Merlion
Ask ThatchGPT
Recommend a local expert to help plan my Singapore trip
Suggest an unique itinerary for my Singapore trip
What foods do Singapore locals eat
What are some true hidden gems in Singapore
Help me brainstorm trip ideas for Singapore
Help me plan a family-friendly trip to Singapore
What people say
Pedro Pereira
Available for hire
"The lion head reflects Singapore's original name, "Singapura," which translates to "lion city," while the fish body signifies its beginnings as a fishing village known as Temasek, meaning "sea town" in Javanese.
Designed by Alec Fraser-Brunner in the early 1960s for the Singapore Tourism Board, the Merlion was officially unveiled on September 15, 1972, at the mouth of the Singapore River. Standing 8.6 meters tall and weighing 70 tons, the statue was crafted by local sculptor Lim Nang Seng and cost approximately S$165,000. Despite its initial location becoming obscured due to urban developments, the Merlion was relocated to Merlion Park in 2002, positioned to face the East and providing visitors with picturesque views of the Marina Bay skyline.
The relocation process was a meticulous operation that took two days and involved specialized cranes and a barge. After its move, the Merlion resumed spouting water, which had stopped functioning since 1998 due to a pump malfunction. The new site features a significantly larger area for visitors, enhancing their experience of this iconic attraction.
Over the years, the Merlion has undergone various maintenance and restoration efforts, including a notable incident in 2009 when it was struck by lightning, causing damage that required immediate attention. In addition to the Merlion Park statue, a smaller Merlion sculpture is located on Sentosa Island, designed by Australian artist James Martin."
Khyati Maloo
"Visit the iconic site on your last night in Singapore to bid adieu to the brilliant time spent here."
Read more in:
Mentioned in these guides
About Merlion
Get the inside scoop on Merlion from local experts, travel creators, and tastemakers. Browse genuine trip notes, Merlion reviews, photos, travel guides, and itineraries from real travelers and plan your trip with confidence.
Address
Save this spot for later or start mapping out a new trip today
Try our AI Travel Assistant and get instant answers to any questions about your trip.
Ask ThatchGPT