Merlion

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The lion head symbolizes the original name of Singapore, Singapura, which means 'Lion City' in Sanskrit.

2. 2

   The fish body represents Singapore's humble origins as the fishing village of Temasek.

3. 3

   The statue was originally located near the Esplanade Bridge before being moved to its current site in 2002.

4. 4

   There are seven government-approved Merlion statues located throughout Singapore.

5. 5

   The statue is equipped with a sophisticated pump system that allows it to project water continuously.

6. 6

   The structure's eyes are composed of two small red cameras, though they are not functional surveillance devices.

7. 7

   The porcelain tiles on the exterior were sourced from over 5,000 plates to create the scale-like texture.

8. 8

   The Merlion was originally created as a corporate logo for the Singapore Tourism Board in 1964.

Overview

The Merlion is an 8.6-meter tall statue featuring the head of a lion and the body of a fish, positioned at the mouth of the Singapore River. The structure weighs 70 tonnes and is constructed from concrete finished with porcelain tiles. Water is projected from the statue's mouth into the Marina Bay area, serving as a landmark fountain. It was designed by Alec Fraser-Brunner and unveiled in 1972. The statue commemorates Singapore's history as a fishing village, known as Temasek, and its name, 'Singapura,' meaning Lion City. It is a central element of the Merlion Park, which encompasses a 2,500-square-meter area. The installation is part of a larger government-commissioned project to establish a national icon. It remains an active water feature maintained by the Singapore Tourism Board.

Insider tips

• Walk the Jubilee Bridge nearby for a panoramic view that captures both the Merlion and the Marina Bay Sands skyline.

• Visit the secondary, smaller 'cub' statue located just a few meters behind the main fountain.

• Arrive early in the morning to beat the high volume of tour groups.