Merlion singapore

The Merlion is an iconic statue with a lion's head and fish body, symbol of Singapore located at Marina Bay.

About this subject

The Merlion is one of Singapore's most recognizable icons, combining the head of a lion with the body of a fish. The statue was created in 1964 by sculptor Lim Nang Seng and unveiled in 1972 at the mouth of the Singapore River, near the Fullerton Hotel. Today, the main statue stands at Merlion Park on Marina Bay, measuring 8.6 meters tall and weighing 70 tons of concrete, while a smaller 2-meter replica resides on Sentosa Island.

The lion head references the origin of Singapore's name, which means "lion city" in Sanskrit (Singapura), based on the legend of Prince Sang Nila Utama who saw a lion on the island in the 14th century. The fish body symbolizes Singapore's fishing heritage and its connection to the sea. The statue spouts water from its mouth, creating a small waterfall that draws tourists for photos.

The Merlion is a must-see attraction and appears frequently on Singaporean souvenirs, stamps, and coins. In 2009, the statue was struck by lightning and damaged, but underwent repairs. Merlion Park offers a prime view of the Marina Bay Sands skyline and the Singapore Flyer. Although not an ancient statue, it has become a national symbol as strong as Christ the Redeemer for Brazil.

Fun fact: several smaller replicas exist across Singapore, such as on Sentosa and at Changi Airport. The image uses a tilt-shift miniature effect, making the statue look like a toy in a giant model set. This photographic technique highlights the contrast between the modern statue and the urban backdrop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the original Merlion located?

The original Merlion is at Merlion Park on Marina Bay in Singapore.

What does the Merlion statue represent?

The lion head represents Singapore's name (lion city) and the fish body symbolizes the country's fishing heritage.

Has the Merlion ever been damaged?

Yes, in 2009 the statue was struck by lightning but was repaired and remains open to the public.