SingaporeTravel Tips

Transportation and Navigation around Merlion Statue

1. Where is the nearest MRT station to the Merlion statue in Singapore?

The nearest MRT station to the Merlion statue is the Raffles Place MRT station, located on the East West Line and North South Line. It is about a 5-minute walk from the station to the Merlion statue.

2. How do I get to the Merlion statue by bus?

To get to the Merlion statue by bus, you can take any of the following bus routes: 10, 57, 61, 97, 100, 131 or 162. All these buses stop at the Merlion Park bus stop (bus stop number: 07571) which is located right next to the Merlion statue.

If you are unsure of which bus route to take, you can use a journey planner app such as Google Maps or Go-Ahead Singapore (iOS/Android) to find the best route for your starting location.

Once you alight at the Merlion Park bus stop, you will be able to see the iconic Merlion statue and can easily walk towards it. The entire journey duration will depend on your starting location but can range from approximately 20 minutes to an hour.

3. Can I take a taxi to the Merlion statue from Changi Airport?


Yes, you can take a taxi from Changi Airport to the Merlion statue. It is located approximately 20 km away from the airport and will take around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Taxis are readily available at the airport and you can easily find them at designated taxi stands outside each terminal. The fare will be metered and will cost between SGD$20-30. Alternatively, you can also book a ride through ride-sharing apps such as Grab or Gojek for a possibly lower fare.

4. Is there parking available near the Merlion statue?

There are several parking options available near the Merlion statue, such as:

1. Merlion Park Car Park: This is a multi-storey car park located just opposite the Merlion statue. It has 189 parking lots and charges an hourly rate.

2. One Fullerton Car Park: This is another multi-storey car park situated nearby at One Fullerton. It has 241 parking lots and also charges an hourly rate.

3. Clifford Pier Car Park: This is a car park that can be accessed from Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, just a short walk away from the Merlion statue. It has 47 parking bays and operates on an hourly charge basis.

4. Marina Bay Sands Car Park: If you are visiting the Merlion statue from Marina Bay Sands, you can also park your vehicle at their car park which offers over 2,500 parking spaces.

Please note that these car parks may have limited availability during peak hours, so it is advisable to arrive early or consider taking public transportation if possible.

5. What is the best time of day to visit the Merlion statue?


The best time of day to visit the Merlion statue is in the evening, around sunset. This is when you can see the beautiful colors of the sky reflected in the water and have a stunning view of the city lights. Additionally, there are often fewer crowds during this time compared to peak hours during the day.

6. Are there any boat tours that go by the Merlion statue?


Yes, there are several boat tours that go by the Merlion statue. Some popular options include the Singapore River Cruise, Captain Explorer DUKW Tour, and Marina Bay Waterfront Boat Tour. These tours also offer views of other landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer.

7. Is it possible to walk from Marina Bay Sands hotel to the Merlion statue?

Yes, it is possible to walk from Marina Bay Sands hotel to the Merlion statue. The walking distance is approximately 1km and takes around 15 minutes. There are several pedestrian bridges and underpasses that connect the two locations, making it a convenient and scenic walk.

8. Is there an entrance fee to see the Merlion statue up close?


There is no entrance fee to see the Merlion statue up close. It is a public sculpture and can be viewed for free. However, there may be fees for visiting certain attractions or entering nearby parks such as Merlion Park or Sentosa Island.

9. Are there any restaurants or cafes near the Merlion statue for a quick bite to eat?

Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near the Merlion statue for a quick bite to eat. Some options include:

1. Satay by the Bay: Located right next to the Merlion statue, this outdoor food court offers a range of local and Asian cuisine, including satay, noodles, seafood and more.

2. Marina Bay Sands Food Court: Just a short walk from the Merlion statue, this food court offers a variety of affordable options, including Japanese, Chinese and local dishes.

3. Zaffron Kitchen: This casual Indian restaurant is also within walking distance from the Merlion statue and serves up tasty North Indian cuisine.

4. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: This popular coffee chain has a branch located at One Fullerton (near the Merlion statue) where you can grab a quick cup of coffee or a snack.

5. McDonald’s: There is also a McDonald’s outlet at One Fullerton for those looking for familiar fast food options.

6. Baker & Cook: This bakery cafe serves up delicious pastries, sandwiches and salads at its location in One Fullerton, just minutes away from the Merlion statue.

7. Peach Blossoms: Located in Marina Mandarin Hotel near the Merlion statue, this Chinese restaurant is known for its dim sum and other Cantonese dishes.

