Merlion, Singapore

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As mentioned in the Sentosa Island, to get to the Merlion, get off at the Imbiah Station.
The ticket costs SGD10 if you go inside the Merlion’s body, but you don’t have to pay if you prefer just staying outside the boundary and if it’s okay with you to have your picture taken with the merlion as a background only… that's practically speaking, haha.
Inside the merlion, there’s a short historical show. According to the story, the Merlion got its name from its form, having a half body of a mermaid and a lion.

You can also have your picture in the merlion’s mouth taken by their official photographer. You can have your choice to buy the picture, we didn’t buy ours… well, I think it isn’t practical to pay for SGD25 (as far as I can remember this was the price…). You can also acquire freebies after the very short show and the tour. My friend and I got a merlion fan! There is also a souvenir shop on the ground floor. You can choose from keychains, merlion shaped cookies & chocolates, shirts, stuff toys, etc. there are a lot, and I really mean lots of stuffs that you can buy.

But it’s a bit expensive… the cookies range from SGD85-120, that’s what I can remember since my friend bought 6 boxes of those!

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The Merlion is a statue of a Lion with a fish’s body riding on a crest of waves. Singapore is know as the Lion City from a story in the "Malay Annals". In the 11th century Prince Sang Nila Utama of the Sri Vijaya Empire came across the small fisihing village of Temasek, a Javanese word for sea. As he landed on the shore he saw, the story goes, a Lion. The Prince immediately decided to rename the island "Singapura" which in Sanskrit means Lion (Singa) City (Pura).

The Merlion was designed by Mr Fraser Brunner to combine the heritage of the old “Sea” village with the modern “Lion” city of today. It was designed in 1963 and was originally located at the mouth of the Singapore River, across from the Elizabeth Walk. It is the official emblem for the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (STPB). The Merlion is 8.6 metres high and weighs 70 tonnes and was built from cement fondue by the Singapore craftsman, Mr Lim Nang Seng. The Merlion’s the skin is made from porcelain plates and its eyes from small red teacups.

Don’t be surprised to see people visiting with umbrellas, even though the fountain only flows out into the harbour

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The Merlion was first designed as an emblem for the Singapore Tourism Board way back in 1964. It's a lion's head with a fish body sitting on the crest of a wave and it quickly became one of Singapore’s icons.

At 8.6m high, the Merlion statue is built from cement and weighs 70 tonnes. A second and much smaller 2m Merlion statue is very close by.

With a bit of fun and a dash of imagination you can get some very interesting pictures here.

This world famous landmark stands near the mouth of the Singapore River, looking out across the harbour. Half lion and half fish, the fish tail represents Singapores origins as a simple fishing village.

The Merlion Park area seemed to be quite hustly-bustly, mainly with people taking photos of the statue and enjoying watching the boats go about their business - the tourist guides claim that over a million people a year take a photo of the Merlion.

There are at least 3 Merlions that I know of. Two of them are on Sentosa Island. This one is in the Central Business District between Raffles City MRT and the Esplanade (see separate description, MRT City Hall). I saw the Merlion on a short walk between the Esplanade and the Fullerton Hotel (see separate description). The Merlion is one of the symbols of Singapore. Half fish and half lion, the Merlion appears on the Singapore Air Force emblem. You will see lots of people taking pictures, even at night.

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What is a Merlion? Basicaly it's a head of a lion, with a body of a fish, and it is the trademark symbol for the Singapore Tourism Board.

The famous 8.6 metres tall, 70 tonnes statue stands at the mouth of the Singapore River at Merlion Park. It's body is made of cement fondue, tiled with porcelain plates, and it's eyes made from small red tea cups.

It's not the most amazing thing to see in Singapore, but everyone else was looking at it and taking pictures, so it only felt natural to follow the crowd. Also from here you can get some great shots of the Singapore skyline, the Esplanade Theatres and the Fullerton Hotel.

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Walking from Singapore China town to merlion and than to Fort Canning Park is rather pleasent and intreasting.

You can reach Merlion Park by riding MRT and alighting at City Hall Station, from City Hall it will takes you 5 to 10 min walks depending on your phase.