Backpacking Philippines: The Merlion: Singapore's Symbol History

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Flight chronicles of the backpacker Tutubi, with travelogues, pictures/photos/videos, travel guides, independent and honest reviews, affordable, recommended resorts and hotels (including inns, guesthouses, pension houses, lodges, hostels, condotels, bed and breakfast and other cheap accommodations), commuting guides, routes (sometimes street maps and GPS coordinates/waypoints) and driving directions to answer "how to get there" questions, information and tips on tourism, budget travel and living in Philippines, Exotic Asia and beyond!

Backpacking, independent travel, and flashpacking are cheaper than the "cheapest package tours" and promotional offers around but you can also use travel information for family vacations, even romantic honeymoon destinations.

More than the usual tourist spots and "places to see," this blog advocates heritage conservation, environmental protection, and history awareness for Filipinos, foreigners, and ex-pats wishing to explore Paradise Philippines and Exotic Asia!

The Merlion: Singapore's Symbol History

The Merlion: iconic half-fish, half-lion personification of Singapore, one of which is located in Marina Bay (there are five of them, as I've learned)

The symbol was conceived in 1964 by the Singapore Tourism Board and is rooted in Singapore's history. The statue, designed by Fraser Brunner, measures 8.6 metres high and weighs 70 tons, built from cement fondue by the late Singapore craftsman, Lim Nang Seng.

In ancient times, Singapore was called Temasek which in Javanese means sea. Temasek was later destroyed by invaders (Siamese or Javanese depends on source); A certain Prince Nila Utama of the Sri Vijaya empire (from where the island group Visayas in the Philippines was named), landed there and saw a strange beast, later identified as a lion, so he called the place Singapura (Sanskrit: singa=lion, pura=city).

The Merlion, with its fish-like body riding the waves of the sea, symbolizes the ancient city of Temasek. At the same time, its majestic head recalls the legend of the re-discovery of Singapore by Prince Nila Utama, when Singapore received its present name.

It's only in 1819 when Stamford Raffles arrived (not discovered) Singapore. He was accredited for also discovering the Rafflesia, largest flower in the world, named in his honor. The giant Rafflesia can be found in Borneo and certain parts of the Philippines: Mt. Banahaw/Makiling, Panay Island, and Davao.

The Merlion in Marina Bay, walking distance from Marina Mandarin, when we arrived there at night after my Singapore tour, to partake of Singapore's famed chili crab, compliments of Singapore Tourism Board, for those who arrive in July. (no picture of the delectably good chili crab here since it's quite dark dining al fresco at Marina Bay restaurant, the restaurant at the background of the night picture)

After this first Sleepless in Singapore night, the Tutubi was forced to don his business attire again attending the two-day conference.

Labels: Singapore

posted by GingGoy @ 8:49 PM,

13 Comments:

At Jul 14, 2007, 10:28:00 AM, Anonymous said...: I love the photos!

And the Merlion is such a wonderful symbol, in my opinion.

;)
At Jul 15, 2007, 2:20:00 PM, Mari said...: My Malay friend gave me a beautiful Merlion key chain; a souvenir she bought when she visited Singapore on her way to Malaysia. It has an insert that tells the story of how the Merlion came about.

Good informative post you have, Tutubi. Thanks for sharing.
At Jul 16, 2007, 9:14:00 AM, Anonymous said...: I didn't get the chance to actually see this merlion when I was there. Under maintenance sya nun eh. Hehe
At Jul 16, 2007, 10:14:00 AM, Adel said...: Paetechie, I am adel from bicol... working and studying part time. I had an idea of taking a stranger to our place, in exchange he/she has to take me in their place too... By the way, I am here in Manila, in case you love the idea, you can email me. God bless!
At Jul 16, 2007, 10:26:00 AM, carlotta1924 said...: singapore ang isa sa mga gusto kong bisitahin sa asia. ayus din ikaw sa mga trivia ah. =)

nga pala, nahihirapan ako makapunta sa blog mo, palaging me popup window na sinasabi na the site cannot be opened. na-curious lang ako kung baket ganun. ^^;;
At Jul 16, 2007, 11:02:00 AM, Anonymous said...: kyels, such a symbol indeed. Pity those people at the Tourism department here. They've yet to create one for the Philippines.

was thinking of ranting about DOT ineffectiveness in this blog one of these days

mari, that merlion is now everywhere in singapore. also have those keychains

ferdz, balik tayo dun then backpack again :)

adel, that's what I also do with my friends. I toured them around Laguna.

I'm planning a return trip to Daet, Camarines Norte too and targetting Calaguas Island this time. Already been to Daet in 2003.

carlotta, pop-up window? tingnan ko nga mamaya. so far sa akin din naman ganun. tnx for letting me know
At Jul 16, 2007, 12:32:00 PM, Tinunuy said...: wow! nice photos! singapore is such a very nice place. :) yung Merlion ba dito sa Pinas nag sspray rin ng tubig? hehe. curious lang.
At Jul 23, 2007, 12:24:00 AM, -= dave =- said...: oo nga pala, what's the significance of the fountain of water from the merlion's mouth? may nabasa tuloy ako sa isang blog, the particular entry was about the time they went drinking somewhere near marina bay, they commented that the merlion itself had one drink too many!
At Feb 3, 2009, 4:41:00 PM, Anonymous said...: When we went to Singapore last year, we did not go to this Merlion fountain. We thought that the "Merlion" is the one in Sentosa Park. LOL.
At Jan 27, 2010, 12:05:00 AM, Anonymous said...: The Merlion Logo must be only used by the Philippines because that was their Royal Seal. It has been used since the Spaniards came centuries ago while Singapore incorporated it in their country just in 1964.http://allanroyce.multiply.com/journal/item/84/SINGAPOREANS_USED_OUR_OWN_OFFICIAL_SEAL_THE_MERLION?utm_source=cp&utm_medium=facebook-cp&utm_campaign=allanroyce
At Jan 27, 2010, 10:04:00 AM, GingGoy said...: allanroyce, I'm aware of it. I have another post on this Manila Merlion history.
At Oct 20, 2010, 2:47:00 PM, Anonymous said...: hi question lang po..my family and i are planning to go to singa. just wanna ask if they will allow my daughter to go inside universal studio knowing she is only 2 years old? is there any fee? thank you so much..
At Oct 20, 2010, 9:56:00 PM, GingGoy said...: anonymous, as far as i know, chilren 4 years and up are free. I have a separate post on Universal Studios Singapore Entrance Fee

The Merlion: Singapore's Symbol History

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