Why is Merlion famous in Singapore?
The Merlion’s body symbolises Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village when it was called Temasek, which comes from the same root as the word tasek (‘lake’ in Malay). Its head represents Singapore’s original name, Singapura, or ‘lion city’ in Malay. Today, you can glimpse this legend at Merlion Park.
What is special about the Merlion?
The Merlion was first used in Singapore as the logo for the tourism board. Its name combines “mer”, meaning the sea, and “lion”. The fish body represents Singapore’s origin as a fishing village when it was called Temasek, which means “sea town” in Javanese.
What is the beauty of Merlion in Singapore?
It has two iconic statues of the famous Merlion which is a beautiful mythical structure with a head of a lion and the body of a fish. The lion spouts water from its mouth which makes for a great picture. It is a great spot to catch glimpses of the city.
How many Merlion are there in Singapore?
seven
There are seven authorised Merlion statues in Singapore,3 the most well-known being an 8-metre-tall statue designed by Kwan Sai Kheong and sculpted by Lim Nang Seng. First unveiled on 15 September 1972,5 this statue is now located at the new Merlion Park, adjacent to One Fullerton at the Marina Bay waterfront.
Is Merlion male or female?
You can quickly tell whether a Merlion is male or female. The female Merlions spray water, and the males do not. A colorful Merlion found at Sentosa and the Merlion Cub at Merlion Park. You can have fun finding other versions of the Merlion throughout Singapore’s local neighborhoods.
Who invented the Merlion?
Mr Lim Nang Seng
The original statue of the Merlion used to stand at the mouth of the Singapore River. The building of the Merlion was started in November 1971 and was completed in August 1972. It was crafted by the late Singaporean sculptor, Mr Lim Nang Seng and his 8 children.
Where are the 7 Merlions in Singapore?
The 37-metre-tall gigantic replica – with Mouth Gallery Viewing Deck on the ninth storey, another viewing gallery on its head and Sentosa Merlion Shop – at Sentosa Island. The three-metre-tall glazed polymarble statue at Tourism Court (near Grange Road) completed in 1995. The three-metre mini statue at Mount Faber.
What is the aesthetic value of Merlion?
The Merlion, with its fish-like body riding the waves of the sea, is symbolic of the ancient city of Temasek. At the same time, its majestic head recalls the legend of the discovery of Singapore by Prince Nila Utama in the 11th century, when Singapore received its present name.
Are there 2 Merlions in Singapore?
These five Merlions in Singapore are the only ones recognised by the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board: The 8.6-metre-tall original statue at Merlion Park. The two-metre-tall cub statue standing behind the original statue. The three-metre mini statue at Mount Faber.
Who made the Merlion in Singapore?
Where was Singapore’s tallest Merlion statue located?
| Merlion Park | |
|---|---|
| The Merlion in Merlion Park near the Singapore CBD is a well-known tourist icon of Singapore. The Merlion cub is visible at the bottom right. Wikimedia | © OpenStreetMap | |
| Location in Singapore | |
| Type | Park |
| Location | 1 Fullerton Rd, Singapore 049213 |
What legend is the Merlion inspired by?
Sang Nila Utama
Mythical beginnings It has been said that the Merlion reflects the legend of Sang Nila Utama, a Malay prince that sailed across the seas before discovering a fishing island called Temasek (which mean “fish town” in Javanese).
How many merlions are there in Singapore?
These five Merlions in Singapore are the only ones recognised by the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board : The 8.6-metre-tall original statue at Merlion Park . The two-metre-tall cub statue standing behind the original statue.
Why is the Merlion important to Singapore?
The giant Merlion’s teeth each stand for one of the various ethnic groups that form part of Singapore: Malay, Indian, Chinese and Eurasian . Thus, the Merlion still stands true to its status as a symbol of unification and proud national identity.
How many Merlion statues are there in Singapore?
There are a total of seven Merlions in Singapore, including the Sentosa Merlion and the two statues at Merlion Park. Two of the other four statues, at 3m tall, are at the peak of Mount Faber and the STB headquarters near Grange Road.
When was the first Merlion built in Singapore?
The original statue of the Merlion used to stand at the mouth of the Singapore River. The building of the Merlion was started in November 1971 and was completed in August 1972. It was crafted by the late Singaporean sculptor, Mr Lim Nang Seng and his 8 children. The sculpture measures 8.6 meters high and weighs 70 tons.