Merlion

#2 among destinations in Singapore

Top attraction, Monuments and statues

Gallery (12)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / Public Domain • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Marcin Konsek / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Timelezz / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / CEphoto, Uwe Aranas or alternatively CEphoto, Uwe / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC0 / C1815 / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Coekon / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / chensiyuan / URL

Facts and practical information

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.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 1°17'12"N, 103°51'14"E

Location

Merlion ParkCentralSingapore

ContactAdd

Social media

Add

Day trips

Merlion – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, Cavenagh Bridge, Asian Civilisations Museum, One Raffles Place.

~1220 ftN
Theater, Classes and workshops, Scenic walking areas
Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay
6 min walk • Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay is Singapore's premier performing arts venue, located in the heart of the city's downtown core. Often referred to simply as the Esplanade, this architectural marvel is easily recognizable by its distinctive twin domes, covered in...
~730 ftW
Bridge
Cavenagh Bridge
4 min walk • Cavenagh Bridge is an iconic historical landmark in the heart of Singapore, spanning the lower reaches of the Singapore River in the Central Area. Opened in 1869, it is the oldest bridge across the river that is still in its original form, serving as a pedestrian...
~1120 ftW
Museum, History museum
Asian Civilisations Museum
6 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Singapore's historic district, the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is a bastion of cultural heritage and a treasure trove of historical artifacts. As a premier institution dedicated to exploring the rich artistic legacy of Asia, the museum is...
~1370 ftSW
Shopping centre, Shopping
One Raffles Place
7 min walk • One Raffles Place, standing proudly in the heart of Singapore's Central Business District, is a beacon of modernity and a hub of commercial activity. This iconic skyscraper is not just a place of business; it houses a bustling shopping centre that caters to the needs...
~400 ftNW
Bridge
Anderson Bridge
2 min walk • Spanning the Singapore River, Anderson Bridge is an integral part of Singapore's urban landscape, connecting the civic district to the commercial area of Raffles Place. Completed in 1910, this elegant bridge is named after Sir John Anderson, the Governor of the Straits...
~370 ftE
Sailing, Marina, Monuments and statues
Merlion Park
2 min walk • Merlion Park, a renowned waterfront landmark in Singapore, stands as a testament to the city-state's rich heritage and modern vibrancy. Situated at the mouth of the Singapore River, the park is home to the iconic Merlion statue, a mythical creature with the head of a...
~720 ftNW
Memorial
Lim Bo Seng Memorial, Central Area
4 min walk • The Lim Bo Seng Memorial is an octagonal pagoda-like war memorial at Esplanade Park, Singapore. It was erected in 1954 in honour of the late Lim Bo Seng for his heroic acts and selfless sacrifice during the World War II.
~1140 ftW
Memorial
Raffles's Landing Site
6 min walk • Raffles's Landing Site stands as a historical marker in the heart of Singapore, commemorating the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles on the island in 1819. This memorial is strategically positioned on the northern bank of the Singapore River, a significant location...
~1330 ftN
Square, Sport complex, Arenas and stadiums
Padang
7 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Singapore's Central Business District, Padang is a historic open field that is synonymous with national significance and communal gatherings. This iconic square has been a focal point for some of Singapore's most pivotal events.
~450 ftN
Bridge
Esplanade Bridge
3 min walk • The Esplanade Bridge is a prominent landmark in the heart of Singapore, spanning the mouth of the Singapore River in the Marina Bay area. Completed in 1997, this elegant bridge serves as a crucial link between the city's financial district and the cultural precinct of...
~1280 ftN
Memorial
The Cenotaph
7 min walk • Standing solemnly in the heart of Singapore's civic district is The Cenotaph, a poignant memorial that honors the men and women who laid down their lives for their country. Erected in 1922, this stark and dignified structure serves as a perpetual reminder of the...