Changi Village is a marvel among all the waterfront stops in Singapore. Located at the Northern side of Changi which itself is situated towards the eastern end of Singapore, this village exudes a unique charm with white shorelines decorated all through with coconut palms. Access to the beach, good food, sanctuaries and nature make Changi Village ideal for a tranquil day-out.
Changi Village supposedly derives its name from Chengai trees which are indigenous to the area. The serene area shares fair historical importance because of its active role in both Japanese conquest and World War 2. The vibe of this village is quite laid-back although modern, with scenic beauty all around, shores with a minimal number of people and lots of fresh air to breathe. Changi Village is also home to Changi ferry terminal from which there are regular ferry rides to Pulau Ubin and Malaysia. The village is well known for its resorts and leisure facilities making it a popular weekend getaway for people from all over Singapore.
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Things to Do in Changi Village
Walk Along Changi Point Boardwalk: Segregated into six different sections, namely the Beach Walk, the Cliff Walk, the Creek Walk, the Kelong Walk, the Sailing Point Walk, and the Sunset Walk, this picturesque coastal walkway, traversing lush mangroves, traversing along the length of the Changi Village. This 2.2 kilometre walkway along the waterfront is open 24 hours a day and is the ideal place to relax for a while.
Relax at Changi Beach Park: The 28-hectare Changi Beach Park is one of the oldest coastal parks in Singapore with rich historical significance. This place had served as a brutal killing ground for the Japanese Army during the Second World War. At present, this serene park serves as an ideal place for hosting overnight picnics, jogging, or simply lazing around to watch the beautiful sunrise and sunset. It also houses a playground with various recreational activities for children.
The stunning Changi Beach (Source)Visit Changi Chapel and Museum: Formerly located beside the Changi Prison, the Changi Chapel and Museum was shifted to a new site at a distance of one kilometre from the former place when the Changi Prison was expanded in 2001. The extensive collection of photographs, letters and paintings along with artefacts from the Second World War makes this place a must-visit. Photography is not allowed inside the premises. The museum also has a gift shop which houses memorabilia and books for sale.
Eat your Heart Out at Changi Village Hawker Centre: Apart from the splendid scenic beauty, the Changi Village excels in serving delicious food as well. Renowned for its scrumptious Nasi Lemak and steaming Hokkien Noodles, the Changi Village Hawker Centre is a popular hub among the food connoisseurs. The endless choices and the long length of queues may be a challenge at first, but who doesn't enjoy some appetizing food at an affordable price?
Visit Sree Ramar Temple: With a humble beginning as a shrine at the foot of a tree, the Sree Ramar Temple is a magnificent place of worship with the Hindu Lord Rama as its presiding deity. Various religious ceremonies like the Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, Chandi Homams, Navratri festival, and the Thiruvilakku pooja are held here with pomp and pomposity, drawing in a larger number of devotees on a regular basis. Primarily a Vaishnavite temple, Sree Ramar is also home to Saivite deities which help the Hindus to carry out the post-funeral rituals at the sea before proceeding to the temple so that the rites and rituals may reach completion. This religious temple also houses the deities of Quan Yin and Lord Buddha in order to cater to the religious needs of the non-Hindus.
Changi Village began its life as a kampong village before being redeveloped into a summerhouse by the British in the 1890s. The original redevelopments are still preserved in the resorts that stand here today. In the 1920s, the village only housed a couple of bungalows and a small police station. It was in the early 1800s that the former Tanjong Rusa came to be known as Tanjong Changi.
The origin of the name of the village remains debatable to date. While some believe that Changi Village derived its name from "changi ular", a climbing shrub, many others say that the indigenous Chengai tree is responsible for the nomenclature of the village. During the Second World War, most of the Chengai trees were cut down in order to clear the path for the Royal Air Force Base. Only one tree, standing at a towering height of seventy-six metres tall remained, serving as a prominent landmark. However, even that tree was shortened and eventually cut down to make sure that the Japanese flyers could not identify and attack the base. Today, the laid-back Changi Village offers a pleasant atmosphere to the ones who visit.
Bus: Get on the bus 2, 29, 59 or 109 which arrive at the Changi Point Bus Terminal right next to the Changi Village Hawker Centre.
MRT: If disembarking at the Tanah Merah MRT Station, then board bus 2 from the Exit B bus stop and you will reach Changi Village. From Tampines MRT Station, get on bus 29 from the Tampines Bus Stop to be dropped off at the Changi Point Bus Terminal. Ferry: From Pulau Ubin, ride a bumboat with eleven others for SGD 3 and reach the Changi Point Ferry Terminal within fifteen minutes.
