If you are looking for a relaxing and scenic getaway in Singapore, Changi Beach Park is the perfect destination for you. Changi Beach Park is one of the oldest and most popular coastal parks in Singapore, offering a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you want to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea, explore the rich history and culture of the area, or indulge in some delicious local cuisine, Changi Beach Park has something for everyone.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Changi Beach Park, including its history, location, features, things to do, tips, and how to get there. By the end of this article, you will be ready to plan your trip and make the most of your visit to Changi Beach Park in Singapore.
Overview of Changi Beach Park
Changi Beach Park is a coastal park located at the northeastern tip of Singapore, stretching from Changi Point to Changi Ferry Terminal. The park covers an area of 28 hectares and has a length of 2.2 km. Changi Beach Park is one of the few remaining natural beaches in Singapore, with white sand, casuarina trees, and calm waters. The park also boasts of a rich and diverse history, dating back to the colonial era and the Japanese occupation.
Changi Beach Park was the site of the infamous Sook Ching Massacre, where thousands of Chinese civilians were killed by the Japanese during World War II. Today, the park is a popular spot for recreation and relaxation, attracting locals and tourists alike. The park offers a range of facilities and amenities, such as barbecue pits, picnic areas, playgrounds, restrooms, showers, and bicycle rental shops. The park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and admission is free.
Things to do at Changi Beach Park
There is no shortage of things to do at Changi Beach Park, as the park caters to different tastes and preferences. Here are some of the best things to do at Changi Beach Park:
Enjoy the beach:
One of the main attractions of Changi Beach Park is the beach itself, where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. You can swim, sunbathe, play, or relax on the beach, which is clean and well-maintained. The beach is also ideal for fishing, as there are several fishing spots along the shore. You can also catch a glimpse of the planes landing and taking off from the nearby Changi Airport, which is a unique and thrilling sight.
Explore the Changi Village:
Another attraction of Changi Beach Park is the Changi Village, which is a quaint and charming area that showcases the local culture and lifestyle. You can stroll around the village, which has a laid-back and nostalgic vibe, and admire the old shophouses, temples, and monuments. You can also shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and antiques at the Changi Village Market and Hawker Centre, which is a bustling and vibrant place. The hawker centre is also famous for its food, especially the nasi lemak, which is a fragrant rice dish with coconut milk, anchovies, peanuts, egg, and sambal. You can also try other local delicacies, such as laksa, satay, rojak, and ice kachang.
Visit the Changi Museum:
If you are interested in the history of Changi Beach Park, you should not miss the Changi Museum, which is a museum dedicated to the memory and legacy of the prisoners of war and civilians who suffered under the Japanese occupation. The museum displays various artifacts, photographs, documents, and personal stories that depict the life and hardships of the prisoners and the locals during World War II. The museum also features a replica of the Changi Chapel, which was a makeshift chapel built by the prisoners using scrap materials. The museum is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm daily, and admission is free. However, you need to book your visit online in advance, as the museum has a limited capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Walk along the Changi Boardwalk:
If you want to enjoy the scenic views of the coast and the sea, you should walk along the Changi Boardwalk, which is a 2.2 km long boardwalk that connects Changi Beach Park to Changi Point. The boardwalk has four sections, namely the Creek Walk, the Beach Walk, the Sailing Point Walk, and the Sunset Walk. Each section has its own theme and features, such as mangroves, fishing boats, yachts, and sunset views. The boardwalk is also a great place to spot some wildlife, such as birds, crabs, and monitor lizards. The boardwalk is open 24 hours a day, and admission is free.
Watch the sunrise and sunset:
One of the best things to do at Changi Beach Park is to watch the sunrise and sunset, which are spectacular and breathtaking. You can witness the sunrise from the eastern end of the park, near the Changi Ferry Terminal, where you can see the sun rising over the horizon and the sea. You can also witness the sunset from the western end of the park, near the Changi Point, where you can see the sun setting behind the skyline and the sea. The best time to watch the sunrise and sunset is between 6:30 am and 7:30 am, and between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm, respectively. You can also take some stunning photos and videos of the sunrise and sunset, which will make your visit to Changi Beach Park unforgettable.
Tips for visiting Changi Beach Park
To make your visit to Changi Beach Park more enjoyable and hassle-free, here are some tips and information that you should know:
- The best time to visit Changi Beach Park is between November and February, when the weather is cooler and drier, and the park is less crowded. However, you can visit the park anytime of the year, as the park is open all year round. You should avoid visiting the park during the peak hours, such as weekends and public holidays, when the park is more crowded and noisy.
