Name: Merlion
Address: Singapore
Rating: 4.6

Iconic, 8.5m-tall statue with the body of a fish & head of a lion, shooting water from its mouth.

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Merlion Park

The Merlion was designed in 1963 and officially adopted as the logo for the Singapore Tourism Promotion Board in 1964, making it one year older than Singapore, which became a nation in 1965.

Older Than Singapore

The Merlion was designed by Fraser Brunner, the curator of the Van Kleef Aquarium, showcasing his knowledge of aquatic creatures.

Designer's Expertise

The Merlion symbol is trademarked and protected, meaning it cannot be used freely by anyone. It requires permission from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) for any commercial use.

Protected Symbol

While the initial construction of the Merlion in Merlion Park cost around $165,000, its relocation from the mouth of the Singapore River to its current location cost millions of dollars.

Relocation Cost

The name 'Merlion' is a combination of 'mer' (sea) and 'lion', reflecting Singapore's history as a fishing village and its former name, Singapura, meaning 'Lion City'.

Merlion Meaning

The Merlion, a mythical creature with a lion's head and a fish's body, is Singapore's national icon. Designed by Alec Fraser-Brunner in 1964, it symbolizes the country's humble beginnings as a fishing village (represented by the fish tail) and its name, Singapura, meaning "lion city" in Sanskrit (represented by the lion head). The original Merlion statue, crafted by Lim Nang Seng, stands at 8.6 meters tall and weighs 70 tons. It was initially located at the mouth of the Singapore River but was relocated to Merlion Park in 2002 to enhance its visibility. Today, there are six official Merlion statues in Singapore, each with its unique location and story. The Merlion has become a beloved symbol of Singapore, appearing on souvenirs, stamps, and even the country's currency.

Introduction

The Merlion, a mythical creature with a lion's head and a fish's body, is an iconic symbol of Singapore. Located at Merlion Park, it offers breathtaking views of Marina Bay. The Merlion's majestic presence against the backdrop of the city's skyline creates a picture-perfect moment.

From the park, you can capture stunning shots of the Merlion spewing water into the bay, with the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and the Singapore Flyer as a backdrop. The Helix Bridge, resembling a DNA strand, adds a futuristic touch to the scene.

As you stroll along the waterfront promenade, you'll encounter the ArtScience Museum, its lotus-shaped design reflecting in the tranquil waters. The Supertree Grove, with its towering man-made trees, provides a unique perspective of the Merlion and the bay.

For a panoramic view, head to the rooftop bar of Marina Bay Sands Hotel. From this vantage point, you can witness the Merlion's grandeur against the glittering cityscape. As the sun sets, the bay transforms into a symphony of lights, casting a magical glow on the Merlion and its surroundings.

The Merlion in Marina Bay is not just a landmark but an embodiment of Singapore's rich heritage and modern aspirations. Its unique location offers unparalleled views of the city's architectural wonders, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to capture the essence of Singapore's vibrant spirit.

Marina Bay Views

The Merlion, a mythical creature with a lion's head and a fish's body, is a potent symbol of Singapore. Its fish-like body represents the nation's humble beginnings as a fishing village named Temasek, meaning "sea town" in Javanese. The lion's head, on the other hand, symbolizes Singapura, the original name of Singapore, which translates to "lion city" or "kota singa" in Sanskrit. This name originated from a legend where Sang Nila Utama, a prince from Palembang, spotted a lion upon landing on the island, leading him to establish a settlement and name it Singapura.

The Merlion's symbolism extends beyond its physical attributes. It embodies the nation's resilience, adaptability, and harmonious blend of cultures. The lion's strength and courage mirror Singapore's ability to overcome challenges and emerge as a thriving metropolis. The fish's adaptability represents the nation's capacity to navigate the global economy and embrace innovation. The Merlion's dual nature also symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of Singapore's diverse ethnic and religious communities, united under a common national identity.

The Merlion has become an iconic representation of Singapore, gracing everything from souvenirs to official documents. Its presence in various forms, including statues, sculptures, and logos, serves as a constant reminder of the nation's unique heritage and the values it embodies. The Merlion stands as a symbol of Singapore's transformation from a humble fishing village to a modern, prosperous nation, while also representing the unity, resilience, and cultural diversity that define the country.

Merlion Symbolism

In the heart of the Lion City, the Merlion stands as an iconic symbol of Singapore's unique identity. This mythical creature, with its lion's head and fish's body, embodies the city's rich history and its transformation from a humble fishing village to a global metropolis.

