Have you ever wondered what Singapore was like before it became a modern and cosmopolitan city? Do you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the urban life and enjoy some peace and tranquility? Do you love to explore new places, taste different cuisines, and experience different cultures? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should visit Changi Village, a waterfront destination that offers a glimpse of Singapore's past, present, and future.
Changi Village is located at the eastern tip of Singapore, near the Changi Airport. It is a charming and quaint village that retains its old-world charm and character, despite the rapid development and urbanization of the rest of the island. Changi Village is a place where you can find history, nature, and food in one place, and where you can enjoy a variety of activities and attractions that cater to different types of travelers and interests.

History and Heritage of Changi Village
Changi Village has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the colonial era and the World War II. It was once a fishing village and a military base, and it witnessed some of the most tragic and heroic events in Singapore's history. If you are interested in learning more about the history and heritage of Changi Village, here are some of the places and activities that you should check out:
The Changi Museum: This is a must-visit for history buffs and anyone who wants to learn more about the Japanese occupation of Singapore during World War II. The museum showcases the stories, artefacts, and artworks of the prisoners of war who were held at the notorious Changi Prison and the nearby camps. You can also see the replica of the Changi Chapel, which was built by the prisoners as a symbol of hope and faith. The museum is open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm, and admission is free. You can also book a guided tour for a more immersive and informative experience.

The Johore Battery: This is a historical site that reveals the military and defence aspects of Changi Village. It was built in 1939 as part of the British coastal defence system, and it housed three massive 15-inch guns that were capable of firing shells across the Straits of Johor. The guns were destroyed by the British before the surrender to the Japanese, and the site was abandoned until it was rediscovered and restored in 1991. You can now see the replica of one of the guns, as well as the underground tunnels and bunkers that were used by the soldiers. The site is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, and admission is free.

The Changi WWII tour: This is a guided tour that covers the most important and interesting sites related to the World War II history of Changi Village. You will visit the Changi Museum, the Johore Battery, the Changi Beach, the Selarang Barracks, and the Changi Prison Wall. You will also hear stories and anecdotes from the guides, who are experts and enthusiasts on the topic. The tour lasts for about 4 hours, and it costs $48 per person. You can book the tour online or at the Changi Museum.
Food and Cuisine of Changi Village
Changi Village is a food paradise that offers a variety of cuisines and dishes that will satisfy your taste buds and appetite. Whether you are looking for local, regional, or international flavors, you will find them in Changi Village. Here are some of the places and dishes that you should not miss when you visit Changi Village:
The Changi Village Hawker Centre: This is the most famous and popular place to eat in Changi Village, and for good reasons. It is a large and spacious food court that houses over 100 stalls that serve a wide range of cuisines, such as Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Western. You can find everything from noodles, rice, seafood, curry, to burgers, pizza, and ice cream. The prices are reasonable, the portions are generous, and the quality is high. Some of the best and must-try dishes and stalls at the Changi Village Hawker Centre are:

Nasi Lemak: This is a traditional Malay dish that consists of fragrant coconut rice, crispy fried chicken, spicy sambal, fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, and egg. It is a simple but satisfying dish that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can find many stalls that sell nasi lemak at the Changi Village Hawker Centre, but the most famous and popular one is International Muslim Food Stall Nasi Lemak, which is located at stall #01-03. The queue can be long, but it is worth the wait.
Mee Goreng: This is a spicy and savory fried noodle dish that is influenced by the Indian and Malay cuisines. It is made with yellow noodles, eggs, vegetables, meat, and seafood, and seasoned with tomato sauce, chili sauce, and curry powder. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that will fill you up and spice up your day. You can find many stalls that sell mee goreng at the Changi Village Hawker Centre, but the most famous and popular one is Mizzy Corner Nasi Lemak, which is located at stall #01-26. The stall also sells nasi lemak, but their mee goreng is more renowned.
Chicken Rice: This is a classic and iconic Singaporean dish that is loved by locals and tourists alike. It is made with tender and juicy chicken that is cooked in a rich and aromatic broth, and served with fragrant and fluffy rice that is cooked in the same broth. It is accompanied by a tangy and spicy chili sauce, a sweet and savory dark soy sauce, and a refreshing and crunchy ginger and garlic paste. It is a simple but delicious dish that is a staple of Singaporean cuisine. You can find many stalls that sell chicken rice at the Changi Village Hawker Centre, but the most famous and popular one is Changi Village Famous Fried Chicken Rice, which is located at stall #01-04. The stall also sells fried chicken, which is crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.
Seafood: Changi Village is a great place to enjoy fresh and succulent seafood, as it is located near the sea and the fishing ports. You can find many restaurants and eateries that serve seafood in Changi Village, but the most famous and popular one is Changi Village Seafood, which is located at 1 Changi Village Road. The restaurant has a spacious and comfortable dining area, and a menu that features a variety of seafood dishes, such as chili crab, black pepper crab, cereal prawn, sambal stingray, and salted egg squid. The prices are reasonable, the portions are generous, and the quality is high. The restaurant is open daily from 11 am to 11 pm, and it is advisable to make a reservation in advance.

