Why Singapore?
Singapore, the "Lion City"
The semi-historical Malay Annals state that Singapura was christened by Sang Nila Utama, a 13th-century Sumatran Raja from Palembang. Sang Nila Utama encountered a strange beast on the island that he took to be a lion. Seeing this as an omen, he established the town of Singapura where he encountered the beast.
The English name of "Singapore" is an anglicisation of the native Malay name for the country, Singapura, which was in turn derived from the Sanskrit word for 'lion city'. Singapore is also referred to by the nickname the "Garden City", in reference to its parks and tree-lined streets.
Despite its small size, Singapore has a diversity of languages, religions, and cultures. Singapore has a diverse music culture that ranges from pop and rock, to folk and classical. Western classical music plays a significant role in the cultural life in Singapore. The nation's lively urban musical scene has made it a centre for international performances and festivals in the region.
Attractions
Places to visit in Singapore
Supertree Grove
Located inside Gardens By The Bay in Singapore, these majestic, human-made structures, towering at 50m, emulate the ecological functions of real trees.
Address:
18 Marina Gardens Dr
What is interesting about it
There is an elevated walkway, the OCBC Skyway, between two larger Supertrees for visitors to enjoy a panoramic view of the Gardens. Every night, at 7:45pm and 8:45pm, the Supertree Grove comes alive with a coordinated light and music show known as the Garden Rhapsody.
Merlion
The Merlion is the official mascot of Singapore. It is depicted as a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish.
Address:
Merlion Park
What is interesting about it
The Merlion was first used in Singapore as the logo for the tourism board. Its name combines "mer", meaning the sea, and "lion". Being of prominent symbolic nature to Singapore and Singaporeans in general, it is widely used to represent both the city state and its people in sports teams, tourism and as a national personification.
Flower Dome
The Flower Dome is the largest greenhouse in the world as listed in the 2015 Guinness Book of World Records.
Address:
18 Marina Gardens Dr
What is interesting about it
It features a changing display area, the flower field, and eight other themed gardens, namely The Baobabs, Succulent Garden, Australian Garden, South African Garden, South American Garden, Olive Grove, California Garden and the Mediterranean Garden. These eight gardens exhibit exotic flowers and plants from five continents.
Gallery
More pictures from Singapore
