The short answer
Merlion Park and Marina Bay waterfront: what visitors should know first
Yes, as a short stop of 20 to 30 minutes on a bay walk. Go in the early evening, take your photograph, then continue along the waterfront. Do not plan a long visit around the statue itself.
History and context
The story behind Merlion Park and Marina Bay waterfront
The statue was built between November 1971 and August 1972, and the installation ceremony took place on 15 September 1972. When the Esplanade Bridge was completed in 1997 it blocked the view of the Merlion from the bay, and the statue was moved to its present site over 23 to 25 April 2002, in a relocation that cost S$7.5 million including the new park.
Useful facts
Merlion Park and Marina Bay waterfront facts at a glance
- Location
- Mouth of the Singapore River, Marina Bay
- Experience type
- Waterfront landmark
- Known for
- The Merlion statue and skyline view
- Statue
- 8.6 metres tall; installed 1972
- Time or schedule
- Open all hours; best at dusk
Why it matters
Why Merlion Park and Marina Bay waterfront is worth your time
The Merlion is the symbol of the Singapore Tourism Board, whose logo was designed by Alec Fraser-Brunner. The statue was conceived by Kwan Sai Kheong and sculpted by Lim Nang Seng, and it was installed in 1972 with Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew officiating on 15 September. It stands 8.6 metres tall and weighs 70 tons.
It matters as a visual shorthand for the country: the lion refers to Singapura, the lion city, and the fish tail to its fishing-village past. For visitors it is the easiest photograph to take, and the surrounding bay promenade is one of the best free evening walks in the city.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The Merlion
A lion-headed fish spouting water into the bay, the symbol of Singapore tourism.
- 02
Skyline view
Marina Bay Sands, the Esplanade and the financial district across the water.
- 03
Bay promenade
A flat evening walk along the waterfront towards Gardens by the Bay.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Approach along the waterfront promenade, and walk to the viewing deck where the statue stands. The Merlion, a lion's head on a fish's body, spouts water into the bay, and the angle across the water gives you Marina Bay Sands, the Esplanade and the financial district in one frame. Visit in the evening when the cooler air makes the walk pleasant.
After your photograph, follow the promenade towards Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay. It is a flat route and gives some of the best evening views in the city. If your companion tires, taxis and MRT stations are close by.
The Merlion is small compared with its fame, so manage expectations: the pleasure is in the setting, not in the statue itself. Combine it with a meal at Lau Pa Sat, a short distance away in the financial district.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Visit at dusk for the best light
- Wear a hat at midday
- Walk the promenade rather than taking a taxi
- Expect crowds at the viewing deck
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Mouth of the Singapore River, on Marina Bay
- Time needed
- 30 to 60 minutes
- Best time
- Early evening, when it is cooler and the buildings are lit
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The park is a flat, paved waterfront promenade with limited shade and a few benches. It gets crowded near sunset, but there are no steps to the viewing area.
- Tickets and access
- Free to visit at any time. There is no ticketing, but expect crowds for photographs at sunset and on weekends.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Merlion Park and Marina Bay waterfront
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The park is a flat, paved waterfront promenade with limited shade and a few benches. It gets crowded near sunset, but there are no steps to the viewing area.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is the Merlion worth a special trip?
Not on its own. Combine it with a bay walk, a meal at Lau Pa Sat or a visit to Gardens by the Bay.
Is entry free?
Yes, it is a public waterfront park.
What is the Merlion?
A mythical creature with a lion's head and a fish's tail, used as the symbol of Singapore tourism.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
