#ChangiVillage #NonTouristy
Rustic Charm
Lisa W.
May 2024
A unique enclave, a different side of Singapore.
One of the top spots in Singapore for me is Changi Village. However, this choice often surprises people.
Firstly, Changi Village is situated in a far-flung corner.
Secondly, Changi Village does not fit the typical Singapore image of modern, high-rise, clean, and new.
Instead, it is rugged, old quaint, and non-air conditioned...
To reach Changi Village, one usually goes by Loyang Avenue, an approximately 5km road that leads you away from urban areas, past an industrial estate, army camps, an air base, and a golf course before finally arriving at the destination.
Here we are. A sleepy estate on weekdays that transforms into a lively hub on weekends.
For the Cycling Enthusiasts
On weekends, Changi Village attracts various groups, with cyclists being one of the prominent ones.
These include the spandex-clad type
with high-end road bikes and, the leisure type wheeling around their fanciful Bromptons.
The main draw for cyclists is the 10km Changi Coastal Road which has minimal traffic, making it a rare spot in Singapore ideal for fast-paced road cycling.
Leisure cyclists can also enjoy the scenic park connectors leading to East Coast Park on the left and Changi Airport Jurassic Mile on the right.
The Sun, the Sand and the Sea
Click play & turn on sound
A mere 10-minute boat ride away lies Pulau Ubin, a sanctuary that transports you to the bygone days of old Singapore.
Interestingly, the jetty sees a surge of visitors on weekends and public holidays, indicating that not all Singaporeans choose to spend their time in shopping malls. This to me, an advocate for healthy lifestyle, is great news! 😃
The feeling of safety and tranquility at Changi Beach always fills me with gratitude.
During weekend mornings, you may spot families who camp overnight near the beach for fun. Some bring along their musical instruments and stereos from home, adding to the ambiance with music.
Planes land and take off at Changi Airport every five minutes or so.
There is a particular spot along Changi Beach where you can experience the thrill of watching planes flying directly above you.
Click play & turn on sound
Chill and Cool
Some individuals have certainly noticed the appeal of Changi Village, leading to the emergence of stylish, contemporary shops in recent times.
Among the pioneers is Chock Full of Beans, a cafe which has been delighting customers with its impressive 2D and 3D latte art for over a decade.
Location: The last shop nestled at the end of
Block 4, unit #01-2090
Two bicycle cafes have also emerged, providing cyclists with more options to chill after their rides.
This isn’t a cafe though, but a shop specializing in triathlon equipment.
Don't limit yourself to just the vicinity of the hawker centre; venture onto the street facing Changi Village Road, as well as across it to discover more food options.
See shaded parts.
Street Performers
You can find buskers here on most weekend mornings, their performances elevating the humble hawker dining experience.
Like this young man with an amazing vocal I saw a while back.
Play the video and turn on the sound to listen to his rendition of an Elvis Presley’s. He’s impressive!!!
Please excuse my poor filming; it was awkward to keep pointing my phone at him.
The musician had displayed his IG handler @aaronemmanuellim; however, a search on Instagram only revealed a few posts related to him, and not his actual account.
Anyone knows about him? He deserves more recognition!
Do You Know?
Do you know there is a full-service hotel at Changi Village?
I feel that it’ll make a nice experience for tourists to stay here for a night before heading to Changi Airport.
It can save you from the anxiety of rushing to the airport and provide a different experience, particularly if you are keen to explore a non-touristy side of Singapore.
This hotel is also the location for my best friend's wedding, commemorating the spot where she first met her husband during a kayaking trip.
For the Foodies
A post about Changi Village wouldn't be complete without the mention of food.
While Nasi Lemak is synonmynous with Changi Village, I have been disappointed time and again.
So instead, let's begin with something different that I am genuinely excited to recommend – Gui Lim drink stall (#01-80).
Note that I’ve ordered a large size for the Teh Tarik and Almond Halia to get a nicer visual for photo-taking.
A former colleague recommended me the Teh Halia (ginger milk tea) from this stall, and indeed, the spice was just right with a satisfying kick. I also appreciate that its not overly sweet as it often is at other places.
Since then, I have revisited this stall multiple times, and on one occasion, the stall owner recommended his special Almond Halia. From that moment on, I was hooked!
____Warning. The stall owner will likely ask if you prefer your halia drink “strong”.
Go ahead if you are up for testing your spicy threshold, otherwise opting for "normal" should suffice.
Gui Lim drink stall ( #01-80 ), operated by a very nice couple. Note that this stall is located at the quieter section of the hawker centre, on the other side of the ATMs.
Just last week, I tried their Teh Tarik (“pulled” milk tea) for the first time, and it was exceptionally fragrant; possibly one of the best Teh Tarik I've ever had.
This piqued my interest in trying out the other drinks on their menu, for instance the Teh Cino.
At times after my run when I crave a cold drink, I I will opt for the Balonglong juice, made from the fruit shown in the pic. The taste is a sharp blend of sweet and sour which may be an acquired taste.
