Merlion Park at the river mouth
Merlion Park is a paved waterfront plaza at 1 Fullerton Road, where the Singapore River meets Marina Bay. The main attraction is the Merlion statue, a creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, which has become one of the best-known symbols of the city. Visitors come for the photograph of the statue with its jet of water, and stay for the view across the bay.
The park is small, so a visit rarely takes more than a short stop. That makes it a natural first or last point on a walk around the bay, and it sits close to the Jubilee Bridge that leads over to the Esplanade. The park is best combined with the sights described on the things to do in Marina Bay page.
Our take: a walk that ends at the Merlion
This guided walk through the historic centre ends at Esplanade Waterfront and Merlion Park.
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Walks to the Merlion and around the bay
A guided walk through the historic centre that ends at the Esplanade and Merlion Park, with live availability.
Opening hours and entry
No ticket, no closing time.
Merlion Park is open 24 hours a day and entry is free. That means you can visit at sunrise, during the heat of the afternoon or late in the evening, The gardens nearby and the domes keep their own hours, which are shorter, so do not assume everything around the bay is open all night.
For the best photographs, arrive early in the day when fewer people stand at the railing, or come after dark when the water reflects the city. If you want a more complete picture of the waterfront, continue on foot with the 3.5 km promenade around the bay.
The Merlion statue
A symbol made by a local sculptor.
The statue was made by the sculptor Lim Nang Seng and unveiled in 1972. It sends a jet of water out over the bay.
The statue has not always stood where it does now. In 2002 it was moved about 120 m to its current position, after the Esplanade Bridge built in 1997 spoiled the original view. If you look for a smaller companion, a smaller Merlion statue stands in the park and makes a good second photo. The story of how the shoreline was reshaped is told on the history page.
Maintenance 24 to 26 November 2026
A temporary change to the view.
Cleaning and repair works are announced for 24 to 26 November 2026. During these days the main Merlion is covered by scaffolding and is not available for photographs. The smaller statue in the park stays in place as a photo subject, so the visit is still worth making. If the main statue is the reason you came, plan your trip for the days before or after this window. An earlier maintenance in September has finished, so it does not affect a visit now.
How to get to Merlion Park
By MRT and on foot.
The nearest MRT station is Raffles Place, which is on the North South and East West lines. From there it is a short walk toward the water and along the river mouth to the park. If you are coming from the Esplanade or Promenade side, you can cross the Jubilee Bridge, which links the Merlion Park to the promenade in front of the Esplanade, and walk the last stretch along the water.
From the airport, the ride involves a change of trains, which is explained on the getting there page. If you are staying nearby, the walk from Marina Bay or Downtown stations also works.
Merlion Park: frequently asked questions
Is Merlion Park free?
Yes, entry is free and the park is open 24 hours a day.
Where is the Merlion?
At 1 Fullerton Road, on the waterfront at the mouth of the Singapore River. The nearest MRT station is Raffles Place.
What does the Merlion do?
It sends a jet of water out over the bay, and you can see it from the park and the promenade.
Can I see the Merlion in late November 2026?
The main statue is covered for cleaning and repair from 24 to 26 November 2026. The smaller statue in the park stays available for photographs.
How long should I stay?
Most visitors stop for a short photo break and then continue along the promenade, so a stop of a quarter of an hour is usually enough.