Found on the eastern edge of Singapore, Changi stands as a testament to the city-state’s rich history and cultural heritage. Over the years, this district has become a beacon for both locals and tourists seeking a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Come along with us as we journey to explore Changi’s timeless charm.
Accommodation
Changi offers a diverse range of accommodation options that cater to a wide range of travellers. From cosy lodgings to new experiences, there’s something for everyone!
Village Hotel Changi
Located in Changi Village, Village Hotel Changi is the perfect place for guests looking for a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The hotel is packed with amenities, boasting a rooftop pool and a hot tub that provides captivating views of the ocean. A 10 minute walk away from the bumboat terminal to Pulau Ubin and Chek Jawa Wetlands, and just a short walk away from shops and hawker stalls at Changi Village, making it a fully versatile location!
Civil Service Club
The Civil Service Club is an exciting activity hub that serves as an interesting playground for adventurers! With their wide array of accommodations at their various gorgeous villas and a plethora of amenities including a bowling alley, a BBQ pit and several tennis courts, catering to whatever prospective visitors desire. Whether you're seeking a relaxing getaway or an action-packed escape, the Civil Service Club invites you to explore and indulge in a myriad of recreational experiences.
Source: https://www.csc.sg/
The Bus Collective
The Bus Collective is a must-see for those seeking new and unique experiences! Conveniently situated in the heart of Changi Village, the rooms here are made out of re-purposed buses! This innovative concept not only adds a touch of novelty to your stay but also contributes to environmental sustainability. It's a testament to how hospitality can blend creativity and eco-consciousness for a memorable and environmentally responsible getaway!
Cafes & Restaurants
If you are in the area and looking for a myriad of cuisines to sample, but don’t wish to succumb to the overpriced options at Jewel? Look no further! Just a short distance from the airport, Changi Village offers a wide selection of food options to choose from, featuring dishes from every nook and cranny of the world. From local Singaporean classics to far-flung Hungarian goulash, you are bound to find something you will enjoy here.
This cafe has the most Instagrammable 3D latte art and scrumptious food! You can have a whole meal here or just enjoy their starters as a snack with friends. With a price range of about $8-$25 for food, I’d say this place is pretty wallet-friendly. Chock Full Of Beans also has a warm, cosy atmosphere which makes it perfect for sitting around and chatting with friends. Check out their website for the menu!
3D Latte Art from Chock Full Of Beans
Ciclo e Caffe
Love ice cream? Check out Ciclo e Caffe for delicious gelato and sorbets. They also offer pastries such as croissants and cakes! This is not just any cafe though, it is bicycle-themed with its name, Ciclo e Caffe, meaning cycling and coffee. While the menu is unavailable to be viewed online, the price range is rather wallet-friendly, with reviews suggesting an approximate fee of $10/pax. If you’re looking for a place to cool down after cycling around Changi, Ciclo e Caffe is the place for you!
Jacob’s Cafe
This charming British pub-themed restaurant features an interesting selection of Hainanese, Japanese and Western food! If you are ever interested in trying cold soba with a side of German pork knuckles and Hainanese mutton soup, this fusion restaurant is the pick for you.
A sneak peek into their multitude of options
Source: Jacob’s Cafe website
JeukSeokTown
Korean food lovers, not to fear! This deceptively old town also has options to cater to your taste buds. Our pick, JeukSeokTown, is a pocha-style eatery – classic Korean street food that is typically under small tented stalls with a food cart on wheels. Featuring the classic silver metal tables and chairs, you can take your pocha experience a step further by sitting in the outdoor seats, or you could beat the heat and sit in the air-conditioned area. Unfortunately, they will be relocating to Pasir Ris, so do check with them before making a trip down!
Inside the shop features many cute decorations
Each dish comes with Korean side dishes - anchovies, pickled radish, kimchi, and corn. Not only is it extremely generous with its portions, it is also very affordable. After our meal, we were also given complimentary ice cream!
Free food!
Most of our recommendations are relatively affordable, but the cheapest options here have got to be the famous Changi Village Hawker Centre. For tourists, this is a perfect opportunity to sample various local delights such as satay, nasi lemak, laksa, fish slice soup, soursop juice… The list goes on forever. On weekday evenings, you may even encounter singers and guitarists busking. Ditch the usual Lao Pau Sat, the Crazy Rich Asians’ hotspot and give Changi Village’s hawker centre a try!
