Skipping the Merlion Park on a trip to Singapore is like going to New York for the first time without seeing the Lady of Liberty. In other words, no one should miss it.
Located on the promenade overlooking Marina Bay, the free-to-enter park is home to an 8.6m-tall Merlion statue that spews water into the river. It draws a steady crowd of visitors daily who come for the obligatory selfie and stay for the unparalleled views and the cool breeze.
Taking a photo with the Merlion statue probably ranks at the top of most tourists’ to-do lists.
The classic poses are to open either your palm or mouth to “catch” the water coming from the lionfish creature. That said, the impressive sight will still look great in a selfie. If you can, avoid coming on the weekend so you can hopefully get a shot without hundreds of people in the background.
Strolling along the wooden boardwalk that wraps around the entire marina is the easiest way to take in the surrounding sights. Catch glimpses of the Fullerton Bay Hotel and Singapore Flyer in between ducking into cafes and shops along the way.
Or, hop on a river cruise from the Marina Bay jetty. River Cruise by WaterB runs regular boat rides down the Singapore River and lets you see a handful of landmarks in the span of 40 minutes. At night, the steps beneath the Merlion statue make for a great spot to catch the Marina Bay light and water show.
Merlion Park is located in the middle of all the mainstream attractions, which makes it an easy stop to add to your sightseeing itinerary.
If you’re arriving by train, align at Raffles Place MRT and take a 5-minute walk to the park. As for bus riders, the closest bus stop is Fullerton Square. Alternatively, you can opt for a half-day city tour. The guided tour will fill you in on the history of several attractions like Little India and Gardens By The Bay, as well as Merlion Park.
Chill, take in the city skyline, and catch a break from the grid at Merlion Park.
The best part is, entry to the park is free. During peak travel seasons, expect a parade of tourists and locals walking two-by-two. So, aim to visit with comfy shoes in the early morning, on weekdays, and later at night. There’s a stretch of restaurants and bars located near the park so you’ll never leave feeling hungry.
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