Want to have a beach get away – without having to leave our shores? A day trip to Changi Beach Park may be in order.
Changi Beach Park: One of Singapore’s Oldest Beach Parks
One of Singapore’s oldest beach parks, Changi Beach Park is located in the Northeastern corner of Singapore. It has a relaxed, laidback setting that is sure to bring about the lepak feeling.
Easily accessible from Changi Village, the park has a natural, breezy feeling. The section close to Changi Village can get quite busy. However, the park actually stretches out for a long way and it gets less crowded the further you head away from Changi Village. Right in the middle of the park is the SAF Ferry Terminal.
It is a short walk across a quaint waterway via a narrow pedestrian bridge from the rear of Changi Village market, not far from The Bus Collective bus hotel.
Arriving at the park, you are sure to notice the inviting sandy beach. This is one of several beaches that lend themselves to the park’s name.
Nearby is the first of Changi Beach Park’s two playgrounds.
Recently revamped in 2024, the playground has a climbing net along with a play structure that has a tree growing out from the middle of it.
The breezy playground also has a set of swings that kids can enjoy with the view of the beach close by.
There is also a second playground at the park and you can read more about the Changi Beach Park playgrounds.
Changi Beach Park’s Storied Past
The area was first recorded in the 1600s as Tanjung Rusa. It was later renamed Tanjung Changi in the 1800s. Up till the 1900s, it was a favourite landing point for tigers that swam over from Johor with Pulau Ubin providing a convenient resting spot.
Changi Beach Park is also infamous for an event that took place during World War II. The Sook Ching massacre site where the execution of civilians took place in February 1942 is marked by a simple plaque along the beachfront.
A plaque along the beachfront serves as a reminder of this dark past.
The current signboard replaced an older plaque.
Next to the it, there is another plaque that describes a British outpost that was once found here.
Exploring Changi Beach Park
A favourite activity at the southern end of Changi Beach Park is to watch the planes flying in toward Changi Airport.
You can watch as they come jetting in from offshore, making the final descent toward the airport’s runaway.
A good spot to watch them coming in along the fishing promenade.
Another popular activity is having a barbecue it the park and there are bbq pits located all throughout the park
Bicycles are a great way to explore Changi Beach Park and its surrounds. They can be hired from the GoCycling bike kiosk.
One of the sights at Changi Beach Park is the Inscription of the Island, a popular photo spot to visit.
Also keep your eyes out for hornbills who often frequent Changi Beach Park.
Changi Beach Park is part of the Eastern Coastal Loop of the Park Connector Network. From Changi Beach Park, it is possible to cycle to Pasir Ris Park via the Loyang Park Connector or by the (very long) Coastal Park Connector to reach East Coast Park.
Those looking for grab can chill out at The Sea Grill by Cheval Group. This F&B establishment in the park serves up western food such as grilled meats and seafood.
Nearby, there are also plenty of other dining options at Changi Village.
Besides the food centre, one spot to check out, especially if you are into grilled meats and beer, is Little Island Brewing Co, a microbrewery and smokehouse restaurant.
More Things to Do Around Changi Beach Park
Looking to explore beyond Changi Beach Park?
One popular spot that you can ride or hike to is Changi Bay Point. It is accessible from the eastern (quieter) end of the park.
Another place is Changi Village, which is bit of a hipster hive. Get your café fix at spots such as Chock Full of Beans.
Prepared to venture further? Try The Coastal Settlement for a laid back vibe.
The Changi Boardwalk offers awesome waterfront views. Starting from the Changi Ferry Point Terminal, you can enjoy a boardwalk, accompanied by the sound of lapping waves, at your leisure.
Furthermore, there are a slew of hotels around and close to Changi Village. These include the Village Hotel Changi and Changi Cove. What’s more, those in the public service can make a booking at CSC at Changi where accommodation choices range from Superior Suites to Premier Villas. Changi staycation, anyone?
Of course, Changi Beach Park and Changi Village is close to the jetty which takes you to Pulau Ubin, which is a whole other adventure!
