Flying into a new country can sometimes be overwhelming. More so if the arrival city happens to be of the bustling, metropolitan variety. Bright lights and honking horns are not everyone’s cup of tea, especially if readjusting to a new time zone (aka jet lag). But with Singapore being one of the major Southeast Asia airline hubs, visitors might be surprised to find that the colorful city state can actually be a great place to readjust their internal clocks as well as decompress prior to further travel. It’s also a great ‘stay-cation’ option for neighboring Malaysians and Indonesians. Meet the quiet seaside, enclave of Singapore’s Changi Village, located within the southeastern area of Singapore known as ‘Changi’. A unique Singapore neighborhood, just minutes from the Changi International Airport yet reminiscent of the slow-paced kampungs of Singapore’s yesteryear.
History of Changi Village
In the 1920s, the Changi area was just a small village with a police station, a couple of bungalows and oddly enough, a small Japanese Hotel which offered the services of prostitutes. As far back as 1604, Changi was originally referred to as Tanjong Rusa, becoming known as Tanjong Changi in the early 1800s and later just ‘Changi’. The name itself most likely derived from the Chengai tree; an especially tall tree which was indigenous to the area. Unfortunately, most of the Chengai trees were cleared in 1920s to make way for the Royal Air Force Base. Only one Chengai tree was left standing as a means of marking the location of the base. And that last remaining tree was shortened considerably during World War 2 to prevent enemy flyers from identifying the base.
Although Changi Prison was initially built in 1936, it was during World War 2 that the prison and the surrounding areas became infamous and the name synonymous with the hardships of war. During the war, approximately 50,000 British, Australian and other Allied POWs, as well as 3,500 civilians (including women and children) were interned in Changi by the Japanese military.
Today Changi Village has that quiet, laid back community vibe usually reserved for small towns. You won’t find a lot of ‘big city’ entertainment here, but that’s part of its charm. Locals and visitors alike actually sit on benches and chat with each other, or share tables in the hawker’s center. Changi Village is a breath of fresh air in more ways than one. Is it day trip worthy? Yes, but it’s a much richer and relaxing experience to actually stay here and ‘live like a local’. Trust me, there are plenty of things to do to keep you busy for a few days.
Things to Do in Changi Village
1) Walk the Changi Point Boardwalk
The beauty of this walk is that it is a well-maintained picturesque Point A to Point B walkway, which makes being transportation-less in Changi Village literally a walk in the park. The Changi Point Boardwalk (also known as the Changi Point Coastal Walk) takes you the length of Changi Village along 2.2km of picturesque waterfront. It is divided into six separate sections which are all highlighted along the way; Creek Walk, Beach Walk, Sailing Point Walk, Cliff Walk, Kelong Walk and Sunset Walk. It is open to the public 24-hours a day.
2) Enjoy Some Beach Time at Changi Beach
Changi Beach is a 28-hectacre coastal park with a lot of history. Some good and some not so good. As far back as the 1800s, the Changi area itself was known for its coconut plantations as well its popular resort area. At the time government and privately owned bungalows were available for various members of polite society. Years later, during World War 2 and the Japanese military occupation, Changi Beach became one of the execution sites during the Sook Ching Operation. Many locals consider the area haunted, and rightly so all things considered. You can read more about those horrific tales HERE
Today the white-sand shoreline lazily stretches 3.3 km between Changi Point and Changi Ferry Road. Hauntingly peaceful if you will. The beach is sparkling clean and perfect for a lazy day at the beach.
3) Eat Your Way Through the Changi Village Hawkers Centre
Although there are an abundance of restaurants and cafes throughout Changi Village, if you love food, you will be in absolute heaven exploring the Changi Village Hawkers Centre. For newbies, however, tackling this hawkers center may be a challenge, for a few reasons. First off there are absolutely, endless choices. But timing is also a key factor; get there too early and not everyone will be open, get there too late and you will find the tables full and some food stuff either sold out or ‘reserved’ by a smart local who will be arriving later. It is so worth the challenge, but also another great reason, to stay in Changi Village for a few days and ‘live (and eat) like a local’.
