Sang Nila Utama Was Here

Singapore, was described as 'Pu-luo-chung' (Island At The End of a Peninsula) by the Chinese, who first discovered the island. However, little is known about the island's history at this time. As recorded in the Malay Annals, in ancient times, Singapore was known as 'Temasek', a Javanese word for Sea City. Sometime in the 11th century, Singapore was again discovered by Prince Sang Nila Utama of the Sri Vijaya Empire who sighted a mystical beast which he later learnt was a lion. He then decided to name the island "Singapura" which in Sanskrit means Lion (Singa) City (Pura).

I stood infront of the Merlion statue, one of the world's famous icons. I flipped through the guidebook I had bought while my friend was busy taking a few shots of the statue. According to the book, the fish tail of the Merlion symbolises the ancient city of Temasek and represents Singapore's humble beginnings as a fishing village (populated by a handful of fishermen and sea gypsies). Wow! Looking up, I glanced around and wondered how Singapore might have looked like long long time ago. Starting as a fishing village, Singapore is now a vibrant, modern city-state of 2.8 million people and has also become one of Asia's economic 'dragons' and the regional centre trade, transport, banking, tourism and communication. Thanks to Sir Stamford Raffles who had developed the swampy, thickly jungled island into a sophisticated country after he claimed Singapore for the British East India company in 1819.

Humming the country's national song 'Count on Me, Singapore', we walked to the Esplanade - Theatres On The Bay, Singapore's most exciting performance arts venue to date located at the waterfront overlooking Marina Bay and just a walking distance from the Merlion statue. The complex with its unique and distinctive dome-shaped roofs (dubbed 'the Durian' by locals) comprises a 1,600-seat concert hall, a 2,000-seat theatre and several recital rooms, theatre and rehearsal studios, as well as outdoor performing spaces. It also houses a mall, cosmopolitan food outlets and a library.

From Esplanade to Orchard Road and from Orchard Road to Sentosa, it had been an endless fun and excitement. At Sentosa, we visited the Underwater World and played volleyball on the Siloso Beach. We even managed to catch the pink dolphin show before headed back to the city centre.

Our last stop was Mount Faber which had presented us an excellent view of the Singapore city. As a compliment to the beautiful scenery that surrounded us, I took a few snapshots.

That’s the end of our sighseeing in Singapore. We headed to the Singapore Train Station right away to catch the Senandung Malam coach back to Kuala Lumpur where we belonged.