is busy, walk a short distance along the waterfront toward the Marina Bay area or the Esplanade to find quieter vantage points that still include the Merlion in your frame.