8. Privé Café: Situated along the Singapore River with views of the iconic skyscrapers in Marina Bay, this café offers casual dining options like burgers, sandwiches and salads.

9. The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore – La Brasserie: This elegant restaurant offers fine dining French cuisine with stunning views of Marina Bay from its location at Clifford Pier (a short walk from the Merlion).

10. Can I take a photo with the Merlion statue without joining a tour or paying an entrance fee?


Yes, you can take a photo with the Merlion statue without joining a tour or paying an entrance fee. The statue is located at Merlion Park, which is open to the public and free to enter. Visitors are allowed to take photos and selfies with the iconic statue for free.

11. How long does it take to walk around the entire area surrounding the Merlion statue?


It would take approximately 20-30 minutes to walk around the entire area surrounding the Merlion statue, depending on your walking speed.

12. Are there any souvenir shops near the Merlion statue where I can purchase gifts and memorabilia?


Yes, there are several souvenir shops located near the Merlion statue. Some options include the Gift Nest, Merlion Park Gift Shop, and The Original Singapore Walks Gift Shop. These shops offer a variety of gifts and memorabilia such as keychains, magnets, t-shirts, postcards, and more featuring the iconic Merlion and other popular symbols of Singapore.

13. Is it safe to visit the Merlion statue at night?


Yes, it is generally safe to visit the Merlion statue at night. The area around the Merlion is well-lit and there are usually other tourists and security personnel around. However, it is always important to remain cautious and aware of your surroundings while traveling at night.

14. Are there any nearby attractions or landmarks worth seeing after visiting the Merlion Statue?


Some nearby attractions and landmarks worth seeing after visiting the Merlion Statue include Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Flyer, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, and the ArtScience Museum.

15. Are there public restrooms near the Merlion Statue for tourists to use?

Yes, there are public restrooms located near the Merlion Statue for tourists to use. These can be found at One Fullerton and Customs House Square, both within walking distance of the statue. Additionally, many nearby restaurants and cafes also have restroom facilities available for customer use.

16. Can I access and climb on top of the Merlion’s head for a better view of Singapore?


No, it is not possible to climb on top of the Merlion’s head. The viewing platform at the Merlion Park only allows visitors to go up to the mouth of the statue for photos and a closer look at the city skyline. Climbing on top of the Merlion is strictly prohibited for safety reasons.

17.Traveling by car, how long does it take from Orchard Road to reach The Esplanade Park, where The Merlional Park stands?


It would take approximately 10 minutes to drive from Orchard Road to The Esplanade Park, where The Merlion stands.

18.Is photography allowed inside The Jubilee Bridge located next to The merlon park leading into Marina Bay Sands?

There is no specific rule stating whether photography is allowed inside the Jubilee Bridge. However, it is a public area and photography is generally permitted in public spaces. It is always best to ask for permission from any individuals or security personnel before taking photos.

19.Is it possible to book a private tour guide or join a group tour specifically tailored towards learning about transportation and navigation in relation towards The famous merlon park we’re standing next too?


Yes, it is possible to book a private tour guide or join a group tour that focuses on transportation and navigation in relation to the famous Merlion Park. You can inquire with local tour companies or search online for tours that offer this specific theme. Just make sure to clarify your interests and intentions with the tour guide beforehand.

20.What is the best way to combine a visit to the Merlion statue with other nearby attractions such as Gardens by the Bay or the Singapore Flyer?


The best way to combine a visit to the Merlion statue with other nearby attractions such as Gardens by the Bay or the Singapore Flyer is to plan your itinerary in advance and make use of public transportation. You can start your day at the Merlion Park, where the statue is located, and take some time to admire it. From there, you can walk over to Gardens by the Bay, which is just a short 10-minute walk away.

After exploring Gardens by the Bay, you can take a 5-minute taxi ride or hop on a Metro train from Bayfront Station to reach the Singapore Flyer. Both attractions also offer shuttle services between them, so you can make use of those as well.

Alternatively, you can also book a guided tour that includes all three attractions in one package. This will not only save you time but also provide insights and information about each attraction from a knowledgeable guide.

If you prefer a more leisurely approach, you can spend your morning at Merlion Park, then head over to Gardens by the Bay for lunch and spend your afternoon at the Singapore Flyer before heading back to Merlion Park for sunset views of the statue. Whichever option you choose, don’t forget to check opening hours and buy tickets in advance if necessary to avoid any last-minute hassles.