Free Activities
Changi Village surely reminds us that we can appreciate the beauty of simplicity, while finding contentment in nature and those around us.
Before reading further, here’s a quick social experiment:
Reach into your pocket
Take out your wallet
Reach into said wallet
What do you feel? Exactly. That’s the broke-student experience we are all familiar with. However, instead of dwelling on the lack of funds, let's shift gears and embrace the wealth of free opportunities around us! Because, let's be honest, being broke doesn’t mean being devoid of fun. Some of the best experiences come free of charge.
Those who relish all things flora and fauna will not be disappointed by the lush greenery Changi Village has to offer! Changi Village is surely a love letter to all nature lovers, providing a getaway from the hustle and bustle of our notorious city life.
A vehicle we don’t see quite often!
Changi Point Coastal Boardwalk
The Changi Point Coastal Boardwalk provides a tranquil environment for you to admire the flora and fauna as you tread across the quaint wooden walkway. Open 24 hours a day, it is an approximately 2km trek along the shoreline and perfect for exercising after satiating your hunger at the nearby restaurants. Just remember to protect yourself against the sun as Singapore’s infamous heat is not a joke!
Such picturesque views are a photographer’s haven.
Changi Beach Park
Just a short walk away is Changi Beach Park, a destination that seeks to please with its white sandy beach and refreshing sea breeze. The tranquil stretch of coastline Changi Beach offers also provides an unobstructed view of aircraft taking off and landing against the backdrop of the sandy shores and the expansive sky. The seamless dance of aircraft against the azure sky presents a captivating sight, offering a thrilling visual experience without spending a dime. This free activity allows students to immerse themselves in the beauty of aviation while enjoying the serene ambience of Changi Beach.
For those who are looking to spend an enjoyable evening with their loved ones, you’ll be happy to know that there are BBQ pits (which you can book on NParks website), park benches and shelters for your relaxation. It also remains a picnic-friendly location with a multitude of provision shops near Changi Village Hawker Centre with traditional snacks to spoil you with.
The fun does not stop there! Changi Beach is known as one of the go-to spots for fishing in Singapore due to its abundance of fish species and the many tackle shops nearby! Namely, Changi Pro Tackle, Gary’s Tackle and Riverland Tackle. Whether you are a seasoned angler or an amateur itching to try something new, Changi Beach is the place for you.
From Changi Beach Car Park 7, you can even cycle to your heart’s content along the Changi Bay Park Connector, which takes you on a 3.6km adventure.
If all this has not satisfied you, why not take a bumboat ride to Pulau Ubin? Departing from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, the bumboats operate from 6 am to 7 pm, leaving you plenty of time to explore the hidden gems both Pulau Ubin and Changi Village have to offer.
More information here: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/pulau-ubin/visit/directions-and-map
Dog Watching Delight
As a haven for budget-conscious students seeking free activities, Changi Village offers a unique opportunity at the Civil Service Club (CSC). Pet lovers can revel in the joy of dog-watching without spending a dime! CSC hosts a doggie daycare, allowing visitors to spend leisurely hours observing adorable pooches at play while their owners explore Changi Village's attractions. This free pastime caters to those seeking a delightful, cost-effective way to unwind amidst the lively ambience of Changi.
Civil Service Club
Former Changi Hospital: Free Accommodation Haven
The former Changi Hospital provides a distinctive and budget-friendly accommodation option for adventurous students. Situated in Changi's historic district, this unconventional choice appeals to those seeking an offbeat stay. While it may not align with traditional lodging norms due to its lack of modern amenities and eerie atmosphere, it offers a unique experience for budget-conscious individuals eager to explore an unconventional setting amidst Changi's historical backdrop.
Old Changi Hospital
Conclusion
Changi Village, nestled on the eastern edge of Singapore, unfolds as a haven for students seeking cost-free yet enriching activities. From dog watching at the Civil Service Club to enjoying plane sightings at Changi Beach, and even contemplating an adventurous stay at the former Changi Hospital, this vibrant district caters to budget-conscious individuals seeking both leisure and affordability. As students navigate their academic journey, Changi Village stands as a testament to the array of free and enticing activities available, ensuring that financial constraints need not hinder the pursuit of memorable experiences.
Written by: Ashley Teo (EJC 23-U1), Hannah Phua (EJC 23-O4), Tan Zhi Shan (EJC 23-I1), Iann Chin (HCI 23S75), Pang Tjin Wen, Katelyn (HCI 23S7A)
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