4) Explore Fabulous Pulau Ubin
If you visit Changi Village you shouldn’t miss a side trip to nearby Pulau Ubin. Even if you have but a couple of hours to spare, it is well worth the scenic 15-minute boat ride to this slice of Singapore paradise. Pulau Ubin is an impressive example of Singapore’s successful preservation of both local heritage and environment. Considered Singapore’s last kampong, Pulau Ubin’s name is a shorter version of its original moniker, ‘Pulau Batu Jubin’ (Granite Stone Island), as Pulau Ubin was once a vast supplier of granite. Today it is a beautiful nature reserve and then some.
No special reservations are needed to visit Pulau Ubin. It is just a matter of showing up at the Changi Point Ferry Terminal between 06:00 and 19:00. The 10-15-minute ferry ride is 3Sing Dollars each way. Ferry boats (called bumboats) have no set departure time either; when 12 people show up to fill the seats the boat is ready to depart. You can read more about Pulau Ubin HERE
5) Visit the Changi Museum and Chapel
Relocated from its original location next to Changi Prison, the Changi Museum (and Chapel) opened at its present location in 2001. It graphically illustrates the dark period of the Japanese occupation of Singapore between 1942 and 1945. Both civilians and prisoners of war were interned at the infamous Changi Prison area during this period, including women and children.
The museum offers a glimpse of the war time experiences of the incarcerated through the many original photographs, drawings and letters on display. You can explore the site with a guided and/or audio tour. The museum also houses records of the more than 5,000 civilian prisoners who were interned at Changi during the occupation. Photography is not allowed inside the museum, however there are quite a few books and memorabilia for sale at the museum’s gift shop. Allow yourself at least two hours for this museum, because you may well need an emotional break between exhibits. It’s powerful stuff.
Where to Stay in Changi Village
By far the most convenient, The Village Hotel Changi is located directly across the street from The Changi Point Ferry Terminal. Village Hotel Changi comes with many perks including a panoramic view pool, a gym and an onsite spa. This hotel is family friendly as well as group tour friendly, so if you prefer a quieter hotel, I highly recommend nearby Raintr33 Hotel. The Raintr33 is just a 10-15-minute walk from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal either by main road or via the picturesque Changi Point Boardwalk. Amenities include, spacious private balconies, a pool and onsite bicycle rentals.
Getting Around Changi Village
In addition to taxi services, good old fashioned walking is the easiest way to explore Changi Village, but do carry an umbrella or small rain jacket in case of a sudden appearance of precipitation. To cover more ground quicker, you can also rent a bicycle from GoCycling at Changi Beach Park. Their number is +65 9183 6964.
Getting to Changi Village
Bus Services: Take buses 2, 59, 109 to the Changi Village Bus Terminal (it’s located next to the Changi Village Hawkers Centre)
MRT: Tampines MRT Station (EW2), board Bus No. 29 at Tampines Bus Interchange to Changi Village or Tanah Merah MRT Station (EW4), board Bus No. 2 at Tanah Merah Station Exit B Bus stop (85091) to Changi Village.
Taxi: For taxi app users use this address–>Changi Point Ferry Terminal, 51 Lorong Bekukong
Changi Village offers a refreshing and unique opportunity to experience a more relaxed, laid-back, side of Singapore. If you like a fresh sea breeze, beaches, nature, culture and history, as well as delicious local cuisine, Changi Village covers all those bases. It is also relatively easy to get to ‘the big city’ if you need a dose of Singapore proper.
P.Ubin has many dogs. Not safe for lone traveller. I was there last nov n did not finish the tour. Hope that the owner can kept the dogs safely at home.
That’s interesting Joanne. I was all by myself and saw no dogs. I did see a family of boars and some monkeys though. I would be much more afraid of wild boars than I would be of dogs, but actually any wild animal should not be approached or bothered. You attempt to chase a wild animal or scream at it and it will most likely stand its ground.
All activities sound fun Vanessa. I’d eat at hawker stalls and enjoy time on da beach too; both fave past times of mine. Eating from the hawkers sounds fun because Singapore food is some of the best in SE Asia. We only laid over at Changi Airport but I’d heard great things about grub in that small island nation. As for the beach, I am bum for one LOL. Thanks for the helpful share.
Ryan
Ryan, next time you hit Singapore you need to hang out a few days in Changi Village. Honestly, I love this place. Am actually here now, on a staycation, responding to your comment. :D
This place looks fantastic to have a walk around and get away from it all. Changi Village does really look great and could see myself here on my fist visit to SIngapore which I hope is later this year.
