A trip to Changi can yield many fun family memories! From Changi Village to Changi Beach Park, let's explore what the Eastern end of Singapore has to offer families!
Usually, when we write about Changi, it is about the Changi Airport or Jewel Changi Airport. So this time, we are looking deeper into the Eastern end of Singapore and to discover what else can a family do there! From food to play, there is so much to explore - here's our guide of the Best Things To Do In Changi For Families!
*This article is done with contributions from Civil Service Club who manages the chalets at – CSC @ Changi l, CSC @ Changi ll and CSC @ Loyang
Play & Explore
Many families may travel to Changi to have a meal at the popular Changi Village Hawker Centre, let's discover what else can families expect when visiting the area.
Changi Village
Changi Village, known for famous nasi lemak stalls, is a charming neighbourhood with remnants of old Singapore and allows families to get outside of the bustle of city life.
Beyond the food, you and your little ones can enjoy the coastal backdrop and calming sea breeze, and if you are lucky, chance upon the occasional wild otters and hornbills as you stroll along the Changi Point Coastal Walk or Changi Beach Park.
Changi Point Coastal Walk
Not many are aware that tucked away in the western end of Changi Point is a boardwalk, the Changi Point Coastal Walk, that offers a beautiful view of the coastline. Open 24 hours, families can easily stroll along this continuous scenic route after a meal - just remember to come in a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
The well-lit boadwalk is 2.2km, offering six distinct sections to be explored - Creek Walk, Beach Walk, Sailing Point Walk, Cliff Walk, Kelong Walk and Sunset Walk. It starts at Changi Creek in the east and stretches to the western rocky coast near Changi Beach Club, before finally linking up to Changi Point or Loyang Park Connector at Netheravon Road.
This is an easy walk, even for kids. The entire walk will take approx. 45min to an hour, and you will get to soak in the rustic and natural ambience, where the terrain, flora and fauna have been well-integrated into the design of the boardwalk.
Changi Beach Park
A family-friendly destination, Changi Beach Park is a 28-hectare beach park stretching 3.3km where children can run wild around the two playgrounds located on the beach. Let the little ones ignite their imagination and go on a nautical adventure filled with bucket seats, climbing nets and even a wooden castaway raft - be prepared to stay here for an hour or more!
For families who wish to explore the beach on a bicycle, there is a bike rental kiosk that even has quad family bicycles!
Pulau Ubin
Known as home to the last surviving “kampungs” in Singapore, Pulau Ubin is a 1,020ha island is home to wooden jetties, wooden house villages, laid-back inhabitants, abandoned quarries and plantations, and preserved nature trails and wildlife,
To get to the island, you can board a ferry at Changi Point Ferry Terminal, which is located beside the Changi Village Hawker Centre, for a 15min boat ride to the island. There is so much for families to do on the island - from trekking to cycling, we have prepared a Family's Guide To Pulau Ubin with more details on the family-friendly activities and tips for families visiting Pulau Ubin.
Chek Jawa Wetland
Photo Credits: NParks
If we need to point out one activity on Pulau Ubin, it will be a family visit to the Chek Jawa Wetland. Located on the remote, eastern end of Pulau Ubin,
Chek Jawa has one of Singapore’s richest ecosystems featuring six distinct ecological habitats spanning across approx. 100 hectares of natural ecosystems. This is where the sandy beach, rocky beach, seagrass lagoon, coral rubble, mangroves and coastal forest meet, and where you will make ecological finds that are seldom seen on mainland Singapore.
Changi Museum and Chapel
The Changi Chapel and Museum (CCM) is an iconic monument dedicated to the Prisoner of Wars (POWs) who endured the Japanese Occupation of Singapore in World War II. The revamped museum reopened it doors in May 2021 to shed light on the riveting personal stories of prisoners of POWs and civilians interned in Changi prison camp during the Japanese Occupation.
Here, you will find over 100 artefacts, consisting of donations and community loans from families of the internees as well as multimedia offerings including a re-created Changi Gaol cell where the internees were housed.
Admission is free for Singaporeans and PRs, get more details here.
CSC Chalets (Family Suites & Villas)
While the Civil Service Club (CSC) is the ultimate social club for members and public service officers, the CSC Chalets are open to booking from the public too! You don't need to be a member or get a member to book for you (however, members do get discounted rates and preferential early booking).
