Changi

Changi is a planning area at the eastern tip of Singapore, home to Changi Airport (SIN) — consistently ranked among the world's best airports — and a treasure trove of history, nature, and coastal charm. Beyond the airport, Changi offers WWII heritage sites, rustic villages, the Changi Boardwalk, and access to the offshore island of Pulau Ubin.

Tropical climate year-round (27-33°C), with coastal breezes making it slightly cooler than inland areas.

By Plane

Changi Airport (SIN) — located right in Changi. Taxi to the coast: 5-10 min ($8-12).

By Train

Changi Airport MRT (CG2) is on the Changi Airport branch of the East-West Line, 35 min from Raffles Place. Tanah Merah MRT (EW4) is the interchange station.

By Car / Road

Accessible via the East Coast Parkway (ECP) and Pan Island Expressway (PIE). Parking at Changi Village ($1-2/h), Changi Beach, and Changi Chapel.

Buses (e.g., 2, 9, 19, 29, 35, 59, 88, 89, 109, 168, 858) connect the airport, Changi Village, and surrounding areas. Cycling is popular along the coastal paths.

• Changi Chapel and Museum (1000 Upper Changi Road North) — A replica of the WWII POW chapel with moving exhibits about the Japanese occupation. Daily 9:30AM-4:30PM. Free.

• Changi Boardwalk — A 2.2 km wooden boardwalk hugging the coastline from Changi Beach Club to Changi Sailing Club. Free.

• Changi Beach — A seaside park with coconut palms, ideal for picnics and plane-spotting. Free.

• Pulau Ubin — A rustic island accessible by bumboat ($2.50) from Changi Village jetty, with cycling trails and the Chek Jawa Wetlands.

• Changi Village — A low-rise village with hawker centres, shops, and a kampong atmosphere.

• Watch planes take off and land at the Changi Airport viewing galleries (Terminal 1, 2, 3 — free).

• Cycle around Pulau Ubin (bike rental from $2/day).

• Explore the Chek Jawa Wetlands (Pulau Ubin) — Mangrove boardwalk and observation tower.

• Walk the Changi Boardwalk at sunset.

• Visit the Changi Chapel and Museum.

• Jewel Changi Airport — A nature-themed entertainment and retail complex with the Rain Vortex (the world's tallest indoor waterfall).

• Changi Village Hawker Centre — Famous for nasi lemak ($3-5), satay, and BBQ chicken wings. One of Singapore's best hawker centres.
• Changi Beach restaurants — The Coastal Settlement (quirky café in a heritage building).
• Jewel Changi Airport — Over 100 F&B outlets ranging from $5 hawker food to Michelin-starred dining.
• Pulau Ubin — Simple seafood restaurants on the island.

The Coastal Settlement (200 Netheravon Road) — Cocktails and coffee in a retro heritage setting. Jewel Changi has bubble tea and coffee chains.

• Budget: Jewel Changi Airport transit hotels ($80-120/night for capsules).
• Mid-range: Village Hotel Changi ($130-160/night) — a resort-style hotel near the airport.
• Upscale: Crowne Plaza Changi Airport ($180-250/night) — connected to Terminal 3.

• Jewel Changi Airport — Luxury shopping, unique Singaporean souvenirs, and the Shiseido Forest Valley.
• Changi Village shops — Simple convenience stores.

• Pulau Ubin (15 min by bumboat) — Rustic island cycling.
• Changi Village (5 min by bus) — Hawker food and coastal walks.
• East Coast Park (15 min by taxi) — Long beach park.
• Tampines (10 min by MRT) — Regional shopping.
• Pasir Ris (12 min by MRT) — Beach and water park.