Tips and advice: Here are some tips and advice on how to enjoy the food and dining experience at Changi Village:
- The best time to visit Changi Village for food is during the weekends, when the place is more lively and vibrant, and when you can find more stalls and restaurants that are open. However, be prepared for the crowds and the queues, especially at the Changi Village Hawker Centre, which can be very busy and noisy. If you prefer a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere, you can visit Changi Village on weekdays, when the place is more calm and serene, and when you can find more seats and tables available.
- The prices of the food and drinks at Changi Village are generally affordable and reasonable, but they can vary depending on the type, the quantity, and the quality of the food and drinks. You can expect to pay around $3 to $5 for a plate of nasi lemak, mee goreng, or chicken rice, and around $10 to $20 for a dish of seafood, depending on the size and the variety of the seafood. You can also find cheaper and more expensive options, depending on your budget and preference.
- The etiquette and culture of eating and dining at Changi Village are similar to those of eating and dining in other parts of Singapore. You can use chopsticks, spoons, forks, or your hands to eat, depending on the type of food and your comfort level. You can also share your food and drinks with your friends and family, or order your own portions, depending on your appetite and preference. You can also ask for more sauces, condiments, or napkins, if you need them, or bring your own, if you prefer. You can also tip the servers, if you are satisfied with their service, or not, if you are not. You can also leave your plates and utensils on the table, or return them to the designated areas, depending on the place and the policy.

Activities and Adventures of Changi Village
Changi Village is a place where you can find adventure and excitement, as well as relaxation and tranquility. It is a place where you can enjoy the beauty and diversity of nature, as well as the fun and thrill of outdoor activities. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll, a scenic bike ride, a refreshing swim, or a challenging hike, Changi Village has something for you. Here are some of the places and activities that you should try when you visit Changi Village:
The Changi Point Ferry Terminal: This is the gateway to other islands and destinations that are accessible from Changi Village. You can take a bumboat, which is a traditional wooden boat, from the terminal to places such as Pulau Ubin, Pulau Tekong, and Pengerang. The bumboats operate daily from 6 am to 7 pm, and the fare is around $3 to $5 per person, depending on the destination. You can also charter a private boat, if you prefer, for around $30 to $50 per boat, depending on the destination and the duration.
The Pulau Ubin island: This is one of the most popular and attractive places to visit from Changi Village. It is a small and rustic island that preserves the natural and cultural heritage of Singapore. It is a place where you can experience the kampung, or village, life, and where you can explore the rich and diverse flora and fauna. You can rent a bicycle, which is the best way to get around the island, for around $5 to $10 per day, depending on the type and the quality of the bicycle. You can also join a guided tour, or a kayak or a paddle board session, for around $20 to $40 per person, depending on the activity and the provider. Some of the highlights and attractions of Pulau Ubin are:

The Chek Jawa Wetlands: This is a natural reserve that showcases the different ecosystems and habitats of Pulau Ubin, such as the mangroves, the coral reefs, the seagrass, and the sandbars. You can walk along the boardwalks and the trails, and observe the various plants and animals that live in the wetlands, such as the crabs, the starfish, the otters, and the birds. You can also visit the Jejawi Tower, which is a seven-storey observation tower that offers a panoramic view of the wetlands and the surrounding islands. The wetlands are open daily from 8:30 am to 6 pm, and admission is free. You can also book a guided tour for a more educational and interactive experience.
The Pulau Ubin Quarry: This is a former granite quarry that is now a scenic and serene lake that is surrounded by greenery and cliffs. You can admire the beauty and tranquility of the lake, and take some stunning photos of the landscape. You can also spot some wildlife, such as the monkeys, the lizards, and the birds, that inhabit the area. The quarry is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. You can also visit the nearby Butterfly Hill, which is a garden that attracts and hosts over 140 species of butterflies.

