Merlion | Central Region

The Merlion is one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks and national symbols, blending both the lion and fish to represent the city-state's history and heritage. It is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, and it plays a significant role in Singapore's identity and tourism.

1. Origin and Symbolism

The Merlion was conceived in 1964 by the Singapore Tourism Board as a symbol of the city. The lion head represents the name "Singapura," which comes from the Malay word "Singa," meaning lion, and "Pura," meaning city. According to legend, a Sumatran prince named Sang Nila Utama, upon arriving in the area, saw a lion and named the place "Singapura," or "Lion City." The fish body, meanwhile, is a reference to Singapore’s origins as a fishing village, with the "Temasek" name meaning "sea town" in Old Javanese. The Merlion thus represents both Singapore's historical connection to the sea and its more recent establishment as a vibrant city-state.

2. Design and Appearance

The Merlion statue is approximately 8.6 meters tall and weighs 70 tons. Its body is designed to resemble a fish, with scales and a flowing tail, while its head is that of a lion with an open mouth that continuously spouts water into the Marina Bay. This water fountain is one of the most recognizable features of the Merlion and has become a popular photo opportunity for tourists.

There are multiple representations of the Merlion around Singapore, but the most famous one is located at Merlion Park near Marina Bay, facing the bay and Marina Bay Sands, with the Singapore skyline in the background.

3. Merlion Park

Merlion Park is the most famous site where visitors can see the original Merlion statue. The park is a popular tourist destination and offers one of the best views of the Marina Bay Sands resort and the Singapore skyline. It is situated at the mouth of the Singapore River, symbolizing the city’s historical link to the river and the sea. The park also features a smaller Merlion statue, often referred to as the “Baby Merlion,” which stands at 2 meters tall.

4. Significance

• National Identity: The Merlion is an enduring national symbol of Singapore, representing the city-state's transition from a humble fishing village to a modern metropolis. It encapsulates Singapore's maritime history, strength, and growth.
• Tourism: As a popular tourist attraction, the Merlion has been featured in many postcards, souvenirs, and media about Singapore, making it a recognizable global symbol. The statue is often photographed against the backdrop of the Marina Bay skyline and the towering Marina Bay Sands hotel.
• Cultural Representation: While the Merlion is a significant symbol of Singapore, it also reflects the city’s unique blend of modernity and tradition, blending mythological and historical elements.

5. Other Merlion Statues

In addition to the primary statue at Merlion Park, there are other Merlion statues in Singapore:

• Sentosa Merlion: This is another large Merlion located on Sentosa Island, which is a popular resort destination. Standing at 37 meters tall, it is the largest Merlion statue in Singapore and was built as a symbol of Sentosa's role in tourism. Visitors can enter the statue and enjoy an exhibition inside that showcases the history and cultural significance of the Merlion.
• Other Smaller Versions: Several smaller Merlion statues can be found across Singapore, especially in shopping malls and tourist areas, serving as symbols of national pride and reminders of the country’s rich cultural and historical legacy.

6. Merlion as a Brand

Beyond its symbolic meaning, the Merlion has become a recognized brand for Singapore. It appears on many products, souvenirs, and promotional materials related to the country, as well as in various advertisements promoting Singapore as a global hub for tourism, business, and commerce.

7. Cultural and Political Debate

While the Merlion is widely accepted as a symbol of Singapore, it has also sparked occasional debates about its meaning and relevance. Some have argued that it is a purely commercial symbol, while others question the appropriateness of using a mythical creature to represent the nation. Nevertheless, it has stood the test of time as one of the most enduring symbols of the country’s identity and heritage.

In summary, the Merlion is not just a statue but a multifaceted symbol of Singapore’s history, identity, and global presence. It captures the essence of the nation's roots while representing its dynamic growth as a modern, cosmopolitan city-state. Whether as a cultural emblem or a tourist attraction, the Merlion continues to hold a special place in the hearts of both locals and visitors.