Categories > Guides and Tips
Top 6 Merlion Statues in Singapore That You Need to See to Understand the Buzz
Back in college, I was tasked with writing a history paper on Singapore’s Merlion statues. I figured it would be just another research-heavy assignment—read a few articles, cite a few facts, call it a day.
But somewhere along the way, I got curious. I wanted to see them for myself. What started as schoolwork quickly turned into a mini-adventure.
I mapped them out, brought my camera, and gave myself a full-on Merlion tour across the island.
Starting from the iconic waterfront statue at Marina Bay and ending at the mysterious one found inside an air base, each spot had its own uniqueness.
And now that I’ve collected more Merlion trivia than I know what to do with, I figured—why not put it all to good use?
1. Merlion Park – Main Statue
Media credit: @zhoutian_tin
Address: 1 Fullerton Road
Phone: +65 6736 6622
Hours: Open 24/7
At the edge of Marina Bay, the iconic Merlion statue stands 8.6 meters tall, proudly spouting water into the bay.
Designed by Kwan Sai Kheong and sculpted by Lim Nang Seng, it was unveiled in 1972 and relocated in 2002 to better align with feng shui.
My favorite time to visit is in the evening, when the city lights reflect off the water and the whole promenade glows. The statue’s lion head and fish body capture Singapore’s transformation from a humble fishing village to a modern port city.
It’s also conveniently close to other attractions, so you can easily build a full itinerary around it.
| Pro Tip: Walk a bit toward the Fullerton side for a wider angle with the city skyline behind the Merlion. |
2. Merlion Park – Merlion Cub
Media credit: @iamcpmr
Address: 1 Fullerton Road
Phone: +65 6736 6622
Hours: Open 24/7
Just behind the towering Merlion, the Merlion Cub stands quietly at 2 meters tall. Sculpted by Lim Nang Seng, it features inlaid porcelain plates and bowls—something I didn’t notice until I saw it up close.
The details are easy to miss, but they really give a charming texture that’s different from the bigger statues. This little cub often gets overlooked, but it holds its own in terms of character.
It was placed there in 1972 to accompany the main statue and has stayed put even through the relocation in 2002. Despite its size, the cub gets plenty of photo attention, especially from kids and families who love its friendlier proportions.
It’s fun spotting it right after the main Merlion, like a quiet sidekick just chilling by the water.
| Pro Tip: Bring a mini tripod if you’re planning to take night shots, since all the handheld photos can get shaky with crowds and bright lights around the bay. |
3. Mount Faber Merlion
Media credit: @reaphotos
Website: https://www.mountfaberleisure.com/attraction/mount-faber-peak/
Address: 109 Mount Faber Road
Phone: +65 63610 088
Hours: Daily – 8:45 AM to 9:30 PM
Perched at Faber Point, the Mount Faber Merlion is 3 meters tall and made of white polymarble. Installed in 1998, it’s the only Merlion that’s located on a hill, surrounded by lush greenery and panoramic views of Sentosa and the Southern Islands.
I appreciate how peaceful this one feels. Compared to the busy Marina Bay spot, this location is quieter and more relaxed. It’s a nice reward after the short climb or cable car ride to the top.
You’ll spot couples, families, and hikers snapping pictures beside the Merlion, which blends in beautifully with the park’s surroundings.
There’s also a small lookout deck nearby, making this statue part of a scenic break rather than a busy tourist site.
| Pro Tip: Go in the late afternoon. That way, you get cooler temperatures for your walk. |
4. Tourism Court Merlion
Media credit: @simhiroj
Address: 1 Orchard Spring Lane
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – Closed
This 3-meter-tall Merlion statue can be found outside the Singapore Tourism Board’s headquarters, and has been around since 1995.
Made from glazed polymarble and manufactured in the Philippines, it looks more stylized and slim than the others.
I suggest stopping by if you’re already exploring the Orchard Road area—it’s not a destination by itself, but it’s cool seeing one in such an official setting.
This Merlion isn’t as flashy or grand, but more low-key. The building it’s attached to is pretty sleek, and since it’s less crowded, you’ll probably get the statue all to yourself.
It’s fun to think of it as the STB’s very own mascot right at their doorstep, keeping watch over one of Singapore’s busiest shopping zones.
| Pro Tip: Since it’s near Orchard, time your visit in the late morning (around 10 AM to 11 AM) before the shopping crowds build up. |
5. Ang Mo Kio Merlions
Media credit: @melrion_channel
Address: Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1
Hours: Open 24/7
Over in the heartlands, a pair of Merlions greet visitors at Ang Mo Kio. Each stands 3 meters tall, built in 1999 by the Residents’ Committee and later recognized officially by the STB.
They weren’t part of the original Merlion plan, but I like how they became local icons through sheer community effort.
The locals raised funds and commissioned them without initial approval, simply because they wanted something meaningful in their neighborhood.
The design is simpler and more accessible—no dramatic fountains or sea views here, just a pair of statues welcoming residents home.
It’s fun seeing Merlions in a purely neighborhood setting, which makes them feel more grounded and familiar.
The area itself is typical HDB heartland, with playgrounds, coffee shops, and hawker stalls nearby. Locals even decorate them during festive periods.
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss the nearby hawker stalls for good eats after. |
6. Changi Air Base Merlion
Media credit: @girietimes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Changi%20Air%20Base/129001760469642/
Address: 221 Changi E Drive
Hours: Open 24/7
The Merlion at Changi Air Base isn’t easy to access—it’s located inside a restricted military compound—but it’s well-known among NSFs and SAF personnel.
This version isn’t huge either, but it serves more of a symbolic and morale-boosting purpose for the military community stationed there.
My friend who served there told me it’s treated like a sort of camp guardian, and it shows up in event backdrops and social media posts during enlistments or send-offs.
The statue is painted in classic white and has a slightly different base design, making it stand out from the usual style. It’s definitely one of the more unique Merlions, exuding national symbolism with military pride.
While you can’t just drop by to visit it unless you’re invited in or on base duty, it’s one of those lesser-known nods to Singapore identity that pop up in the most unexpected places.
| Pro Tip: If you can’t catch a glimpse of the statue, follow Changi Air Base’s Facebook page. They sometimes post photos featuring the Merlion during events. |
