Merlion Park

The half-lion, half-fish Merlion is Singapore's official mascot, and this little waterfront park is where the 8.6-metre original stands, spouting a jet of water across Marina Bay. The backdrop is unbeatable: gaze across the water to Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum's lotus and the durian-spiked Esplanade. It's free, takes only a few minutes, and is all but obligatory for a first-timer's photo — bonus points for the forced-perspective shot of 'drinking' the Merlion's spout. Come at golden hour or after dark when the bay lights up, and combine it with a stroll across the Jubilee and Cavenagh bridges.