Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Singapore’s most iconic Merlion Statue is housed in the scenic Merlion Park overlooking Marina Bay. The statue symbolises a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. It was designed as a logo for Singapore Tourism and has gained attraction from around the world. As you wander through the park, take the opportunity to explore the numerous attractions nearby, each offering its unique glimpse into the vibrant culture and beauty of Singapore. The park is open 24 hours a day, but it is recommended that you visit at night and enjoy the view of a beautifully lit skyline.
About
Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons
A skilled local artisan, Lim Nang Seng, crafted the beautiful Merlion statue somewhere between November 1971 and August 1972. Towering at 8.6 meters and weighing a remarkable 70 tons, the statue was officially revealed to the public on September 15, 1972, by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew at its original spot near the Singapore River. Fast forward to 1997, and the landscape changed with the construction of the Esplanade Bridge, which blocked the view of the Merlion. To ensure it remained a prominent attraction, the statue was moved to its current position by The Fullerton Hotel on April 25, 2002.
Location
Photo: Ank Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
The park is located at 1 Fullerton Road in Singapore. It is situated right opposite the Fullerton Hotel. The site boasts excellent accessibility, conveniently located close to the Central Business District (CBD). The park is close to various famous must-visit locations, including the Esplanade Theaters on the Bay, the Singapore Flyer and the infamous Marina Bay Sands.
How To Reach
Photo: Phornlert.gp / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If wondering how to go to Merlion Park, here are some of the ways to get there:
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): MRT is one of Singapore’s most popular ways to travel short distances. Singapore is a country with one of the most advanced transport systems. Consider figuring out which MRT station is nearest to your hotel and board a train from there. The closest station to the park is Raffles Place MRT.
Bus: Buses run frequently from one stop to another in Singapore and are considered a cheap mode of transport to get around here. It would only cost you between 1 to 3 dollars. Several bus routes have a stop at the stops near the park.
Ferry: To reach the park, use the Singapore River Transport System. You can board a ferry at several jetties. The most popular ones include Clarke Quay, Bayfront South, and Clifford Pierre Jetty. You can get down at the Fullerton Jetty, closest to the park.
Taxi: Several apps in Singapore offer taxi rides at reasonable prices. Usually, these prices vary based on distance and traffic. Typically, a taxi from the airport would cost around 16 to 18 dollars. It is important to note that traffic in Singapore can be heavy during peak hours or high demands.
Places To Visit Near Merlion Park
Confused about what to do in Merlion Park and nearby, here are multiple interesting locations.
1. Esplanade Roof Terrace
Photo: Minorax / Wikimedia Commons
The Esplanade Roof Terrace looks over the magnificent Marina Bay, and you can capture the entire city’s picturesque landscape. If you want to click breathtaking pictures, look no further. The Esplanade Roof Terrace is the perfect spot for Instagram-worthy shots. This terrace is at level 4 of the Esplanade complex, accessible via escalators and elevators.
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
Location: 1 Esplanade Dr., Singapore
Activities: Ideal for a picnic, clicking pictures, and viewing fireworks
2. Gardens By The Bay
Photo: Mustang Joe / Wikimedia Commons
To escape the bustling life, immerse yourself in solidarity and peace at the stunning gardens by the bay. The gardens offer natural scenic beauty and are home to over 200 unique and magnificent sculptures. The park also features marvellous supertrees and vertical gardens strategically placed to collect rainwater and harvest solar energy. The gardens are easily accessible via public transportation and offer various dining options at cafes and restaurants, ensuring you can enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by the park’s natural scenic beauty.
Timings: 5 AM – 2 AM
Location: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Gardens by the Bay
Activities: Walking and driving, Supertrees Grove light show, heritage gardens
3. Marina Bay Sands
Photo: Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons
Enjoy a lavish stay at Marina Bay Sands, a renowned resort in Singapore’s heart. The resort offers world-class facilities with 2,561 rooms, luxurious suites and high-end facilities. The major attraction here is its rooftop with an infinity pool. If you fancy casinos, museums or shopping extensively, look no further because Marina Bay Sands is your ultimate destination for everything.
Timings: 10 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands
Activities: Observation desk, dining, shopping, and photography
4. Helix Bridge
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
The Helix Bridge, generally known as “The Helix,” is a pedestrian bridge in the Marina Bay area of Singapore. It connects Marina Centre with Marina South, offering a scenic walkway with breathtaking views of the city skyline and Marina Bay. The bridge features a distinctive double helix design, symbolising growth and renewal as it draws inspiration from the DNA double helix, with pairs of coloured letters (C, G, A, T), each representing the four bases of DNA. They can be found beautifully illuminated at night in bright colours of red and green.
Timings: 24*7
Location: Marina Bay Area
Activities: walking, sightseeing and photography
5. Asian Civilisations Museum
Photo: Alexey Komarov / Wikimedia Commons
To learn about and immerse yourself deep into the rich cultural heritage of Asian Civilisation, this museum is a must-visit for every tourist. It is a pioneering institution dedicated to showcasing this rich cultural heritage. It was established between 1864 and 1867. it is located in the Empress Building, a beautiful structure from the colonial era with breathtaking architecture. This museum features about thirteen meticulously curated permanent galleries organised systematically to showcase trade and cultural exchanges.
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Location: 1 Empress Place, Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore
Activities: Explore the permanent galleries, special exhibitions, and several guided tours.
6. Jubilee Walk
Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons
The Jubilee Walk in Singapore commemorates the nation’s 50th anniversary, launched in 2015. This scenic pathway allows you to cross several iconic buildings, including the Central Fire Station, Old Hill Street Police Station, Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall, Fullerton Building, and the Fullerton Waterboat House. It’s a perfect addition to your itinerary, allowing you to explore multiple attractions in a single day.
Timings: 24*7
Location: 3, Fullerton Road, Singapore
Activities: Walking, photography, sightseeing and guided tours
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Se7enw00d. / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit the park depends on your preference and the things you wish to experience. December to February are considered cooler months, allowing you to enjoy pleasant weather. It is the perfect time to visit if you want to travel in milder climatic conditions. However, if you wish to avoid the peak seasons and the crowd, June and July are considered the off-peak season. August is also a great time to visit, as the 9th of August is celebrated with great pomp and show, and you will get to witness fantastic fireworks.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: ian dooley / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Merlion Park Entrance Fee: You can visit the park in Singapore for free. There is no entrance fee. The park is an open public space, so you can explore and enjoy the area without paying anything.
Merlion Park Singapore Timings: The park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can visit the park at any time at your convenience.
Merlion Park Address: The park is located on Fullerton Road, right opposite the Marina Bay Sands resorts.
Merlion Park offers a unique opportunity to experience a beautiful and iconic landmark without any cost. As an open public space, it allows visitors to explore and enjoy the scenic surroundings and the famous Merlion statue, making it an accessible and budget-friendly destination for both locals and tourists alike. Plan a trip with TripXL and enjoy an amazing vacation with your family and friends.
Cover Photo: Joshua Ang / Unsplash
