Last Updated on 2021-11-11 , 1:48 pm
Up till today, I have no clue whatsoever that this place, Pulau Ujong even existed.
No one talks about it, much less writes about it. Nor is it a place where your friend texts you for ‘top five places to visit in Singapore’.
It’s basically non-existent, or at least I thought the name was non-existent.
So if you actually do know of its existence, we salute you.
But to all our dear friends who don’t have the slightest clue on where that place is, we’ll shed some light on it.
Pulau Ujong Is Actually Pulau Singapore
Well, this might come as a surprise to you, but Pulau Ujong is actually the main island of Singapore.
Yes, we are not kidding.
Here’s a brief history lesson.
Back in the 3rd century, written records suggest an island named Pu Luo Chung, which many suggest is a mispronunciation of the Malay name, Pulau Ujong.
The name Pulau Ujong means ‘island at the end of the peninsula’, which is exactly where we are.
For those who may not know, Singapore is located on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia.
So during those days, the Malay people who lived in the Riau Islands of Indonesia originally named this ‘island at the end’ as Pulau Ujong.
The Changing of Name
Back then, anyone travelling from the Straits of Malacca to the South China Sea or vice versa would have to pass by the island, which is the reason for the name.
It was only when the famous story of Sang Nila Utama came about, did the name changed.
During his stay on the island, he chanced upon an animal that he mistakenly took for as a lion.
He believed that it was an auspicious sign, which led to him naming the island as Singapura, otherwise known as the Lion City.
At the end of the 14th century, the island was known as Singapura.
So yes, you got it. Singapore was once known as Pulau Ujong. And if you try googling Pulau Ujong, you’ll see that some websites still carry that name. Well, I guess old habits die hard. Are you surprised? You can definitely bet that we are!
Featured Image: Rainer Lesniewski / Shutterstock.com
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