'The choice of the Merlion as a symbol for Singapore has its roots in history, The Merlion commemorates the ancient name and the legend taken from the "Malay Annals" (literary and historical work from the 15th or 16th century) explaining how Singapore received its present name.
In ancient times, Singapore was known as Temasek which is Javanese for the sea. It was then, as it is today, a centre of trade.
As recorded in the legend in the Malay Annals," Prince Nila Utama of the Sri Vijaya empire rediscovered the island later in the 11th century A.D. On seeing a strange beast (which he later learnt was a lion) upon his landing he named the island Singapura which is a Sanskrit word for Lion (Singa) City (Pura).
The Merlion, with its fish-like body riding the waves of the sea, is symbolic of the ancient city of Temasek. At the same time, its majestic head recalls the legend of the discovery of Singapore by Prince Nila Utama in the 11th century, when Singapore received its present name.'
I've lived in Singapore for nearly 18 months now, but never bothered to go check out this statue right next to the Fullerton Hotel. I've always thought it would be a bit tacky and overly touristy.
After having had high-tea at the Fullerton Hotel, the friend who invited us asked "have you every been to the Merlion?' The answer was a resounding NO. So let's go ...
Well, I was surprised!
The setting of the statue is very scenic. You have all of downtown surrounding you, and once the Marina Bay IR will be complete ... you will have a stunning 360 vista. Moreover, I was surprised to see many chique outdoor bars all around that area ... and even below the bridges! I was excited to discover something new ... and I'm definitely coming back here at night.
And maybe I will in 2010, when the Marina Barrage will have had a chance to flush out all the sea water from the mouth of the Singapore river!
