Beyond the airport and Jewel, Changi is a treasure trove of fascinating sights and delectable cuisines.
We’ve debated about underrated neighbourhoods before, but if there’s one place that deserves to be talked about more, it’s Changi. Sure, the airport and Jewel reside there, but there are plenty of other things you can do and see in this ‘hood. And of course, you can’t forget the excellent food options. Is your mind still drawing a blank? Don’t worry – here’s our guide to this sleepy estate.
Changi guide: Top things to do in this ‘hood
1. Changi Beach
Other than the airport, the beach is the next thing everyone thinks of when you mention Changi. It’s considered the quieter alternative to East Coast Park and Pasir Ris Beach, all thanks to its kampung vibes. Swing by on the weekends and you’ll spot folks enjoying a picnic, cycling, and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. Psst: Changi Beach is supposedly haunted due to the Sook Ching massacre during WWII. Yikes.
Changi Beach, along Nicoll Drive, Singapore 498991
2. Changi Chapel & Museum
Speaking of WWII, those curious to learn more about what happened in Singapore during that time can drop by this museum. Yes, there’s one in this ‘hood. Apart from shedding light on our country’s wartime history, Changi Chapel & Museum also showcases the stories of soldiers and prisoners of war. Visitors can contribute to the museum’s archives so the legacies live on. After you’re done, fuel up at The Bark Cafe.
Changi Chapel & Museum, 1000 Upper Changi Road North, Singapore 507707
3. Changi City Point
If the west has IMM, you can say this retail establishment is the east’s equivalent. A stone’s throw away from Expo MRT station, Changi City Point is renowned for its factory outlets of well-known brands such as Converse, Under Armour, Adidas, Timberland, and more. Besides shopping, visitors can also savour a good mix of food options, stock up on groceries, and even break a sweat at the rock climbing gym.
Changi City Point, 5 Changi Business Park Central 1, Singapore 486038
4. Changi Point Coastal Walk
Get your steps in by taking a leisurely stroll along the eastern coastline. Spanning 2.2km and featuring six sections, it offers a glimpse of boats ferrying people to nearby offshore islands and Johor from afar. Make your way down during dusk to chase the magnificent sunset. The boardwalk is well-lit at night, so you can enjoy a romantic walk with bae. Depending on your speed, you can cover the distance between 45 minutes and two hours.
Changi Point Coastal Walk, 6 Changi Village Road, Singapore 509907
5. Old Changi Hospital
Warning: this place is not for the faint of heart. If you have nerves of steel and a fascination with the supernatural, go on a ghostly adventure around this abandoned building. The old Changi Hospital has a colourful history that still scares the bejesus out of many people in Singapore. There were plans to refurbish this infamous landmark into a hotel, but we’ve yet to see them come to fruition. Perhaps the otherworldly beings there made sure they fell through…
Old Changi Hospital, 24 Halton Road, Singapore 506997
6. Singapore Navy Museum
Ever wondered what life in the Republic of Singapore Navy is like? You can get your answers and more at this museum. Discover how it all started, the various challenges our Navy took on, and how our country plays a part in international disaster relief operations. The young and young at heart can have some fun at the simulation stations. Need help figuring out where to begin? Pick up an audio guide and it’ll lead you through the museum.
Singapore Navy Museum, 112 Tanah Merah Coast Road, Singapore 498794
7. Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore
This five-star hotel is the epitome of a sweet escape from the city. Leave your worries behind when you walk through the resort’s entrance and look forward to a fitful stay. Indulge in the ultimate pampering sesh at the in-house spa, work on your golf game at the nearby championship golf courses, or simply relax in the poolside cabana. Grab a table at the lush, forest-themed restaurant Greenhouse, where its five kitchens serve multi-ethnic cuisine. Sip a drink at the Legends Bar before retiring for the night.
Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore, 11 Laguna Golf Green, Singapore 488047
Changi guide: Best food places to fuel up
8. The Coastal Settlement
Dining with a side of vibes, anyone? We’re confident no one can say no to that. Being in The Coastal Settlement is like going back in time: the restaurant feels like a Straits Chinese home, with retro memorabilia scattered around the space. Vintage vehicles, old typewriters, antique furniture… you name it, this place probably has it. Choose to sit at the cosy nook indoors with padded leather chairs or in the alfresco section. The menu ranges from local delights like nasi lemak and Hokkien mee to Western favourites such as pizzas and pasta. Oh, it’s also a pet-friendly place, so your furry friends can join the fun.
The Coastal Settlement, 200 Netheravon Road, Singapore 508529
9. Stella Seaside Lounge
Those preferring a laidback dining experience can hit up this beachside establishment. Think swaying palm trees, gentle beach waves, and sunlight shining down on your face. (There are shaded spots and indoor seating if you don’t want to bake under the sun.) Don’t forget to snap loads of photos and vibe to the live music acts that come on in the evenings. What about the nosh? Diners can feast on burgers, grilled meats, and seafood, as well as enjoy signature cocktails and wines by the bottle.
Stella Seaside Lounge, NSRCC Sea Sports Centre, 11 Changi Coast Walk, Singapore 499740
10. Chock Full of Beans
What? There’s a cafe in Changi? We’d like to think that if a neighbourhood has at least one of those, it’s not considered remote anymore. Chock Full of Beans is an institution in this neck of the woods, with its red brick wall and warm yellow lighting. The baristas are extremely skilled in intricate latte art; request customisable 2D or 3D art with your coffee order and leave the rest to the talented folks. If you’re feeling peckish, the cafe offers starters, sandos, hearty mains, and brunch options. Go for the set lunch if you happen to be here during that time of the day.
Chock Full of Beans, #01-2090, 4 Changi Village Road, Singapore 500004
11. Little Island Brewing Co.
As you know, we’re all for supporting local, and this brand rightfully deserves a shoutout. Little Island is a triple threat: it’s a microbrewery, smokehouse, and restaurant, all in one location. Diners can witness how its craft beers, which range from light and refreshing pale ales to bold and complex stouts, are brewed here. The beers are so good even The New York Times recommends them! So grab a pint, sit under the stars, and enjoy the island life here.
Little Island Brewing Co., #01-01/02, 6 Changi Village Road, Singapore 509907
12. Cosford Container Park
After Timbre+ evacuated its Singapore Expo premises, we thought we wouldn’t see a similar set-up in Changi. Fortunately, we were proven wrong. Enter Cosford Container Park, touted as our country’s largest F&B container park. There are 13 stalls offering grub such as Korean fried chicken, boat noodles, artisanal bite-sized tarts, and more. Imbibers will be glad to know there’s a rooftop bar where they can get their hands on a dizzying array of cocktails. While the time away playing simple games at JJ Games and watching live screenings of sports matches.
Cosford Container Park, 30 Cosford Road, Singapore 499550
13. Changi Village Hawker Centre
If nothing on this list strikes your fancy, you can always go to Changi Village Hawker Centre, a tried and true food spot. The name of the game is local delicacies at affordable prices, and you can find those in spades here. This hawker centre is synonymous with nasi lemak (there are multiple stalls serving their own versions), but you can also get Ipoh hor fun from Weng Kee Ipoh Hor Fun, satay bee hoon from Woon Woon Pek Beehoon, Million Stars Goreng Pisang’s banana fritters, and international cuisines. Come with an empty stomach!
Changi Village Hawker Centre, 2 Changi Village Road, Singapore 500002
With these top things to do and the best food places in Changi, who says this ‘hood isn’t cool?