And you can scratch Changi Village from your bucketlist of famous must-visit prison towns! (Just kidding) ;) My hotel shuttle did drive past it though. It looked so civilized from the outside that I can’t even imagine they actually have any prisoners.
I went to Singapore 2 years ago and I wish I had known about Changi Village! I love beach towns more than bustling cities, so as much as I enjoyed Singapore proper I would have loved to have ventured out and visited a local beach town. It’s interesting to hear all the history behind this little village. Definitely a must-see the next time I find myself in Singapore!
Changi airport is rightly famous as one of the best in the world but I had no idea the village existed. I need a long sojourn in Singapore and not just a layover to experience this rich region from modest to the high rises.
When I saw the title of your post, I assumed it is about Changi Airport. How lovely to discover a small Singapore village by the same name. By any chance is there a relationship between the two or both are named after the same Chengai tree. I am going to put it in my list of places to explore in Singapore.
Funny right? I lived in Singapore 7 months and had no clue that there was any Changi other than the airport and scary prison. No one I knew ever mentioned it. I’m absolutely in love with the place now. I was just there last Sunday and I had a heavenly staycation. Stuffing my face at the hawker’s center, bike riding on Pulau Ubin.. r e l a x i n g … I highly recommend, especially for busy bloggers. ;)
We were aware of Changi and it’s dark history after the fall of Singapore to the Japanese in 1942. Also, in the present as the busy transit airport. We are surprised that it is also a relaxed, peaceful beach location and appears very different to the rest of Singapore.
It’s a very unique area for sure. Reminds me a little of some parts of Penang as well as Selangor, Malaysia, but it is more ‘pristine’. Also, bonus points for the absence of the loud car mufflers and motorcycle racing that are so popular in Malaysia, the streets are quiet.
I always prefer the quiet areas, not only because of jet lag but because I can’t stand the crowds so Changi Village might be my cup of tea! Also the Changi Point Boardwalk looks like a place that offer wonderful views!
I hear ya Dany, I’m not a crowd person nor a big fan of noise either. Changi Village is a refreshing change of pace and I’ll think you’ll love it too!
Changi Village looks like an interesting place and seems like I missed it on my trip! The beach is quite nice, there are very few nice beaches in Singapore, from what I know and this one looks pretty cool. Also, the food hawkers is one of my favourite things, I love street food in Singapore (all of south-east Asia actually!). Interesting read, thanks for the review!
Thanks for stopping by Medha! I do hope you get a chance to visit Changi Village on your next visit to Singapore, I think you will like it a lot. :)
I recently had a very short layover in Singapore and was tempted to stay at Changi Village. Now I wish I had! It really does look like the vacation part of Singapore even after it’s rather bloody history.
Sara it is totally relaxing there. I highly recommend for anyone who appreciates nature as well as a slower pace.
Vanessa, I have been to Singapore only for work trips or quick transits. But would love to go visit Changi village next time we go. My daughter might get a bit overwhelmed with all the history, but there is good food for her!
Hi Shweta! Actually the Changi Beach Park area is super family friendly. There is a jungle gym and bicycle rentals. The grassy park is spacious and clean. Also plenty of beach to just play in the sand. And of course there are lots of tasty treats available at the nearby hawker’s center.
Changi Village does indeed look picturesque and tranquil. The sea lapping against those sands just looks pretty idyllic to me! I’ve always thought of Singapore as a very bustling city, so it was great to learn about a different side to the city!
It’s especially nice in the early mornings and at sunset. Lots of birds singing during those times of day.
We might be stopping through Singapore later this year, so this was great to read! It’s hard to believe Changi Village is so close to such an international airport hub! It certainly looks like a world away and so tranquil! The walk looks lovely and the beach sounds intriguing with the haunted stories! I love good Asian street food, and the mystery dish looks delicious (I reckon there’s cha su in there for sure!)! Do you know if it’s close enough for a day stopover? Could be a good option when there’s long layovers.
Changi Village is great! It’s worth ‘creating’ a long layover just to have an extra day to visit the village. I actually had no desire to go into Singapore at all during my last 3 trips there. I was quite content to ‘live like a local’ in Changi Village.
The mystery meat looks delicious! It’s always fun to try something new. I love hawker stalls. Learning the history of a place really makes it a more real experience. I had no idea it had been used as a prison.
You guys would love eating your way through the Changi Village Hawker’s Center. Absolutely endless local food to try!
