Resting on a crest of waves with the head of a lion and the body of a fish is the famous icon of Singapore, the Merlion statue. It measures 8.6 metres high and weighs 70 tonnes which body is made of cement fondue and skin coated with porcelain plates. It is built by the late Singapore craftsman, Mr. Lim Nang Seng, who proudly erected this statue which he designed to rest on billowing waves and continuously sprouts water from the mouth to the river. It is situated at the Merlion Park near Marina Bay and takes its pride to welcome all visitors who come to Singapore. It has now become a popular tourist attraction in the heart of the city and the Merlion Statue takes its place among the famous landmark of great cities of the world. The Merlion statue is beautifully lit at night, a favorite time for photographers and tourists.
The lion head symbolises the legend of Singapore's founding by Sang Nila Utama, of the Sri Vijaya Empire in the 11th century A.D., on his first arrival on the island, spotted a mystical beast which later he learnt was a lion. Thereafter, he decided to name the island 'Singapura', 'Singa' means Lion and 'Pura' means City, or Lion City. The fish tail represents Singapore's connection to the ancient city of Temasek, a Javanese word for sea, and symbolises Singapore's humble beginnings as a fishing village.
The same magnificent Merlion statue can also be found at Sentosa in Singapore where you can have the chance to climb to the top of its head to have a breathtaking view of Sentosa's beautiful attractions. It does not sprout water though but it shoots laser lights at night to dazzle the place.
