Overview

Standing guard at the mouth of the Singapore River is the Merlion, a mythical beast that is a cross between a fish and a lion. The fish symbolizes Singapore's close association with the sea, while the lion head refers to the legendary sighting of a lion during the discovery of ancient Singapore. Created in 1972 as a tourism icon, the Merlion is especially attractive in the evenings when it is illuminated and spouts water from its mouth. Today, it has moved 120 meters away from its original spot, adjacent to one Fullerton. A stroll in Merlion Park yields great views of Singapore's colonial district. The souvenir shop carries Merlion T-shirts and other memorabilia.