The Tale

The Merlion is a beautiful hybrid of a lion and a fish. Strong and lithe, its lion head alludes to the fabled beast that once roamed the ancient island state, while its fish body symbolizes Singapore's origin as a prosperous seaport.

First built as an eight metre tall sculpture in 1972, the Merlion was located at the mouth of the Singapore River. In 1996, this prominent icon of Singapore was reproduced, on a much larger scale, on Sentosa island.

Once inside the Merlion, visitors are enthralled by the interior. Themed as a sunken pirate ship submerged in subterranean rocks, the tower is laden with treasures and jewels left behind by Bugis pirates who once dominated the waters of Southeast Asia. The enigmatic atmosphere is complemented by sounds of crashing waves, howling winds, fog horns, and the cries of seagulls. To complete the underwater effects, visitors can peer through the breaks in the rockwork to view colourful tropical fishes and corals.

The upper levels adopt an organic theme, with floating tendons and sculptured walls embedded with interesting imprints in the shape of sea creatures. One can also hear the regular 'heartbeats' and hourly roars of the Merlion.

The viewing deck in the Merlion's mouth shows a magnificent view of the Singapore city skyline while on its crown, one is afforded a 360 degree panoramic view of the surrounding islands, the Singapore harbour, and even the horizon of the Riau Archipelago in Indonesia from a vantage point of 60 metres above sea level.

The Merlion sits amidst a wave pool with decorative suspension bridge links, leading to the Merlion Walk. The walk is a colourful and fanciful walkway with jumping water jets and a beautiful set of Carillon bells at the other end.

By night, the Merlion awakens to a spectacular light, sound and water extravaganza in synchrony with the three-dimensional laser images and dancing water fountains during the Musical Fountain Show. The mystical glow of the Merlion can be seen from both mainland Singapore and from the sea, acting as a beacon to attract visitors to the island.

the Merlion logo ------------------->

The Legend Of The Merlion

On a rocky saddle in the middle of Sentosa's north-south axis, sits the majestic Merlion, half lion, half fish, powerful and regal in mien. Its paternal gaze rests with joyous pride on Singapore, the prosperous island it has protected through the ages.

Legend has it that this rocky saddle just below Mt Imbiah was the seat for the real Merlion, the legendary guardian of Singapore.

Ancient Singapore, known as Temasek, was discovered in the 11th Century AD by Prince Sang Nila Utama of the Sri Vijaya empire. He renamed the island Singapura, Sanskrit for Lion (Singa) and City (Pura) after he saw a mighty lion. The prince also heard the legend of how The Merlion came to Sentosa island.

On a dark night long ago, a chill swept over the sleepy villages of Temasek. Thick scudding clouds wiped out the stars. The villagers tossed in restless slumber. Even the night insects faltered in their busy chattering.

The frenzied wind whipped the sea and tore at the trees, threatening the flimsy houses. The crashing waves pounded the beaches, threatening to engulf the land with every passing moment. Awake by now, the villagers, half paralysed with fear at nature's raw power, sank to their knees in prayer.

Suddenly a shout went out.

A wondrous sight was unfolding. The boiling sea sparkled as thousands of iridescent, colourful sea creatures surged towards land. They heard the magical sound of bells, heralding the arrival of something.

A huge geyser spouted from the sea. A great sea beast reared its massive head among the creatures. Phosphorescence dripped from its lion's mane. It was bigger and more graceful than any creature ever seen.

A great roar ripped from its throat and shook the land. With mighty thrusts of its tail, it headed for the rocky saddle. The multitude of sea creatures prepared its path, squirting water from their mouths to smooth the way.

With thunder in its eyes and anger ripping through its body, the half lion, half fish beast fought the thundering skies and blasting wind. Roar after terrible roar ripped from its throat.

The terrified villagers cowered on the beach as the battle between beast and nature raged. Slowly, the wind lost its force and the crashing waves their violence. In victory, the great sea beast let out one long, last mighty triumphant blast that shattered the sky.

By magic, the clouds and the wind retreated and the sea calmed down. The stars poured out in a mighty wave of twinkling light. Peace swept the land. The mighty sea beast tossed its salt drenched mane, and gazed benevolently on the cowering villagers. The sea creatures broke into joyous celebration.

For a long time, the proud sea beast sat on its rocky throne. What it thought, no one could tell. The tired, happy villagers fell into a magical sleep, peace suffusing their faces.

As dawn stole across the sky, the great sea beast sighed a mighty sigh. With a long, lingering look on the island, it flipped its tail and returned to the sea.

As if a spell had broken, the villagers awoke. Rubbing sleep from their eyes, they ran to the sea's edge, looking for the mighty sea beast. All they saw was a long trail, filled with colour and light. The scales of the colourful sea creatures and the dried salt from their bodies filled the trail, catching the rays of the morning sun, breaking the light into a thousand colours.

As if sealed by magic, the colourful trail remained through the years. Each year, the giant Merlion, for that was what it came to be called, returned to Sentosa island by this trail. On those magical nights, it would sit on its rocky throne, watching over the island it loves. At dawn, it returned to the sea.

One year, the Merlion stopped coming. Maybe it knew all would be well. The villagers felt sure that it would return if the island was once again in peril. The Merlion legend became the favourite story of generations of children. Children made sand models of the Merlion and its colourful trail, acting out the story with their friends.

Today, the legend of the Merlion is commemorated on Sentosa island. Lovingly recreated in concrete and glass, this massive 37 metre tall Merlion follows faithfully the details of the legend, down to the colourful trail, now called the Merlion Walk.

Source: Telling Tales