Friday, November 20, 2009

Friday My Town Shoot Out: My Town Premier Attraction

Kent of Montana has chosen My Town's Premier attraction for this weeks topic. He wanted to see what's our hometown is noted for. A picture of something when one see will immediately be recognized as from our hometown.

Singapore has always been associated with this one particular symbol, the MERLION.




The Merlion Malay: Singa-Laut; is an imaginary creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. Its name combines "mer" meaning the sea and "lion". The fish body comes from Singapore's ancient name back when it was a fishing village —Temasek — meaning "sea town" in Javanese . The lion head represents Singapore's original name —Singapura  — meaning "lion city" or "kota singa" , symbol was designed by Mr Fraser Brunner, for the logo  of the Singapore Tourism Board  (STB) in use from 26 March 1964 to 1997. The Merlion continues to be its trademark symbol since 20 July 1966.

First built as an eight metre tall sculpture in 1972, the Merlion was located at the mouth of the Singapore River as a prominent icon to represent Singapore.
The Merlion statue measures 8.6 metres high and weighs 70 tonnes. It was built by the late Singapore craftsman, Mr Lim Nang Seng.

Anyone who's been to Singapore would not give this place a miss.



 The Merlion has become the most photographed icon.

The bridge across the river, toward the Merlion Park.

There's another smaller Merlion just behind the big one.





 To see more pictures of participants to this meme, click HERE.


15 comments:

Sandra Leigh said...

Jama, thanks for coming to visit The Turtle. 8.6 metres - that's one enormous merlion! I can see why it is such an icon.

Ann said...

I remember my kids coming home to tell me about the merlion.

Thanks for reminding me to link, I posted early, and then I forgot.

I watched the Singapore idol with my kids, now, I don't, my son is not interested, we watch cooking shows like Top Chef.

Bengbeng said...

u r right. everyone of my frens has a pic of that place

~JarieLyn~ said...

I've never heard of the Merlion before. It is quite an interesting statue and enormous. It reminds me of a dragon spitting fire. Your pictures are very nice. I like the night pic.

Rebecca said...

That night shot is pretty cool, as is the capture of all the people photographing your most photographed icon.

Vicki ~ FL said...

What a spectacular fountain either in daylight hours or in the evening!

Barry said...

Just magnificent! The Merlion is a perfect symbol for the city.

Your photos certainly capture its splendor.

Pauline said...

That's a wonderful attraction. What a splendid "creature". No wonder it is such an icon,

Kim said...

I like the night shot the best. What a majestic creature!

Doreen said...

that is magnificent! very interesting looking and love the history on the Merlion. the last shot is stunning!

kent.. said...

Very cool. I learned something today!

Chef E said...

That is so cool! I really would like to come and see it!

REDLAN said...

Merlion is really a Singapore trade mark. It was once featured in ABS-CBN. Thanks for the information and photos about it Jama.

GingerV said...

this post is beyond wonderful, it gives me such a feel for Singapore. I love the nightime photo - no bluring at all.
good job Jama.

kate said...

That's so crazy - I've never heard of the Merlion before. Very cool :)