Merlion

The Merlion, an iconic landmark of Singapore, stands as a majestic testament to the city-state's origins and rich cultural tapestry. This emblematic statue, representing a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, is situated at Merlion Park near the Central Business District.

Towering at 8.6 meters and weighing in at 70 tons, the Merlion was unveiled in 1972 as a symbol of Singapore, designed by the late British sculptor Alec Fraser-Brunner. The lion head denotes the folklore of Prince Sang Nila Utama's discovery of lion (singa) on the island, giving rise to the city’s name, "Singapura" or "Lion City." The fish tail represents Singapore's humble beginnings as a fishing village when it was known as "Temasek," which means "sea town" in Javanese.

The statue has since become an indelible part of Singapore's identity, greeting visitors with water spouting from its mouth and offering a picturesque backdrop for photos against the city’s skyline. The Merlion is not only a must-see for tourists but also a cherished emblem for locals, encapsulating the spirit of Singapore's growth and transformation from a small fishing village to a bustling global metropolis.