Merlion Park

Standing at the edge of Marina Bay, the Merlion is one of those landmarks you feel slightly obligated to see and then find yourself genuinely glad you did.

The half-lion, half-fish statue — Singapore's most recognisable symbol — stands eight metres tall and spits a steady arc of water into the bay, with the gleaming towers of the CBD and the unmistakable silhouette of Marina Bay Sands forming the backdrop behind you. It is, in short, one of the better skyline compositions in Southeast Asia.

The park itself sits along Fullerton Road, just a short walk from Raffles Place MRT or a scenic stroll across the Jubilee Bridge from the Esplanade side. The surrounding waterfront promenade is well maintained and easy to navigate, with the smaller Merlion cub statue nearby often overlooked by first-time visitors.

Entry is free and the space is open around the clock, which matters because the experience changes dramatically depending on when you arrive. Midday brings crushing heat and organised tour groups jostling for the same photograph. Come instead at dusk or after dark, when the bay lights up and the crowds thin to something manageable.

Wear comfortable shoes — you will likely end up walking further along the waterfront than planned, past Fullerton Hotel and towards Gardens by the Bay. The area is almost entirely exposed, so sun protection is essential during daylight hours. Watch for the occasional tout offering boat tours from the nearby jetties; politely declining is usually enough.

Bring a wide-angle lens or plan to step back onto the bridge for the clearest unobstructed shot, and aim to visit on a weekday evening for the most relaxed and atmospheric version of this very Singaporean scene.