Changi Village: A uniquely Singapore neighborhood heartland

During the weekends and holiday makers flock their way to Pulau Ubin and Pengarang in Malaysia through the Changi Point Ferry Terminal.

Changi is home to the former Changi Hospital. The hospital was built in the 1930s and was known as the Royal Airforce Hospital. During the Japanese occupation of World War II, atrocities were known to be committed here and today it is rumored to be haunted by restless souls. Also nearby is the old Commando HQ which was built in 1935 by the British for the defense of the eastern front and Johor Straits. Changi Beach itself is the location of a mass execution of Chinese who were rounded up by the Japanese soldiers during World War II. 

Bumboats leaving from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal run daily from 7.00am-4.00pm for Pengarang and from 5.30am-9.00pm for Pulau Ubin. City dwellers enjoy their trip to Pengarang for its cheap and fresh seafood. One can even get the local fruit stall holders to arrange a visit to their durian plantation for a durian buffet during the fruit's on season. This is certainly a heavenly treat if you are a durian lover. Pulau Ubin is great for folks who want a peek of life in Singapore in the 1960s as life for the islanders has withstood the passage of time. Bicycles are best for exploring the island and can be rented from the island jetty. 

Green scenes and red lights

The nearby Changi Point Boardwalk brings you to lush coastal greenery. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon to catch the sunset. Marine life and birds are sure visitors here. The 1.2 km walk consists of the “sailing point walk”, “cliff walk”, “kelong walk” and “sunset walk”. Continuing the walk from Changi Beach club to Changi Village covers a total of 2.6 km and forms the Changi Point Coastal Walk. 

Great Nasi Lemak at Changi Village.

Many Singaporeans are known to specially drive to Changi Village for its gastronomical delights. Available here are a multitude of coffeeshops, cafés, pubs, Western and chinese restaurants to suit all budgets. Visitors should never fail to dine at Blk 2 Changi Village Rd which is a hawker center serving a wide variety of local delights. Food courts in shopping malls dish out factory mass-produced food whereas hawker center food reflects the real flavor and character of local cuisine. There are many stores selling Nasi Lemak, BBQ Seafood, Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee. The Nasi Lemak at Sri Sujana is one of the best around in the hawker center with its fluffy rice and great chilies. The store is opened daily from 7am–2am except Monday. Do remember to go very hungry!

Changi Village is also well known for its seedy nocturnal activities late in the night. Transvestites loiter near the carpark of Changi Point ferry terminal waiting for customers to pick them up.  

With its rich history, lush coastal greenery and mindboggling array of gastronomical delights, Changi Village is certainly a unique Singaporean neighborhood which is worth visiting whether you are a resident or visitor.

How to get to Changi Village and Changi Boardwalk :
Take bus service 29, which travels between Tampines Interchange and Changi Village Terminal. Alight along Netheravon Road and walk to the boardwalk entrance. Visitors can also take bus service 2 from the bus-stop opposite Tanah Merah MRT station to Changi Village Terminal and then walk to the boardwalk entrance.

Where to Stay :
Changi Village Hotel,
1 Netheravon Road, Spore 508502.
Tel: (65) 6235-2498