It was a Malaysian friend who first told me of this drink, I guess it’s common in Malaysia ?
Pork Ribs Bittergourd Crispy Noodles
by Wong Hing Kitchenette, #01-43
This dish might slip under the radar if not for a prior recommendation by someone who’s had it before.
Its generous portion size makes it great value for a hearty meal.
The stall owner swiftly stir-fries the meat and veg over high heat, creates a sauce, and then pours them all piping hot over crispy noodles.
The pork ribs are tiny and bony though, so you may want to request a replacement with beef slices for an extra dollar or two.
Wong Hing Kitchenette, #01-43, operated by an
elderly Cantonese couple
I noticed that this stall seems to have a following of customers in their 50s and 60s, hinting that it could be a bona fide 老字号 (lao zi hao) -- a time-honoured business with a long history.
Dumpling Mee Pok-Dry with Chicken Chop Add-On
by Weng Kee Ipoh Hor Fun, #01-19
Do not let the long queue deter you, as the dedicated hands behind this stall churn out each order in less than a minute (yes, I’ve been observing every time I get a takeout here after my jog).
This stall also holds fond memories for many former army boys from nearby camps and air base, who recall the kind owners giving them free extra portions of noodles.
Fried Fritters
by Million Star Fried Banana, #01-49
Tapioca, Sweet Potato and Banana Fried Fritters
If you're not up for a filling rice or noodle dish, consider getting these crispy fried fritters.
Million Star Fried Banana, a long-standing stall in Changi Village, offers these tasty treats that are best enjoyed when freshly fried.
If you are buying the fritters home, do air-fry them for about 5 minutes to regain their crisp.
The fried fritters here are some of the best in Singapore, but if you happen to be in JB, don't miss the opportunity to try Wai Cai at Jalan Pahlawan; their’s is at a different league.
Alright, I can’t leave out Nasi Lemak since it's practically synonymous with Changi Village.
But why is that?
Well, once upon a time, the Nasi Lemak here was exceptional. I had the good fortune to try it back then and remembered being impressed by the runny egg yolk, something you don’t normally get in Nasi Lemak .
As a self-proclaimed Nasi Lemak connoisseur, I've tried all the Nasi Lemak stalls at Changi Village over the years, but alas... it’s all about the familiar story of declining standards as time goes by.
Nasi Lemak with chicken wing and an additional order of paru (beef lung).
Something More
“ATAS”
Changi Village offers more than just hawker fare.
Head towards the iconic narrow bridge and you’ll see the Little Island Brewing Co. to the right.
Mix grilled platter at the Little Island Brewery with their in-house craft beer.
By evening, the charming lights at Little Island Brew Co. illuminate the place. It was raining when I was there, whereas typically you would find customers dining outdoors.
The iconic narrow bridge linking Changi Village to the beach.
Cross the narrow bridge, head towards the beach, turn right and you'll find The Seagrill bistro bar, a wonderful spot to relax and watch the world passes by.
Buffalo Wings and Mango juice at the
The Seagrill bistro after a ride.
Living at Changi Village
Since I have such fondness for Changi Village, I had contemplated buying an apartment here.
However, the distant location and aging structure put that thought away.
But look! There’s this rental ad I stumbled upon recently for a Changi Village apartment.
Its owner certainly has a deep appreciation for the charm of Changi Village and has skillfully incorporated its unique vibes into the interior decor.
What if you enjoy the tranquil charm of Changi Village but feel the apartments are outdated, much like my own sentiments?
There are a few alternative residential choices nearby that allow you to visit Changi Village as often as you like ( I do! ).
I have written about these four residential estates in a separate post.
Check it out if you are interested to find out more >> Living Near Changi Village
20Jun 2024
I don’t usually promote real estate outrightly on my precious blog posts, but I have to mention Kassia, a new FREEHOLD condo that is going to preview on 6July 2024 (Sat).
So why am I sharing about it? Because, it’s pricing is a steal!
NOWHERE in today’s market do you still hear of condo pricing starting from $800,000 (not even ECs) ! And mind you, this is a freehold property!
And no, it’s not some lousy development; it’s built by a tripartite of developers with some of the best, proven track record -- CDL + Hong Leong + TID.
Check out my post on Kassia for the indicative prices for each unit type.
In the mean time, please book an appointment with me
(Whatsapp 8851 2643) for a viewing of Kassia’s show flat when it opens for preview from 6Jul 2024 (Sat) to around 16Jul 2024.
Booking Day is expected to be on 20Jul 2024.
Show flat location :
Near the SingPost Mall at Paya Lebar.
Reach out
Phone
(65) 8851 2643
hello@sglisa.com
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Hello, I'm Lisa.
From a young age, I've had a strong sense of locations and love discovering Singapore, feeling no qualms about traveling from Pasir Ris to Tuas.
This affinity with the physical environment inspired me to pursue a Real Estate major at the National University of Singapore.
In assisting my clients, my knowledge of locations and regional developments helps them make well-informed decisions that match their needs and lifestyles.
Feel free to reach out to me for any real estate services you need in Singapore.
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