Merlion Park Photoshoot Guide: Best Spots, Poses & Time

No trip to Singapore is complete without a photo with the Merlion. The half-lion, half-fish statue spouting water into Marina Bay is the city’s most famous symbol, and Merlion Park is the first stop for almost every visitor. That also means it’s busy, and most people leave with the same slightly awkward selfie.

With the right angle, the right time and a bit of playfulness, you can get Merlion photos that are actually fun to look at. This guide covers the best photo spots at Merlion Park, the classic poses, the best time to go, and what to wear.

Merlion Park photoshoot: quick guide

• Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (East-West and North-South lines), then about a 10-minute walk past One Fullerton
• Opening hours: open 24 hours
• Cost: free
• Best time: early morning (around 7–9am) for the fewest people; late afternoon into blue hour for the skyline lights
• Time needed: 30–45 minutes; combine with Marina Bay for a full session
• Best for: first-time visitors, couples, friends, families and solo travellers
• What to wear: black, white or one bold colour; simple, clean outfits

Why Merlion Park is great for photos

It’s the one photo everyone recognises. The Merlion stands 8.6 metres tall on a pier at the mouth of the Singapore River, with the Central Business District towers behind it, the colonial Fullerton Hotel beside it and Marina Bay Sands straight across the water. Turn around and you have a second iconic view, so in a few steps you can get both of Singapore’s most famous landmarks.

There’s also a smaller Merlion “cub”, about 2 metres tall, just behind the main statue, which makes a cute extra photo.

Best photo spots and poses at Merlion Park

1. “Drinking” the Merlion’s water

This is the classic, and for good reason: it’s fun. Stand along the railing beside the statue, tilt your head back and open your mouth, while the photographer lines up the jet of water so it looks like it’s pouring straight in. It takes a few tries to get the angle right, and the laughing along the way usually makes the best photo.

2. “Holding” the water in your hand

A softer version of the same trick: hold your palm out flat so the water looks like it’s landing in your hand. A big smile at the camera makes it a cheerful, very “I was here” holiday photo.

Try it looking back over your shoulder, too. It feels more natural and less posed.

3. Looking at the Merlion

For something calmer, rest your hands on the railing and look towards the Merlion, with your back half-turned to the camera. The statue, the spray and the white Fullerton Hotel fill the background, and the photo feels like a quiet moment of your trip rather than a tourist snap.

4. Marina Bay Sands across the water

Turn around, and Marina Bay Sands sits right across the bay, with the white petals of the ArtScience Museum to the left. A side profile with the three towers behind you is simple and clean, and shows you were at the heart of the city.

5. The waterfront promenade

Walk along the railing by the water and let the photographer shoot from behind with a long lens. The city and the crowds melt into a soft blur and the photo feels cinematic, even on a busy evening.

6. The Jubilee Bridge and Esplanade side

The Jubilee Bridge, a pedestrian bridge linking Merlion Park to the Esplanade, gives you a side-on view of the Merlion with the CBD towers rising behind it. It’s a great place to get the statue and the skyline in one frame, and it’s often a bit quieter than the main viewing platform.

Best time for a Merlion Park photoshoot

Early morning, around 7–9am. By far the quietest time. The platform in front of the statue is nearly empty, the light is soft and it’s still cool. If you want clean photos without crowds behind you, this is the time.

Late afternoon to blue hour. From about 5pm the light is softer and, after sunset, the skyline lights up across the bay. It’s beautiful, but it’s also the busiest time of day, as you can see in the background of the photos above.

The Spectra show. Marina Bay Sands’ free light and water show at 8pm and 9pm (plus 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays) can be seen from Merlion Park across the bay. It’s a nice way to end an evening shoot.

Midday. Harsh overhead sun and very hot, with little shade on the platform. Best avoided if you can.

What to wear

• Black looks sharp against the white Merlion and the glass towers, as in these photos
• White or cream feels fresh and summery in daytime photos
• One bold colour (red, yellow, cobalt blue) pops against the grey and blue city
• Simple, fitted outfits keep the focus on you and the landmark
• Sunglasses and water: the platform is open and the sun is strong

Tips for better photos

• Be patient with the crowds. Wait a few seconds for a gap, or use the railing and a long lens so people in the background blur away.
• Have fun with the water. The drinking and holding poses take a few tries. Laugh, try again, and the natural expressions come.
• Mind the spray. On windy days the water drifts, and lenses and phones can get wet if you stand too close.
• Don’t block the railing for too long. It’s everyone’s favourite spot; take your shots and give others a turn.

For photographers: a 35mm covers the statue and skyline, an 85mm or longer blurs the crowds and compresses the towers behind the person, and a wide lens helps on the Jubilee Bridge to fit everything in.

A simple photo route

Raffles Place MRT → One Fullerton → Merlion Park (statue, water poses, Marina Bay Sands view) → Jubilee Bridge → Esplanade waterfront

From here it’s an easy walk around the bay. See my guides to Marina Bay Sands for night photos and Gardens by the Bay for the Supertrees.

FAQ

What is the best time to visit Merlion Park for photos? Early morning, around 7–9am, for the fewest people. Late afternoon and blue hour are beautiful but very crowded.

How do I get to Merlion Park? Take the MRT to Raffles Place, then walk about 10 minutes towards One Fullerton and the waterfront. Esplanade MRT is also close if you come across the Jubilee Bridge.

Is Merlion Park free? Yes, Merlion Park is free and open 24 hours a day.

Book a Merlion Park photoshoot

• S$200 for 2 hours, with as many spots as we can fit in
• Merlion Park combines easily with Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay and the Esplanade
• 50% deposit to book, balance paid after the shoot, and photos sent to you on the spot

See how a Singapore photoshoot works, browse more travel portraits, or send me a message with your dates.