Chalets at CSC @ Changi I* are fully furnished, modern chalets, that are thoughtfully designed to provide you an enjoyable stay experience. Guest can enjoy an unparalleled view of the sea from the swimming pool, children can have fun at the water play features and a pirate ship-themed playground, and families can create family fun at the 20-lane bowling alley or make use of the barbeque facilities during their stay!
If you are thinking of staying, we highly recommend that families consider the Family Suites and Villas for the ultimate stay experience. These are larger chalets that offer more space for families to enjoy their stay - prices start from $392 per night and do check the Wonderful Wednesday promotions for weekly last-minute deals of up to 40% off!
*Chalets at CSC @ Chalet II and CSC @ Loyang are currently Government Covid-19 Support Facilities.
F&B Options
Photo Credits: NDO Cafe
From local street food to quaint diners, with cuisines to match every whim and occasion, you won’t go hungry at Changi - and it is not just nasi lemak your family will be having! Here's a list of restaurants, cafes and bars that we think you should be checking out!
Chock Full Of Beans
The sweet aroma of locally roasted coffee constantly fills the air at this warm and cosy cafe. At Chock Full Of Bean, your family can expect a wide variety of food choices ranging from pasta, sandwiches, cakes and desserts, but most impressively, be swept away by the exquisite 2D and 3D Latte Art done by the in-house barista!
KiBar Japanese Grill + Bistro
Located within CSC @ Changi I, KiBar combines rustic beachside flair and vintage deco with a modern twist. Visiting in the evenings, you will get seated outdoors with a setting perfect for photos! Just note that the bar area is not open for children below 12 years old and the outdoor seating area is not open when it rains. In the event of rain, you will get a seat in the indoor seating area instead.
Chocolate Origin
If your family has a sweet tooth, you won't want to miss the ice creams and cakes at Chocolate Origin! From ice-cold chocolate shakes to freshly brewed artisan lattes, take your time and enjoy your drinks!
Little Island Brewing Co.
For fresh, locally-brewed craft beers paired with tantalising 15-hour smoked beef brisket and melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, you must come to Little Island Brewing Co. This one is for the mummies and daddies who like their beers in a chill setting!
Muslim Delights
Located at CSC @ Changi I, Muslim Delights is one of the top Halal catering services in Singapore and was a Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee in 2018. From a small Nasi Padang stall in an army camp, Muslim Delights has risen to become the preferred caterer for local celebrities including singer Taufik Batista. The must-tries include beef rendang and nasi ayam!
NDO Cafe
NDO cafe specialises in sweet and savoury crêpes, waffles, gelato and traditional French cidre. If you need a chic spot to watch the kids, this is the chicest spot at Changi Village!
The Coastal Settlement
A casual dining restaurant, café and bar, surrounded by lush trees, shrubs and green fields. The Coastal Settlement is decorated with all things of the past - literally a museum filled with retro memorabilia, paintings, vintage vehicles, nostalgic gadgets and antique furniture.
The Seagrill
Just steps away from the beach shore, The Seagrill is a unique dining destination for a perfect Sunday brunch out with the family. The dining room boasts unobstructed, panoramic views of the pristine sea. The patio is an inviting space for those who love to enjoy the breeze and for the little ones to be captivated by the sights of ships sailing by and planes setting off and touching down.
Visiting Changi
The entire guide has covered much to do. If you are planning to make a trip to explore and discover Changi (especially the nature attractions), we will recommend that you bring along a hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
If you are visiting the beach, don't forget to bring along buckets and spades for sand play too!
Getting To Changi
Changi as a whole is a big place, so we will use Changi Village as the anchor point of your visit. Here is how you can get to Changi Village.
By Bus: Take buses 2, 29, 59, 109 to the Changi Village Bus Terminal (it’s located next to the Changi Village Hawkers Centre)
By MRT: You can get to Tampines MRT Station (EW2), and board Bus No. 29 to Changi Village or get to Tanah Merah MRT Station (EW4) and board Bus No. 2 to Changi Village.
By Car: There are a number of public car parks around Changi Village. There's even free parking on Sundays and Public Holidays too.
Let us know if the Changi Guide for families has been useful or if we missed out on any must-see, must play or must eat! Leave a comment in the Community Forum or reach out to us!
*Photo Credits: Civil Service Club, unless otherwise mentioned
