Destination Singapore: Sun, Sand and Sights

Singapore is a country situated at the Southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. The city is home to almost 4.5 million people, most of which are Chinese and Malay. Singapore is also a center of tourism in the region, offering an abundance of sights and attractions to please even the most discerning leisure traveler.

The modern name for the Republic of Singapore is derived from the Sanskrit word Singapura, which means Lion City. As the legend goes, there was once an Indonesian prince named Parameswara. Prince Parameswara was known by many names by different cultures. One interesting fact was that he was the grandson of Alexander the Great, and possessed many famous items, including a bejeweled crown said to be part of the treasures of Solomon.

One day while traveling on his ship, the Prince noticed an island off in the distance, so he returned to Indonesia and gained permission from his father to colonize a new civilization on the island. After gathering a party of men to accompany him on the journey, Parameswara set sail for the island with the intention of forming a great civilization.

As soon as the party was out to sea, an enormous storm arose that was unlike any that the veteran sailors had ever encountered. It was such an enormous storm that all on board accepted their fate of death at sea, but Prince Parameswara said he knew exactly what to do. He stepped to the front of the boat and hurled his famous crown into the sea and an offering to the sea God. As soon as the crown hit the water, the waves instantly calmed allowing smooth sailing for the rest of the journey to the island.

Upon landing on the shores to the island, the party was met on the beach by a fierce lion. Again, the Prince said he knew exactly what to do, and began to reach for his sword. But as he did so, his eyes locked with those of the lion, and each instantly acquired a mutual respect and understanding for the other. The lion peacefully disappeared into the forest, and the Prince proclaimed that the new civilization would be named Singapura, or Lion City, in honor of the great beast that guards it's shores.