Merlion Park, as the heart of Singapore and a symbol of the city’s pride, is not only a landmark that blends history with modernity but also a must-visit destination for every traveler to Singapore. The iconic Merlion Statue, featuring a half-fish, half-lion design, is situated at Merlion Park.
1. Origin of the Merlion
The Merlion’s fish tail symbolizes Singapore’s origins as a fishing village, when it was known as Temasek – a name derived from the Malay word “tasek”, meaning “lake”. As Singapore evolved into a prosperous trading port, the fish tail represents the city’s deep connection with the sea and its significant role as a maritime trade center.
The lion’s head of the Merlion represents Singapore’s original name, “Singapura”, which means “Lion City” in Sanskrit. According to legend, the Sumatran prince Sang Nila Utama encountered a storm during his sea voyage and accidentally landed in Singapore. At the mouth of the Singapore River, the prince saw a strange creature he identified as a lion, which led him to name the place “Lion City”.
2. The Merlion Statue
The Merlion Statue stands 8.6 meters tall and weighs 70 tons, with a continuous stream of water spouting from its mouth. Originally situated at the mouth of the Singapore River, the statue was designed by Mr. Kwan Sai Kheong and meticulously crafted by sculptor Lim Nang Seng. It was officially unveiled by then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on September 15, 1972. During his speech, Lee expressed the hope that the Merlion would become as symbolic of Singapore as the Eiffel Tower is of Paris. The mythical lion represents wisdom, courage, and strength.
The Merlion Statue features a lion’s head and a fish’s body and tail, seemingly floating amidst layers of ocean waves. It continuously spouts a stream of clear water from its mouth. This design symbolizes Singapore’s transformation from a fishing port to a bustling commercial hub. It also honors the generations of ancestors who journeyed across the seas to seek a better life in Singapore.
In 1997, after the completion of the Esplanade Bridge, the full view of the Merlion statue became obstructed from the waterfront. Consequently, in 2002, the statue was relocated 120 meters from its original site to its current location at Merlion Park, directly in front of the Fullerton Hotel and facing Marina Bay.
Merlion Park also features a smaller Merlion statue, which stands 2 meters tall and weighs 3 tons.
3. Exploring Merlion Park
Entrance Area: Begin your visit by taking in the surrounding cityscape from the park’s entrance, gradually immersing yourself in the park’s serene atmosphere.
Merlion Statue: As the centerpiece of the park, the Merlion Statue offers multiple vantage points for interaction, allowing you to appreciate its grandeur from various angles.
Observation Deck: Climb the observation deck to enjoy panoramic views of the Marina Bay area, including landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands and the Esplanade.
Waterfront Stroll: Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront, enjoy the gentle sea breeze, and admire the towering skyscrapers of the financial district across the bay.
