History of Lion Statue Merlion, Singapore

Merlion was first designed as a symbol of the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (STPB) in 1964 - and the lion head with a fish body resting on a crest of waves; it soon became Singapore's icon to the world. 

According to the History of Malay, Singapore names given by Sang Nila Utama, Malay prince of Palembang in the early 14th century. When Sang Nila Main sail at sea, the storm and the high winds that resulted in his boat stranded on an island. When on the island, Sang Nila Main saw an animal that resembled a lion. Therefore, the island called Singapore (meaning "lion city").

Designed by Mr Merlion. Fraser Brunner, a member of souvenir committee and a curator at the Van Kleef Aquarium, the lion head represents the lion seen by Prince Sang Nila President as stated in the "History of Malay". Fish Merlion symbolizes the ancient city of Temasek (meaning "sea" in Javanese), the name of Singapore before the Prince named it "Singapore" (meaning "lion" (lion) "city" (pura) in Sanskrit) and also symbolizes the beginning of Singapore simple, that is, as a fishing village.

Measuring 8.6 meters high and weighing 70 tonnes, the Merlion statue was built from a mixture of cement by the late Singapore craftsman, Mr. Lim Nang Seng. Merlion Statue second smaller, measuring two meters tall and weighing three tons, also built by Mr. Lim. The body was made from a mixture of cement, skin from porcelain plates and eyes from small red teacups.

His house was the first Merlion and his son, "Cub", originally located in front of the Singapore River, just across the Elizabeth Walk, just 120 meters from its present location. The area that is also known as the Merlion Park this soon became a popular tourist attraction, and one of the famous places in the cities of the world. Singapore Prime Minister at the time, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, inaugurated the installation ceremony of the Merlion on 15 September 1972. A bronze inscription immortalize the happy event with the words,

"Merlion was established as a symbol to welcome all visitors to Singapore."

Today, the Merlion attracts more than one million visitors a year, who come to the Merlion Park to take photos of this world famous icon at her new home, next to One Fullerton.

Merlion Statue Merlion location of the new house is located adjacent to One Fullerton, a garden of 2,500 square meters newly built. At One Fullerton, there are a variety of restaurants, lounges, and dance clubs on the river bank.

This area also has a cape with patio seating and a deck to watch that could hold up to 300 people, as well as a landing place so visitors can descend from the taxi boat. This deck gives the best panoramic view of the Merlion for the photographer, with a background of the city skyline and the scenic Marina Bay, including landmark buildings such as The Fullerton Singapore and Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay.

Merlion Cub is 28 meters behind the Merlion. Also installed a pump system for Merlion Merlion and children, so that they can spout water throughout the day and night.