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.