Other than having a world-class airport, what else is there in the East?
You’d probably only know Changi because our airport and Jewel mall is located here. In fact, as someone who stays in the East, these are the only two reasons why I’d ever visit this place.
But after digging a little, I’ve realised that it’s such an underrated neighbourhood.
From hidden wildlife, to learning more about Singapore’s history, here are 11 fun things to see, eat and do in the Changi neighbourhood!
1) Explore Intertidal Zones
Photo credit: @untamedpathssg via Facebook
You’ll have to get up early in the morning for this but trust us, it’s worth it.
Changi Beach Park stretches from Changi Point to Changi Ferry Terminal and is a popular destination for intertidal walks. On some mornings when the tide is low, you can see various marine wildlife such as hermit crabs and sea cucumbers.
If you’d like a little more insight into the life around the intertidal zones, look out for tours like The Untamed Paths who will have expert guides point out all the cool stuff you can find!
Cost: From S$90/pax
Opening hours: 24 hours (check the low tide schedule before you go)
How to get there: From Tampines East MRT Exit B, take bus 9 and alight at Changi Beach CP 2 bus stop (16 stops)
2) Indulge in Fresh Catches
Photo credit: @smithmarine via Facebook
Get your meal caught fresh from the first floating seafood restaurant in Singapore — Smith Marine.
It’s a unique restaurant experience you can get in the East, with views overlooking Pulau Ubin and a calming sea breeze to help you forget about the busy city life.
And don’t worry, you won’t have to swim there. There’ll be a ferry to take you there and back from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, but be sure to make a reservation first.
Opening hours: 10AM – 7PM
How to get there: From Tampines East MRT Exit B, take bus 59 and alight at
Changi Village Ter bus stop (16 stops) — 3min walk to Changi Point Ferry Terminal
Read more: 12 Unique Restaurants in Singapore Even Non-Foodies Will Find Impressive
3) Check Out a Monster Gun
Photo credit: Dom LaVigne via Facebook
Built in the late 1930s, Johore Battery was once part of Singapore’s coastal defence system.
It consisted of three 15-inch guns, aptly named Monster Guns because of its massive size. To prevent enemies from obtaining it, it was destroyed by the British during World War II.
In 1991, the Singapore Prisons Service discovered the site and a replica of the 15-inch gun was recreated. It’s now a tourist attraction with several outdoor and indoor dining options around the area!
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
How to get there: From Tampines East MRT Exit D, take bus 29 and alight at
Changi Baptist Ch bus stop (7 stops) — 7min walk to Johore Battery
4) Grab a Home-brewed Beer
Photo credit: @littleislandbrewingco via Facebook
Famous for their locally brewed beers, Little Island Brewing Co. is a Singaporean craft microbrewery, smokehouse and restaurant.
It’s a perfect pick-me-up after jogging or cycling from the nearby Changi Beach. The restaurant’s ambience also gives off a chill vibe, with an alfresco dining area for you to enjoy a delicious meal under the starry sky.
Opening hours: 12PM – 10:30PM (Weekdays), 11AM – 10:30PM (Weekends)
How to get there: From Tampines East MRT Exit D, take bus 29 and alight at Changi Village Hotel bus stop (21 stops) — 3min walk to Little Island Brewing Co.
5) Visit a Cool Navy Museum
Photo credit: I Love Museums via Facebook
Don’t let distance keep you away from this attraction, because the Republic of Singapore Navy Museum is definitely worth the long travel to the East.
This three-storey museum in Changi has both indoor and outdoor galleries, which focuses on the Navy’s capabilities and history. Some artefacts featured are components from early warships and old guns.
The museum is currently under renovation. In the meantime, you can check out a virtual tour instead!
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening hours: Closed until August 2022
How to get there: From Tanah Merah MRT Exit B, take bus 35 and alight at Opp Changi Naval Base bus stop (6 stops) — 5min walk to Republic of Singapore Navy Museum
6) Try Delicious Halal Chinese Cuisine
Photo credit: @tangteahousesingapore via Facebook
Tang Tea House is known for its delicious halal-certified zi char and dim sum prepared by Shanghainese chefs, such as chicken pau, har kow and siew mai.
It also has a wide selection of seafood, meats, noodles and desserts to satisfy your hunger.
