Speaking of the Merlion, it’s a major tourist attraction that could be called Singapore’s trademark.
The powerful gush of water from the mouth of the giant lion is truly impressive, and most travelers visiting Singapore probably go to see the Merlion, don’t they?
In this article, we’ll introduce a slew of fun facts about the Merlion in the form of a quiz!
We’ve selected a wide range of topics—from basic information to lesser-known facts—and some tidbits are even useful for sightseeing.
Have fun as you take on the quiz!
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Merlion trivia quiz: A collection of questions (1–10) to help you get to know Singapore better
Which water is the Merlion spouting?
- freshwater
- seawater
- brackish water
See the answer
freshwater
In the past, seawater used to spout from the Merlion’s mouth, but now it is freshwater. This is because Marina Bay, where the Merlion spouts water, has been dammed by a facility called the Marina Barrage, converted to freshwater, and designated as a reservoir. In water-scarce Singapore, plans are underway to use the water from this reservoir for drinking and other purposes.
How many meters tall is the Merlion?
- 8.6m
- 5.5m
- 2.8m
See the answer
8.6m
The Merlion in Singapore is approximately 8.6 meters tall. The smaller Merlion in the same Merlion Park is about 2 meters tall.
How many Merlions officially recognized by the Singapore government are there?
- five bodies
- six bodies
- 7 bodies
See the answer
six bodies
There are a total of six: two at Merlion Park (one large and one small), one at the Singapore Tourism Board, one at Mount Faber, and two in Ang Mo Kio. Until 2019, there was also a Merlion on Sentosa Island, but it was demolished due to the island’s redevelopment.
What is the reason for using a lion as the motif for the national symbol?
- Because the founder of Singapore first discovered a lion
- Because Singapore means 'Lion City'
- Because the lion is Singapore’s national animal.
See the answer
Because Singapore means 'Lion City'
The name Singapore comes from the Sanskrit “Singhapura,” meaning “Lion City.” It was so named because a prince from the Malay Peninsula who visited the area in the 14th century is said to have seen a creature resembling a lion. In reference to this origin of the country’s name, the Merlion—a fictional creature modeled after a lion—was chosen as a symbol.
The Merlion has the head of a lion—what is its body?
- fish
- snake
- horse
See the answer
fish
The Merlion has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. It is said that the Merlion is not an ancient legendary creature, but rather an imaginary being created by combining animals familiar to Singapore.
What was the height, in meters, of the Merlion on Sentosa Island that was demolished in 2019?
- 37m
- 45m
- 70m
See the answer
37m
The Merlion on Sentosa Island was 37 meters tall, and visitors could go inside and enjoy the view from its mouth. However, it was demolished in 2019 due to the redevelopment of Sentosa Island.
What is the relationship between Lyo, the mascot of the 2010 Singapore Youth Olympic Games, and the Merlion?
- Parent and child
- brothers; siblings
- friend
See the answer
Parent and child
Merly, the mascot of the 2010 Singapore Youth Olympic Games, was designed as a child of the Merlion, a symbol of Singapore. Incidentally, Lyo, who served as a paired mascot with Merly, is said to be a lion cub.