- The weather at Changi Beach Park is usually hot and humid, with occasional rain and thunderstorms. You should dress comfortably and appropriately, and wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect yourself from the sun. You should also bring an umbrella or a raincoat, in case of rain. You should also bring some water and snacks, as there are limited options for food and drinks at the park.
- The safety at Changi Beach Park is generally good, as the park is well-lit and patrolled by the park staff and the police. However, you should still be careful and vigilant, and avoid leaving your belongings unattended or wandering off to isolated areas. You should also follow the park rules and regulations, such as not littering, not smoking, not feeding the animals, and not making excessive noise. You should also respect the nature and the culture of the park, and not damage or disturb the plants, animals, or monuments.
- The budget for visiting Changi Beach Park is relatively low, as the park is free to enter and most of the attractions and activities are free or cheap. However, you should still prepare some money for transportation, food, and souvenirs, as these can vary depending on your preferences and choices. You can also save some money by bringing your own food and drinks, or by using public transport or bicycle to get to the park.
How to get to Changi Beach Park
Getting to Changi Beach Park is easy and convenient, as the park is well-connected by public transport and road. Here are some of the ways to get to Changi Beach Park:
By bus:
You can take bus number 2, 29, 59, or 109 from various locations in Singapore, and alight at the bus stop near the Changi Village Market and Hawker Centre, which is a short walk away from the park. The bus fare is around S$1.50, and the journey time is around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the traffic and the distance.
By MRT:
You can take the East-West Line or the Downtown Line to the Tampines MRT Station, and then transfer to bus number 29, which will take you to the park. Alternatively, you can take the East-West Line to the Tanah Merah MRT Station, and then transfer to bus number 2, which will also take you to the park. The MRT fare is around S$2, and the journey time is around 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the transfers and the waiting time.
By car:
You can drive to Changi Beach Park, as the park is accessible by the East Coast Parkway (ECP) and the Tampines Expressway (TPE). You can park your car at the car park near the Changi Village Market and Hawker Centre, which is a short walk away from the park. The car park charges S$0.60 per half hour on weekdays, and S$0.90 per half hour on weekends and public holidays. The journey time is around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the traffic and the route.
By bicycle:
You can cycle to Changi Beach Park, as the park is part of the Eastern Coastal Loop, which is a network of cycling paths that connects various parks and attractions along the east coast of Singapore. You can rent a bicycle from one of the bicycle rental shops near the park, or use your own bicycle. The bicycle rental fee is around S$8 per hour, and the journey time is around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the distance and the speed.
Nearby places
If you want to explore more of the area around Changi Beach Park, you can visit some of the nearby places that are worth checking out. Here are some of the nearby places that you can visit:
Pulau Ubin:
Pulau Ubin is a small island off the coast of Changi, which is one of the last remaining rural areas in Singapore. You can take a ferry from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal, which is a short walk away from Changi Beach Park, and reach the island in about 15 minutes. Pulau Ubin is a haven for nature lovers, as it has a rich and diverse flora and fauna, as well as a rustic and tranquil atmosphere. You can explore the island by foot, bicycle, or kayak, and visit some of the attractions, such as the Chek Jawa Wetlands, the Ketam Mountain Bike Park, and the Pulau Ubin Community Centre.
Changi Point:
Changi Point is a promontory at the western end of Changi Beach Park, which offers a panoramic view of the sea and the skyline. You can walk along the Changi Point Coastal Walk, which is a 1.2 km long boardwalk that connects Changi Point to Changi Beach Park. Changi Point is also a popular spot for fishing, as there are several fishing jetties along the shore. You can also visit some of the attractions, such as the Changi Point Ferry Terminal, the Changi Golf Club, and the Changi Sailing Club.
Changi Airport:
Changi Airport is one of the world’s best and busiest airports, which is located near Changi Beach Park. You can take a bus, a taxi, or a car from Changi Beach Park to Changi Airport, which will take you about 10 to 15 minutes. Changi Airport is not only a transport hub, but also a destination in itself, as it has a plethora of attractions and activities for visitors. You can visit some of the attractions, such as the Jewel Changi Airport, which is a stunning complex with a waterfall, a forest, and a mall, the Changi Experience Studio, which is an interactive and immersive museum, and the Canopy Park, which is a rooftop garden with slides, nets, and mazes.
We hope this article helps you with your visit to Changi Beach Park in Singapore. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments below.