The Merlion's fish tail represents Temasek, the ancient name for Singapore, meaning "sea town." This reflects the city's origins as a thriving port and its dependence on the sea for trade and sustenance. The lion's head, on the other hand, symbolizes Singapura, the Sanskrit name for Singapore, which translates to "lion city." This name was bestowed upon the island by Prince Sang Nila Utama, who, upon seeing a lion-like creature, believed it to be a sign of good fortune.

The Merlion's presence in Singapore is not limited to the iconic statue at Merlion Park. Its image can be found throughout the city, from souvenirs and stamps to corporate logos and even the Singapore dollar. This ubiquity underscores the Merlion's deep connection to the Lion City and its enduring status as a national icon.

Lion City

The Merlion, an iconic symbol of Singapore, stands as a captivating tourism icon that draws visitors from across the globe. Its unique design, which merges the head of a lion with the body of a fish, symbolizes the city's origins as a fishing village and its subsequent transformation into a thriving metropolis. The Merlion's majestic presence at Merlion Park, overlooking the picturesque Marina Bay, offers a breathtaking backdrop for memorable photographs and an unforgettable experience.

Beyond its visual appeal, the Merlion holds deep cultural significance. Its name, derived from "mer" (sea) and "lion," reflects Singapore's maritime heritage and its reputation as the "Lion City." The statue's east-facing orientation, according to feng shui principles, is believed to bring prosperity to the nation.

The Merlion's journey has been marked by notable events. In 2002, it was relocated from its original site at the mouth of the Singapore River to its current location at Merlion Park to enhance its visibility. In 2009, the statue was struck by lightning, causing minor damage that was swiftly repaired.

The Merlion's popularity extends beyond Singapore's shores. Replica statues can be found in various cities worldwide, including Hakodate in Japan, symbolizing the strong ties between the two nations. The Merlion has also inspired numerous works of art, literature, and music, showcasing its enduring influence on Singapore's cultural landscape.

As a tourism icon, the Merlion represents Singapore's rich history, vibrant culture, and aspirations for the future. Its presence at Merlion Park serves as a constant reminder of the nation's transformation and its unwavering spirit.

Tourism Icon

The Merlion, a mythical creature with a lion's head and a fish's body, is a prominent symbol of Singapore. Its artistic interpretation has evolved over the years, reflecting the city-state's changing identity and aspirations.

One notable interpretation is Lim Tzay Chuen's "MIKE" (2005), which sought to critique the government's control over public art. Lim requested to transport the original Merlion to the Venice Biennale, but his request was denied. Instead, he exhibited a functioning public toilet, highlighting the bureaucratic hurdles faced by artists.

Another interpretation is Tatzu Nishi's "The Merlion Hotel" (2011), which transformed the Merlion into a luxurious hotel suite. This installation invited the public to interact with the iconic landmark in a novel way, blurring the boundaries between art and everyday life.

The Merlion has also been reimagined in contemporary art. In Sim Chi Yin's "One Day We'll Understand" (2015-ongoing), the Merlion is depicted as a symbol of Singapore's colonial past and the struggles for independence. Sandi Tan's documentary "Shirkers" (2018) explores the exploitation and suppression of female artists in Singapore's early art scene, using the Merlion as a backdrop.

These artistic interpretations challenge the traditional view of the Merlion as a mere tourist attraction. They explore its deeper meanings and connections to Singapore's history, society, and culture, inviting viewers to engage with the city-state's complexities and contradictions through the lens of art.

Artistic Interpretation

The Merlion's fish tail, a prominent feature of the iconic statue, symbolizes Singapore's humble beginnings as a fishing village. The name "Temasek," meaning "sea town" in Javanese, reflects this maritime heritage. The fish tail also represents the island nation's close connection to the sea, which has been a vital source of sustenance and trade throughout its history.

The Merlion's fish tail is intricately detailed, with scales and fins meticulously sculpted to evoke the grace and power of marine life. Its sleek, streamlined form suggests the agility and adaptability of the Singaporean people, who have navigated the challenges of a globalized world with resilience and innovation.

The fish tail is an integral part of the Merlion's identity, embodying the nation's maritime heritage and its enduring connection to the sea. It serves as a reminder of Singapore's humble origins and the indomitable spirit of its people, who have transformed a small fishing village into a thriving metropolis.

Fish Tail

The Merlion, a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, has been the national icon of Singapore since 1964. It symbolizes the country's humble beginnings as a fishing village and its transformation into a thriving metropolis. The Merlion's fishtail represents Singapore's maritime heritage, while its lion's head signifies strength and courage.

The Merlion has been used extensively in Singapore's nation-building efforts. It is featured on the country's currency, stamps, and souvenirs. It is also the centerpiece of Merlion Park, a popular tourist destination. The Merlion has become a symbol of Singapore's national identity, representing the country's unique blend of Asian and Western cultures.

