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.