Merlion Park is a must-visit spot for any traveller to Singapore. It's home to the iconic Merlion statue, a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, which is the national symbol of Singapore.
The park is located at One Fullerton, near the Central Business District, and offers stunning views of the Marina Bay skyline.
Nearby, you’ll also find one of the best things to do near Merlion Park - Burger & Lobster. A London-born restaurant that serves incredible burgers, succulent seafood and a delightful a la carte menu (as well as tasty cocktails)!
What is Merlion Park?
The history of the famous Merlion park dates back to 1964. Amidst a nation-building campaign, the Singapore Tourism Board sought an emblem to captivate visitors. Alec Fraser-Brunner, curator of the Van Kleef Aquarium, sketched the Merlion – a powerful fusion of fish (representing Singapore's maritime past) and lion (inspired by the legendary sighting by Prince Sang Nila Utama, leading to the name "Singapura"). From there, the Merlion's captivating image took hold, adorning souvenirs, and promotional materials, and even became the Singapore Tourist Board's logo for over three decades.
In terms of Merlion Park’s contribution to the culture of Singapore, the Merlion embodies the "Singapura" legend, linking Singapore's past to its present. It offers tales of courage, adaptability, and transformation, resonating with Singapore's journey from a fishing village to a global hub. Moreover, the Merlion transcends individual cultures, representing the unity and harmony of Singapore's diverse ethnicities. Its fish tail alludes to Malay fishing traditions, while its lion head echoes the Sanskrit influence on the city's name.
The Merlion is ingrained in Singapore's national identity. It adorns government buildings, currency notes, and official documents, serving as a constant reminder of the nation's unique heritage and its remarkable achievements.
Where is Merlion Park?
Merlion Park is situated at One Fullerton, along the Singapore River, offering stunning views of the Marina Bay skyline and easily accessible by various modes of transportation:
MRT: The nearest station is Esplanade Bay (Circle Line), followed by a short walk.
Bus: Multiple buses stop near the park, including lines 57, 100, 106, 107, 130, 133, 160, and 857.
Taxi: Convenient option for direct drop-off.
With plenty of things to do near Merlion Park, you’ll also find Burger & Lobster just a short walk away and easily accessible. Burger & Lobster sits at Raffles Hotel, just a short 4 minute drive, or less than 20 minutes by foot.
Plenty to do at Merlion Park
Merlion Park is nestled at the mouth of the Singapore River with stunning views of Marina Bay and is more than just a tourist hotspot. It's a gateway to Singapore's history, culture, and national pride, embodied by the mythical Merlion statue itself.
If it’s your first time visiting Singapore, you’ll definitely want to do one of the best free things to do in Merlion Park: take lots of pictures. Once you’ve had your fill of photo opportunities, why not soak in the panoramic vistas of Marina Bay's futuristic skyline, spotting famous landmarks like the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands?
Next, take a stroll along the waterfront promenade or stop for a moment to pause and take it all in, observing the various information boards that are dotted around telling the story of Merlion’s Park's captivating history.
Restaurants near Merlion Park
One of the best things to do near Merlion Park is eat at none other than the iconic Burger & Lobster. Known for incredible seafood and sublime burgers, the menu at Burger & Lobster provides the most divine surf and turf and a whole lot more. Imagine juicy, prime-cut beef nestled in toasted brioche buns, dressed with gourmet toppings like truffle mayo, caramelized onions, and smoked bacon. Choose from the Original, Mayfair (with delicious fresh pickles and classic tomato and onion), The Wholesome (a delicious vegan burger), or even an iconic Lobster Roll: chilled lobster meat dressed in lemon mayo and topped with fresh chives. Served in a toasted brioche roll with a lemon & garlic butter sauce. Delicious and messy!
Or perhaps the California Lobster Roll with chilled chunks of lobster and prawn meat tossed in a spiced avocado sauce with lettuce, cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Topped with fresh chives and served with lime. If you’d prefer something slightly more classic, the Lobster Thermidor is truly spectacular. Of course, if the choice between the two is simply too hard to bear, The Combos provide the perfect excuse to order both!
Burger & Lobster isn’t just famous for incredible food however, if you’re looking for a hot spot to grab some drinks near Merlion Park, you’ll find a menu of great cocktails. The B&L Sling is a classic. Made from Gin, Orange, Raspberry, Pineapple, Cherry, Whey and Grenadine, this fruity concoction is the perfect start to any evening. If you already have a favourite in mind, you’ll also find classics like the Negroni, Aperol Spritz and Margarita on the menu! The perfect partner for a boozy brunch, a relaxed lunch or a lavish dinner at Burger & Lobster.