Singapore- Change is the only constant

 Long ago 'Sang Nila Uttama' was on a hunting trip and reached to a new land. There he saw a strange animal which he thought to be lion.. and so he named the newly found land as 'Singapura.' 

The word 'Singapura' is derived from the Sanskrut word Simha - lion and Pura - City. So Singapura means 'lion city.' 

'Sang Nila Uttama' was a prince from 'Srivijaya empire' and is also known to history by the name 'Sri Tri Buana.' It was his title- Sri Tri Bhuvana- King of three worlds. 

Along the centuries, the rulers changed. Dynasties flourished and vanished. Singapura became a busy port due to it's strategic location. 

Then how the name changed from Singapura to Singapore? That was due to Sir Thomas Raffles, a British lieutenant general, who conquered and developed the city as a trade port for British empire in 1822. 

After that, Singapore experienced many ups and downs. In World war II, Japan attacked Singapore and the allied forces surrendered in February 1942. After three years the wheel turned and Japan had to surrender and the island was once again under British rule. 

The situation took some turns and finally on 9 August 1965 Singapore became a free sovereign country. Though the name of the country is still Singapore, it's national anthem says 'Berjaya Singapura' (which means 'may Singapore succeed.' Berjaya is a Malaya word which may have come from Sanskrit word - Vijaya with the same meaning) or 'Majulah Singapura.' (which means 'onwards Singapore'). So the ancient name prevails in the national anthem. 

Since then, Singapore has come a long way. Now it is one of the most sought after locations for business, one of the leading busiest ports in the world, a favourite tourist destination and so on. This little red dot - Singapore is now proudly presenting itself on the world map. 

Singapore is the city where constantly some constructions are going on. It may be new lines for transport or new buildings or new tourist attractions. Change is the only constant here. 

When we came to Singapore in 2005, there wasn't any sign of Marina Bays Sands and Gardens by the bay. At that time Merlion and Esplanade were the Singapore icons. 

Esplanade
P.C. Sneha Tilak 

Merlion
P.C. Sneha Tilak

Now Singapore Flyer- the giant wheel, Marina Bay Sands with sky park, observation deck and the infinity pool, Gardens by the Bay, Arts and Science museum.. these are the Singapore icons. 

Here I am trying to capture the skyline of the heart of the Singapore!

Trying to capture Singapore Skyline
P.C. Sneha Tilak 

 

It was a cloudy and windy day. the light was not perfect but the weather was pleasant! What I could capture is here. 

https://youtu.be/DbfsVB6eqYk

Merlion

Reflections! 

Near Arts and Science Museum. 

Marina Bay 

Arts and Science museum and Marina Bay Sands
(2015) 

Arts and Science Museum Singapore ( 2015)

Making of Super tree Grove in progress (2015) 

Super Tree Grove ( 2022)

Flower Dome and Cloud Forest 
Gardens By the Bay (2015)

Singapore Flyer and Double Helix Bridge
in the right (2015)

Singapore Flyer

The everchanging Singapore offers amazing tourist spots for the tourists pouring in from all over the world. Then for those who want to see some more, for the nature lovers, there are many Nature parks, reservoirs. For History enthusiasts there are some spots related with world war II, there are some relics of bygone age. 

There are some casinos, many shopping malls, there are hundreds of bars and thousands of restaurants. Singapore has something to offer for each and every taste! 

When there are umpteen sites and blogposts and videos giving information about Singapore, what I will be writing in my Singapore posts series? well.. I will be writing about the known as well as lesser known Singapura from my point of view in this series..so stay tuned!!

#WhatToSeeInSingapore #SingaporeTravel #GoSg #SingaporeAttractions #ExploreSingapore