Opening hours: 11AM – 10PM
How to get there: From Upper Changi MRT, take bus 2 and alight at Blk 5 bus stop (18 stops) — 3min walk to Tang Tea House
7) Plan a Weekend Getaway
Other than the Southern Islands, Pulau Ubin is another quick weekend getaway we can get in Singapore!
Catch the bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal to reach the island and go on a scenic cycling adventure, kayak through mangroves or set up camp — there’s plenty of things to do on Pulau Ubin.
If you’re not sure where to start or what else there is to do, you can also check out our guide!
*Note: Due to current COVID restrictions, campsites are currently closed
Cost for bumboat: S$4/pax
Operating hours: 6AM – 7PM
How to get there: From Tampines East MRT Exit B, take bus 59 and alight at
Changi Village Ter bus stop (16 stops) — 3min walk to Changi Point Ferry Terminal
Read more: Pulau Ubin Guide — A Local’s Guide to Exploring This Offshore Island in Singapore
8) Learn About Our WWII History
Photo credit: Changi Chapel and Museum
What better way to learn about World War II than an engaging and immersive experience at a war museum?
Featuring eight exhibition zones, Changi Chapel and Museum is dedicated to Singapore’s history during the Japanese Occupation from 1942 to 1945.
Through artifacts donated by families of the former prisoners detained in the Changi prison camp, visitors can learn about the lesser-known stories of these prisoners of war.
Entrance Fee: Free (For Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents)
Opening hours: 9:30AM – 5:30PM (Last entry at 5PM), Closed on Mon
How to get there: From Upper Changi MRT, take bus 2 and alight at Opp Changi Chapel Museum bus stop (7 stops) — 5min walk to Changi Chapel and Museum
9) Feast on the East’s Best Nasi Lemak
Photo credit: @hungrybird.sg via Facebook
Even if you’ve never been to Changi before, you must’ve heard of Changi Village Hawker Centre. After all, it’s a famous battleground for nasi lemak stalls.
Located right next to Changi Point Ferry Terminal, there are a couple of stalls to get this Malay dish — Mizzy Corner Nasi Lemak and International Muslim Food Stall Nasi Lemak to name a few.
Which one’s the best? Head down and decide for yourself 😉
Opening hours: 6AM – 2AM (Varies for different stalls)
How to get there: From Tampines East MRT Exit B, take bus 59 and alight at
Changi Village Ter bus stop (16 stops) — 2min walk to Changi Village Hawker Centre
10) Lepak at a Tranquil Beach Park
Photo credit: Martin Koh via Facebook
It’s not as popular as East Coast Park or Pasir Ris Park, but Changi Beach Park is definitely a hidden gem in the East.
This beach is one of the oldest coastal parks in Singapore and gives off a kampong vibe — without a HDB building in sight.
Home to a huge playground area and fascinating intertidal walks, it’s perfect for a relaxing and fun day out surrounded by nature.
Opening hours: 24 hours
How to get there: From Tampines East MRT Exit B, take bus 9 and alight at Changi Beach CP 2 bus stop (16 stops)
11) Catch a Beautiful Sunset
Photo credit: @kkf1953 via Instagram
End the day off by catching a beautiful sunset while strolling along Changi Point Coastal Walk.
The boardwalk spans 2.2km from Changi Creek in the east to the western rocky coast near Changi Beach Club. Along the boardwalk, there are six sections to explore — Creek Walk, Beach Walk, Sailing Point Walk, Cliff Walk, Kelong Walk and Sunset Walk.
As its name suggests, you can enjoy the best, unobstructed view of the sunset at Sunset Walk towards the end of the trail.
Operating hours: 24 hours
How to get there: From Tampines East MRT Exit B, take bus 59 and alight at
Blk 5 bus stop (15 stops) — 4min walk to Changi Point Coastal Walk (East entrance)
Rediscover Singapore’s Local Neighbourhoods
Photo credit: @untamedpathssg via Facebook
With plenty of unconventional local experiences like intertidal walks and historical sites to check out, the neighbourhood of Changi is definitely worth the travel (and not just to the airport).
If you live in the East and the next time someone asks “what’s there to do in the East?”, share this article with them!
Read more: Yishun-Sembawang Neighbourhood Guide — 9 Lesser Known things to do in the North of Singapore
Featured image credit: @untamedpathssg via Facebook
Which underrated neighbourhood in Singapore should we check out next? Let us know in the comments below!