However, the Merlion has also been criticized for being too commercialized and for not adequately representing Singapore's diverse population. Some critics argue that the Merlion is a symbol of the government's authoritarian rule, rather than a true representation of the people of Singapore.

Despite these criticisms, the Merlion remains a popular symbol of Singapore. It is a reminder of the country's humble beginnings and its transformation into a modern, prosperous nation. The Merlion is also a symbol of Singapore's national identity, representing the country's unique blend of Asian and Western cultures.

National Identity

Strolling along the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, the iconic Merlion statue emerges as a majestic sentinel, its presence imbued with historical significance and cultural symbolism. The promenade offers an unparalleled vantage point to admire this national icon, where the gentle lapping of waves against the shore provides a serene backdrop.

The Merlion's imposing stature, standing at 8.6 meters tall, dominates the waterfront, its majestic presence a testament to Singapore's rich heritage. Its intricate design, a fusion of a lion's head and a fish's body, embodies the nation's humble beginnings as a fishing village and its transformation into a thriving metropolis.

From the promenade, visitors can marvel at the intricate details of the Merlion's scales, its flowing mane, and the powerful stream of water spouting from its mouth, a symbol of prosperity and abundance. The statue's strategic orientation towards the east, an auspicious direction in Feng Shui, further enhances its significance.

As the sun begins its descent, the Merlion transforms into a captivating spectacle. The surrounding skyscrapers illuminate the waterfront, casting a warm glow on the statue and creating a mesmerizing ambiance. The promenade transforms into a vibrant hub, where locals and tourists alike gather to capture the perfect photograph or simply soak in the beauty of this iconic landmark.

Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply seeking a breathtaking waterfront experience, the Merlion in Singapore, Singapore, offers a unique and unforgettable encounter. The Waterfront Promenade provides the ideal setting to appreciate the grandeur of this national symbol and delve into the rich tapestry of Singapore's past and present.

Waterfront Promenade

The Merlion, an iconic symbol of Singapore, holds significant cultural heritage value. Its design embodies the nation's history and identity. The fish body represents Singapore's origins as a fishing village named Temasek, meaning "sea town" in Old Javanese. The lion head symbolizes Singapura, the original name for Singapore, which translates to "lion city" in Malay. This mythical creature reflects the nation's transformation from a humble fishing village to a thriving metropolis.

The Merlion statue, located at Merlion Park, was designed by Alec Fraser-Brunner and constructed by Lim Nang Seng. It stands 8.6 meters tall and weighs 70 tons. The statue's original location was at the mouth of the Singapore River, but it was relocated to Merlion Park in 2002 to enhance its visibility.

The Merlion has become an integral part of Singapore's cultural heritage. It is featured on souvenirs, stamps, and even the Singapore dollar. The statue has also been replicated in various sizes and locations around the world, showcasing Singapore's global recognition.

Beyond its physical presence, the Merlion represents the spirit of Singapore. It embodies the nation's resilience, adaptability, and pride. The statue serves as a reminder of Singapore's rich history and its journey from a humble beginning to a modern, cosmopolitan city-state.

Cultural Heritage

The Merlion, an iconic symbol of Singapore, stands as a testament to the city-state's remarkable urban development journey. Originally conceived in 1964 as part of a tourism campaign, the Merlion has evolved into a symbol of Singapore's transformation from a humble fishing village to a global metropolis.

The Merlion's design, a mythical creature with a lion's head and a fish's body, reflects Singapore's unique geographical and historical identity. The lion represents the city's original name, Singapura, meaning "lion city," while the fish symbolizes its origins as a fishing village.

The Merlion's location at Merlion Park, overlooking Marina Bay, is no coincidence. Marina Bay is the heart of Singapore's financial and business district, representing the city's economic prowess. The Merlion's presence here serves as a reminder of Singapore's humble beginnings and its remarkable transformation into a global economic powerhouse.

The Merlion has witnessed Singapore's rapid urbanization firsthand. Over the years, the city's skyline has transformed, with towering skyscrapers and modern infrastructure replacing the traditional shophouses and colonial buildings. The Merlion stands as a constant amidst this ever-changing landscape, a symbol of Singapore's resilience and adaptability.

As Singapore continues to evolve, the Merlion will undoubtedly remain an iconic symbol of the city's urban development journey. Its presence serves as a reminder of the city's humble origins and its unwavering commitment to progress and innovation.

Urban Development

Merlion

Did You Know?

Older Than Singapore

Designer's Expertise

Protected Symbol

Relocation Cost

Highlights from Reviews

Location