The Origin of The Name “Singapore”

The Origin of The Name “Singapore”

A hundred years ago there lived a king named Nila Utama, King of Srivijaya. One day, the king went sailing accompanied by his loyal bodyguards. Along the way, the hurricane came. The guards begged the king to cancel his plan. "Sir, it is dangerous if we continue the journey with this condition. It's better if we stop first to a safer place. If I am not mistaken, there is a place nearby here named Tumasik Island. “What if we stay there while waiting for a safer condition?" Said the captain of the ship. The king approved this opinion. Their boat was docked to Tumasik Island shortly afterwards.

Arriving on the island, King and several bodyguards left the ship and looked around the island. When they're looking around, suddenly an animal which was not far from them flashed. The king was surprised and fascinated. The beast was so huge, looked dashing, and was golden in color." What creature was that?" Asked the King to his guards. "If i am not mistaken, people call it “Singa”, your majesty," one of his bodyguards replied. "What?" Asked the King to clarify. “Singa” replied the guard.

The king then asked more explanation about the animal. Attentively, The King listened to all explanations from his bodyguard about the animal. "Then, we give the name of this place “Singapore”.”Meaning: The City of Lion which is derived from malay “Singa” (lion) and “Pura / Pore” (City)". Since that time the town was named Singapore.