The history of Singapore dates back to the 14th century when it was a malay kingdom called Temasek or seatown. At that time it was a bustling trade place for many nationalities including Chinese, Arabs, Indians, Europeans and Malays. In 1299 a Sumatran prince named Sang Nila Utama(Sri Tri Buana) landed on the then Temasek to set up his kingdom and apparently saw a lion . This made him name the island Singa pura a sanskrit name for Lion city. Thou’ the island enjoyed trading prominence and good relations with other countries , its popularity faded.
Singapore’s history museum
Sir Stamford Raffles
Centuries later a great man arrived with the intention to “return the ancient glory” ,Sir Stamford Raffles landed by the Singapore riverto set up a trading post. The rest as they say is “Mordern History” 😉 . Raffles didnpot only set up a trading post but built a business quarter as well . That area is know popularly known as Boat Quay.
Boat quay
* few excerpts are taken from the travel brouchers from singapore tourism.
*pics courtesy – Google images
The Indian Traveller blog 