Home to Singapore's stellar international airport of the same name, Changi is a beachside neighborhood with plenty to do and see.
Changi has an above average crime rate for Singapore.
Due to a lack of literature, the origin of the name “Changi” is still under speculation, though the most common belief is that the area was named after the “Chengai” tree, a local timber used for construction of buildings and furniture. Located at the easternmost point of Singapore, Changi is a juxtaposition of the past and present, steeped in rich wartime history with windows to the halcyon heydays of Singapore, as well as showcasing the modern accomplishments of the city-state with an award-winning international airport.
Famous for its coconut plantations in the 1800s, rows of coconut trees still line the Changi coastline, providing a cool and relaxing ambience for residents in the area. Options for food are aplenty, with the large Changi Village Hawker Centre being a local favourite. Many other neighborhood restaurants and smaller hawker centers are located around this area.
A weekend escape into nature is also an option, with the island of Pulau Ubin only a short bumboat ride away from the Changi Ferry Terminal. Popular activities in the area include picnics in the park, bike rides along the scenic coast, or BBQ by the beach.
This is a family-friendly neighborhood and residents have a choice of spacious bungalows, newer condominium towers, or local Housing Development Board estates to rent (or buy, should you feel so inclined). With several schools located in the area (including an international school), and proximity to the airport, Changi is great for those who are willing to be a little further out from the city center while enjoying the tranquility of a beachside neighborhood. Families, couples, and retirees make up the residents living here.
Changi is bordered on the north by the Johor Strait, on the east by the Straits of Singapore, on the south by Xilin, and on the west by Tampines, Flora Drive, and Loyang.
Commute:
CBD: 20.6 km / 20-40 minutes by car / 70 minutes by transit
Changi Business Park: 4.5 km / 5-10 minutes by car / 30 minutes by transit
Jurong International Business Park: 33.1 km / 30-50 minutes by car / 90 minutes by transit
One North Buona Vista: 28.6 km / 30-50 minutes by car / 80 minutes by transit
Tuas: 51.8 km / 50-70 minutes by car / 150 minutes by transit
Changi LOCAL schools
Changi Local Flavor 
Opened in 2001, the Changi Museum replaced the Old Changi Prison Chapel and Museum, and is an emotional and solemn reminder of Singapore’s wartime history during the Japanese occupation. The museum honours those who lived and died in Singapore during the war, in particular those in the Changi Area.
A favourite foodie destination on the East side of Singapore, Changi Village is well-known for its Malay-centric fare, particularly its famous Nasi Lemak (fragrant coconut rice served with fried chicken or fish and a mouthwatering homemade sambal chili paste). Expect long queues on the weekends as people start joining the lines early in the morning to buy breakfast for the family.
Situated just behind the Changi Village Hawker Centre, Little Island Brewing Co. is a 270-seater microbrewery overlooking the sea. With their house-brewed beers, craft beer selections, along with a hearty bar grub menu, this sure is a relaxing hideaway for casual dinners, Sunday brunch, or just some deliciously cheeky pints.
Stretching 3.3 km long and overlooking Pulau Ubin, an island off the East shores of Singapore, Changi Beach Park is one of the oldest coastal parks in Singapore. With sandy white beaches, tall coconut palms, and gentle lapping waves, Changi Beach Park is a great place to get outdoors and be in the company of nature. The park also has benches, shelters and BBQ pits great for gatherings.
The largest MICE venue in Singapore, the Singapore Expo Centre is conveniently serviced by the Expo MRT station on the East-West line. Large conventions and international fairs are hosted here, including furniture shows, IT fairs, and flower festivals.
A small island off the coast of the Eastern coast of Singapore, Pulau Ubin is home to the last real “kampongs” of Singapore (referring to traditional villages back in the days when Singapore was a fishing village). Catch a bumboat off the Changi Ferry Terminal and travel back in time to the 1960s as you approach the island, where life travels at a slower pace. Great for a day-out, with guided tours and overnight camping options available.
Photo Credits: Thanks to @changiairport, @mimidonami, @rosebingan, @stephyinluv, @800feet, @uzayr_gani, @_faizudeen, @cik.ayue__, @budakhavoc_431, @4point16, @gracieg, @yas.coutinho, @amir_nawawi, @fahreza_1028, @tioh_li_shen_, @lovesfirefox, @kadek_aj, and @jupeyepuj for your great photos of this neighborhood!