The mystery dish on your page is called Wanton Mee. The meat is what we call Char Siew. It is made of pork tenderloin and marinated with a sweet sauce and red dye on the surface before the BBQ it. this version is served with some boiled and fried dumplings by the side as well. Hope it helps.
Thank you Jaslyn! I usually look on line for a similar photo to make sure I don’t mislabel, but I think I got confused and gave up. Going to correct that now, thanks again!:)
Thanks for the recommendation to explore Changi Village – we loved Singapore but didn’t spend time here unfortunately. Would love to go back at some stage though – it sounds like there’s a lot of history and nature to experience. As nature enthusiasts I think I would really love Pulau Ubin. Thanks for the tips!
If you need a relaxing breather.. I think you will definitely appreciate what Changi Village has to offer. Loads of nature too!
Changi village looks so enchanting with an old world charm. It is indeed a different world from the bustling Changi airport or Singapore. It seems as if time has taken a pause here. We did not visit this place during our last trip to Singapore, bookmarking this as a must visit in our next trip. The history of the area too is fascinating and adds to the allure.
I highly recommend! The local hotel options may be a bit high, but you will save a lot of money on food, drinks and other essentials so it sort of balances out. :D
I love visiting such offbeat gems. And, in Singapore, i have explored many. Changi village was definitely a great find. Do visit (if you have not) the Pulau Ubin. It doesn’t look like a part of Singapore. But I totally loved it.
Thanks Archana, yes I have visited Pulau Ubin also (and wrote a blog post about it). THAT place is amazing. Absolutely love it!
I really loved Singapore’s Changi village. It looks great and perfect destination to spend the holiday with family. It is very interesting to hear all the history of this beautiful village.
Me too! It’s my favorite part of Singapore now. I find it very relaxing as well as interesting. Yummy food too!
We did the typical tourist things in Singapore. We loved it so much we know we will go back. So I was glad to see your post on Changi Village. Definitely a spot we would like to visit. A laid back village vibe would definitely be a great escape from the bustle of Singapore. The beach looks like a great spot to escape. We definitely found the street food to be great all through SE Asia. Thanks for the suggestion to take a boat ride to Palau Ubin. Changi Village is a great suggestion for our next visit to Singapore.
If you prefer a slower pace, Changi Village is the perfect place to hunker down for a few days. And you are still close enough to the ‘big city’ to pop in for a dose and return to your Changi Village hidey hole. Best of both worlds in my book. I stayed there four times last year!
I am super excited by all the posts. My first school was Selerang. My Dad was in the army. We lived there for 3 years. School, swimming pool, Amahs Market, changi village, egg and chips from Unca at the pool. I just loved it and my memories are vivid. What a childhood. Going back on a nostalgia trip next May. Cannot wait. My house is still there (done my homework). Can see it clearly, road to school through the valley, again to the camp, church. Taxi to village. Shops, tailored clothes. Our Amah Sanya and her children. OMG wish it was today. Thanks for all the posts. Cannot wait also to see Singapore proper. So different from 1961-64. Looks stunning. Roll on May. Will be back to post my findings. Thanks again.
That’s very cool Lorraine! I hope the war museum is reopened by the time you get back too, because it is a very significant part of that whole area. And wow, wait til you see Pulau Ubin! It’s gorgeous!
Wow, what a great article and so helpful. I’ll be travelling here with my almost 4 year old who loves to run and splash about so this looks ideal. I’m worried about the air traffic noise, is it intrusive?
Thanks Claire. No, despite how close the airport is, there is no noise at all. You can see the planes coming in over the water, but no direct passing over Changi Village.
Hi, i was flipping through memories of my stay at Changi in Aug23 and got interested to know more about this amazing place.
It was so refreshing to go through your post and relate all my experiences.
Would also be great to mention the Hornbill Bird which is anyways the brand ambassador of this place.
In addition, there is a party which usually starts when the sun sets and spectacular views to see plane land just above your head.
Thanks Prashant. I’m not familiar with either of those highlights. Changi Village was pretty quiet when I stayed there, but the hawker’s stall was always lively. :D
We used to live at Changi as my father was posted there during his RAF days. It was a fabulous and idyllic time,
where I learnt to swim after school, mandarin chinese and mah jong. Although in my middle 60’s I have very very fond memories of those days.
Wow, such a diverse childhood! So you grew up there is the 60s, must have been interesting times as well.