The Merlion was designed by Mr. Fraser Brunner as an icon for the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in 1964 and was built by the late Singapore craftsman, Mr. Lim Nang Seng, and was officially located at the mouth of the Singapore River on September 15, 1972 . It has a lion head and a fish body resting on wave -like pedestals and is made of cement fondue . The Merlion (8.6 metres high and weighs 70 tonnes), now located in the new Merlion Park (which is 2,500 square metre large) next to the Esplanade, was cleaned and restored after it moved from beside the Esplanade Bridge (120 metres away from its present home) to its present site in April 2002. The place was chosen as it ensures that the Merlion continued to enjoy a prominent location, so that visitors can have an unhindered view of it. The Merlion stands on wave -like pedestals with lights that are switched on at night. Pump systems have been installed so that it can spout water throughout the day and night, which Singaporeans sometimes jokingly refer to as “spitting”.

A smaller Merlion statue, known as the Merlion Cub, is two metres high and weighs three tones, and was also built by Mr. Lim. The body is made of cement fondue, the skin from porcelain plates and eyes from small red teacups. The Merlion cub also spouts water, but unlike its bigger counterpart, it spouts treated water instead of sea water. Today, the Merlion attracts more than one million visitors a year visit the Merlion Park to photograph this famous Singaporean icon. A pier, which extends all the way out into the bay, has been constructed so that visitors are able to see and take photographs at the Merlion more easily. Alternatively, you can also choose to sit at the stepped river walls situated on both sides of the Merlion.

Tourists taking pictures of the Merlion

Preparing for the Future The Merlion, as a national icon, gives Singaporeans an identity and a sense of belonging to their country. Thus, when the need arises, Singaporeans will unite and stand together as one nation. This represents one of Singapore's five defences that make up our total defence: psychological defence.