[Updated: 25 June 2021]
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the Changi precinct is perfect for a tranquil getaway! Not only is it near the sea, but Changi also has plenty of nature, a rich history and delicious halal food. With Changi’s slower pace of life, you’ll get to explore More to Singapore with your friends and see another side of the country. Here are 9 exciting things to do in Changi that you won’t want to miss!
1. Go on an adventure at Pulau Ubin & Chek Jawa Wetlands
Just a short bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, you’ll find the rustic Pulau Ubin where you’ll get a peek of “kampong life” in Singapore. Sign up for a tour of Pulau Ubin and Chek Jawa Wetlandsto find out more about its history, flora and fauna and check out some of Singapore’s last remaining kampongs. You’ll also get to uncover the rich ecosystem and marine wildlife of Chek Jawa Wetlands.
Price: $60
2. Kayak around a lesser-known island near Pulau Ubin
Credit: Klook
For those of you who are up for a workout, sign up for a kayaking adventure at Pulau Ketam, a lesser-known island off Pulau Ubin! Guided by adventure leaders, you’ll get to kayak in the open sea and get close to mangrove habitats or even spot otters and water monitor lizards. Don’t worry if you are new to kayaking as this beginner-friendly tour will ensure that you are well taken care of!
Price: $96.05
3. Have a scrumptious kelong seafood meal at Smith Marine Floating Restaurant
If you want to have a view of the sea while having your meal, head over to Smith Marine, Singapore’s first floating restaurant for a scrumptious seafood meal at a kelong! Indulge in a 4 or 5-course set meal and enjoy their signature Chilli Crab, Cereal or Salted Egg Squid. What’s unique about the Salted Egg Squid is that the squid is coated in a thick salted egg batter before it’s deep-fried, giving it a rich flavour. You can even try your hand at catching live fish, like snapper and sea bass, then request for the Chef to cook it in whatever style you prefer!
Halal status: Halal-certified
Price: $270 (for 2-3 pax), $360 (3-4 pax)
Book Smith Marine’s set meals on Klook! (inclusive of two-way transfer)
4. Discover Singapore’s kelongs and learn about fish farming
Credit: Klook
For a unique experience at Changi, hop on a kelong boat tour to uncover Singapore’s North- Eastern seas. The 3-hour tour will bring you to various kelongs that you might not have been to before and learn more about fish-farming and land reclamation. You can even add on a sure-catch fishing experience!
Price: $100
5. Take a stroll on the Changi Coastal Walk
Credit: NParks on Facebook
Your trip to Changi wouldn’t be complete without taking a stroll on the Changi Coastal Walk! This leisure walk brings you along Changi’s northern coast with the sound of waves crashing and the sight of yachts to accompany you. You can even go on a kelong boardwalk which stretches out to the sea and catch a breathtaking sunset ?
6. Have a relaxing picnic at Changi Beach
As compared to the popular East Coast Park, Changi Beach is definitely a quieter option and its tranquil vibe will give you the respite you need. It’s also one of Singapore's oldest coastal parks where you can lay down your picnic mat and enjoy the sea breeze.
Credit: Klook
Jazz up your day at the beach by booking Glam Picnic by the Sea, a glamping/picnic package! The Glam Picnic setup is Instagrammable and the best part is that it’s fuss-free as the glamping company will set it up for you. Picnics can host up to 8 people and last for 3.5 hours, but take note of the current regulations of a pax of five per social gathering. There are different setups to choose from and if you’re more budget-conscious, you can opt for the DIY packages instead. What’s great is that all picnic packages (except DIY picnics) come with halal and vegetarian food with items like cheese, crackers, cream cakes, sparkling juice and more!
Price: From $68
Book your glam picnic on Klook!
7. Feast on yummy halal food at Changi Village
Credit: Mizzy Corner on Facebook
With the variety of halal food options at Changi Village, you can go on a mini food trail when you’re in Changi! Delight your taste buds with fragrant nasi lemak at Mizzy Corner, International Muslim Food Stall Nasi Lemak and Sri Sujana Nasi Lemak. Take your pick of nasi lemak sets from chicken wing to otah, fish and more ? If you’re up for an international food feast, savour halal dim sum at Tang Tea House or Korean Army Stew at Sedap Mania.
Credit: @makanmelaka on Instagram
To cap off your food trail, head over to Makan Melaka for their traditional cendol. The coconut gravy isn’t too thick and sweetened with gula Melaka, so it will be a light dessert. You can choose to top up your cendol with red beans, durian and sweet corn too!
Halal status: Mizzy Corner, International Muslim Food Nasi Lemak, Sri Sujana Nasi Lemak and Makan Melaka are Muslim-owned. Tang Tea House and Sedap Mania are halal-certified.
8. Explore the colonial houses at Changi
Credit: @hafiz_bacon on Instagram
If you venture off Changi Village towards Cranwell Road, Andover Road and Hendon Road, you’ll notice a number of British colonial houses in the neighbourhood. These houses used to house British military officials back in the day but now most of them have turned into residential areas or restaurants. Even though they are decades-old, they still retain their charm and make an IG-worthy backdrop for photos!
9. Learn more about Singapore’s history at Changi Museum
Credit: Jnzl’s photos on Flickr
Though Changi offers a peaceful and relaxing getaway today, the precinct also had a dark past. Thousands of Prisoners-of-War (POWs) and civilians were interned at Changi Prison during the Japanese Occupation and you can learn more about the war at Changi Museum. Take a 45-minute guided tour around the museum and check out photographs, letters and drawings which belonged to prisoners.
So, if you’re looking to rediscover a new spot in Singapore, make Changi your next destination! From its coastal vibes to abundant nature, yummy halal food and rich history, you’ll be able to plan a fun-filled day in Changi.