The Ketam Mountain Bike Park: This is a place for the adventurous and the sporty, who want to challenge themselves and have some fun on two wheels. It is a park that features a network of trails and tracks that are suitable for different levels of difficulty and skill, from beginner to expert. You can ride along the dirt paths, the rocky slopes, the wooden bridges, and the steep drops, and enjoy the thrill and the adrenaline rush of mountain biking. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. You can also join a guided tour, or a bike clinic, for around $30 to $50 per person, depending on the activity and the provider.
The Changi Beach Park: This is a place where you can relax and unwind, as well as enjoy some water and beach activities. It is a park that features a long and sandy beach that stretches for about 3.3 km, and a coastal park that covers about 28 hectares. You can swim, sunbathe, picnic, barbecue, or play at the beach, and enjoy the breeze and the waves of the sea. You can also cycle, jog, or walk along the park, and enjoy the views and the amenities of the park, such as the playgrounds, the fitness corners, and the shelters. The park is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm, and admission is free. You can also book a campsite, if you want to stay overnight at the park, for around $20 to $40 per night, depending on the size and the location of the campsite.

The Changi Boardwalk: This is a place where you can enjoy the scenery and the atmosphere of Changi Village, as well as the sunset and the night sky. It is a boardwalk that runs along the coastline of Changi Village, and connects the Changi Beach Park, the Changi Point Ferry Terminal, and the Changi Sailing Club. You can walk along the boardwalk, and enjoy the views and the sounds of the sea, the boats, and the planes. You can also visit the four sections of the boardwalk, which are the Sunset Walk, the Kelong Walk, the Cliff Walk, and the Creek Walk, and experience the different aspects and features of the boardwalk, such as the sunset, the kelong, the cliff, and the creek. The boardwalk is open daily from 7 am to 12 am, and admission is free. You can also join a guided tour, or a night walk, for around $10 to $20 per person, depending on the activity and the provider.

Nearby Places and Attractions of Changi Village
Changi Village is not only a destination in itself, but also a convenient base to explore other places and attractions that are nearby and easily accessible. Whether you are looking for more shopping, dining, or entertainment options, or you want to see more of Singapore's landmarks and attractions, you will find them within a short distance from Changi Village. Here are some of the places and attractions that you should visit when you are in Changi Village:
The Changi Airport: This is the closest and most obvious place to visit from Changi Village, as it is only a 10-minute drive or a 20-minute bus ride away. It is not only one of the best and busiest airports in the world, but also a destination in itself, as it offers more than just flights and transfers. You can find a plethora of shopping, dining, and entertainment options at the airport, such as the duty-free shops, the restaurants, the cinemas, and the lounges. You can also find some unique and amazing attractions at the airport, such as the Butterfly Garden, the Sunflower Garden, and the Enchanted Garden, which are all free and open to the public.

The Jewel Changi: This is a stunning and spectacular addition to the Changi Airport, and a world-class attraction that you should not miss when you visit Singapore. It is a mixed-use development that features a mall, a hotel, a park, and a garden, all under one roof. You can find a variety of shopping, dining, and leisure options at the Jewel Changi, such as the shops, the cafes, the restaurants, and the playgrounds. You can also find some incredible and awe-inspiring attractions at the Jewel Changi, such as the Rain Vortex, which is the world's tallest indoor waterfall, the Forest Valley, which is a four-storey indoor garden, and the Canopy Park, which is a rooftop park with slides, nets, and bridges. The Jewel Changi is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, and admission is free for the Rain Vortex and the Forest Valley, and around $5 to $25 for the Canopy Park, depending on the attractions and the packages.

The Changi City Point mall: This is a great and affordable option for shopping and leisure near Changi Village, as it is only a 15-minute drive or a 30-minute bus ride away. It is a mall that features a variety of outlets, restaurants, and amenities, that cater to different needs and preferences. You can find some of the best deals and discounts on fashion, sports, and lifestyle brands at the mall, such as Nike, Adidas, Timberland, and Coach. You can also find some of the best and most delicious food and drinks at the mall, such as the Kopitiam food court, the Starbucks coffee shop, and the Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King restaurant. You can also find some of the best and most fun activities and facilities at the mall, such as the Changi City Point Playground, which is a water-themed playground for children, the Kallang Wave Mall, which is a sports-themed mall with a climbing wall and a wave pool, and the Expo MRT station, which is a convenient and easy way to access other parts of Singapore. The Changi City Point mall is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, and admission is free.

Conclusion
Changi Village is a hidden gem in Singapore that offers a unique and charming experience that you will not find anywhere else. It is a place where you can discover the history and heritage of Singapore, enjoy the nature and adventure of Singapore, and taste the food and cuisine of Singapore. It is a place where you can satisfy your curiosity, your appetite, and your wanderlust.
Whether you are looking for a historical tour, a nature adventure, a food trip, or a relaxing getaway, Changi Village has something for you. It is a place that caters to different types of travelers and interests, such as families, solo travelers, couples, groups, history buffs, nature lovers, foodies, and thrill-seekers.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Changi Village today, and experience the best of Singapore in one place. You will not regret it!