Southeast Asia Cities Brand Themselves with Iconic Symbols

Cities throughout the world often create an identity based on a building or symbol like New York’s Statue of Liberty or the Gateway Arch of St. Louis. In Southeast Asia, several large cities have closely linked themselves to symbols based on the animal kingdom and turned them into popular attractions for tourists and residents.

Singapore’s Merlion

Singapore’s development over the last 50 years into a leading financial and entertainment center for southeast Asia is a success story recognized worldwide. Guarding the City’s prosperity is a statue of a creature known as the Merlion. Built in 1975, it is centrally located on Marina Bay in front of the historic Fullerton Hotel and the skyline of the central business district.

The Merlion is a mythical creature with the body of a fish and the head of a lion. Legend says this apparition was spotted by a Javanese prince on the shore when he founded the “Lion City” of Singapore in the 13th century.   Although Singapore had its origins as a small fishing village, it became a center of international trade and commerce for the British early in the 19th century and continues in that role today.

Tourists flock to admire the dazzling white Merlion which spews water from its mouth into the harbor and pose for selfies.  Standing almost 30 feet high and weighing 70 tons, it is best appreciated from the adjoining viewing platform that juts out into the harbor. Featured in many films including the recent movie “Crazy Rich Asians”, the Merlion attracts about 1 million visitors each year. It serves along with the Marina Bay Sands Hotel as iconic symbols of the Lion City.

Surabaya’s Shark and Crocodile

Over a thousand miles to the east, the Indonesian city of Surabaya also takes pride in the many legends associated with its namesake.   “Suro” generally means shark and “bayo” means crocodile. A popular story tells of a fight centuries ago between the two creatures for dominance.  Today, the port city of this metropolitan area has around 10 million residents and local museums memorialize the area’s past battles against the Mongols, the Demak Sultanate and the Dutch colonialists.

In the middle of a popular City park, a 40-foot high statue depicting a white shark and green crocodile locked in combat, attracts numerous admirers.  While lacking the scenic surroundings of the MerLion, the statue captures the dangers of nature and the determination of the people of Surabaya.

Bangkok’s White Elephants

White elephants have had a symbolic importance in Thai culture as well as in neighboring Myanmar. Because they are believed to represent political power, wisdom and success, kings often maintain a stable of white elephants or care for them in nature conservatories. Deciding which elephants have the physical coloring and appropriate behavior to be designated as a white elephant is a complex undertaking left to the royal household. But once given the title, these elephants lead a pampered existence and are often used as gifts to other royalty. A white elephant was depicted on the nation’s flag for more than 60 years starting in 1855, and eleven white elephants participated in a 2016 procession honoring the king in Bangkok.