The name Singapore originates from the Sanskrit word "Singapura," which derives from the adventures of a prince who lived long ago.According to the "Malay Chronicle," written in the 15th century, Prince San Nila Utama of the Srivijaya Empire, which flourished on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, embarked on a journey in the 11th century to find land to build a new city. When he landed in what is now Singapore, then called "Tamasek" (sea) in Javanese, the prince encountered a lion-like animal with a white mane near the Singapore River. He then named the place "Singapura," combining "Singa," meaning lion, and "Pura," meaning city. This legend is the origin of the lion's continued symbolism in Singapore today.
The Merlion, a national symbol, has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. This is derived from the fact that Singapore, before being named "Singapura," was called "Tamasek," which means "sea" in Javanese. The fish's tail symbolizes the sea. In other words, the Merlion is a combination of two names that represent Singapore. For Singapore, an island nation surrounded by the sea, maritime trade has always been and still is essential to the country. The Merlion also symbolizes the nation's origins and prosperity. The unique shape of the lion's head and fish's lower body was conceived by Fraser Branagh, who worked as a curator at the Van Cleef Aquarium (now closed). He was also a member of Singapore's souvenir committee.The Merlion statue was created by Lim Nan Seng, a renowned Singaporean sculptor. It took approximately 10 months to complete the gigantic lion statue, which stands 8.6 meters tall and weighs 70 tons. On September 15, 1972, the Merlion was unveiled by Singapore's first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew. In 2009, it was struck by lightning, damaging parts of its mane and ears, but it has since been restored and retains its original appearance. The 2-meter-tall mini-Merlion behind the 8.6-meter Merlion was also created by Lim Nan Seng, and taking a photo of both together is a recommended composition. There are a total of four Merlions in Singapore: one on Sentosa Island, two in Merlion Park, and one on Mount Faber Hill. And the Merlion, Singapore's largest statue at 37 meters tall, stands majestically in the center of Sentosa Island. You can enter its interior for S$8 (approximately 640 yen), and on the first floor, an animated film about the Merlion legend is shown. From the 9th-floor Mouse Observation Deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the main island from inside the Merlion's mouth, and if you visit the 12th-floor Head Observation Deck, you can enjoy a magnificent 360-degree panoramic view of the entire island. If you have the time, be sure to visit all four Merlions!
The Merlion statue, which is practically the face of Singapore, was once ridiculed as one of the "world's three most disappointing tourist attractions."The Merlion was originally erected in 1972 at the mouth of the Singapore River near the Esplanade. However, the Esplanade Bridge was later built over this location, obscuring the view of the Merlion from the front. Furthermore, while the Merlion initially spouted water vigorously, the pump later malfunctioned, causing water to stop flowing from its mouth. This unfortunate state of affairs is said to be the reason why it has been dubbed one of the "world's three most disappointing tourist attractions."
The Merlion, which now spouts water continuously, was moved to its current location in Merlion Park in April 2004. Behind the Merlion, now spouting water again, are the magnificent Fullerton Hotel and the skyscrapers of Raffles Place. Across Marina Bay, glittering architecture including the Esplanade Theatres can be seen. And in the Merlion's gaze, one can see the three towering buildings of Marina Bay Sands, which opened in 2010, and the ethereal view of the Sands SkyPark.A long pier has also been built so that you can see the Merlion's face from the front!
Merlion Park, which is overflowing with tourists who come to see this view every day, can now be said to be one of Singapore's most impressive sights!
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