Unless you live far east, chances are the only reason you can be spotted at Changi is when you’re making a beeline for another country from Changi Airport. But besides the airport terminals, there’s also Changi Point Ferry Terminal. Those who have been to Pulau Ubin know that you need to hop on a ferry from here to get to the island.
What is lesser-known is that there is a ferry from the same terminal that also goes to a floating seafood restaurant. Plus, there is plenty to do around the area such as indulging in yummy hawker food and exploring the walking trails.
Image credit: @ahxuncorner via Instagram
Basically, you need to get yourself to the Changi Village Bus Terminal from where the ferry terminal is just a 3-minute walk away.
If you’re coming from Tanah Merah MRT station, take Bus 2; those alighting at Pasir Ris MRT station, take Bus 109; and those heading over from Tampines MRT station can take Bus 29.
Image credit: Aditi Kashyap
As you walk down the stairs leading to the waiting area of the ferry terminal, you’ll see signs pointing to boats for Pengerang and Pulau Ubin. Unfortunately, the service to the former no longer exists; instead, the ferry to Pengerang now has to be taken from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.
Image credit: @kalla_can via Instagram
As for Pulau Ubin, the bumboat ride from the ferry terminal to the island is just 10 minutes and costs $4/pax. While there isn’t a fixed schedule as to when the boats leave for the island, they are quite frequent. As long as 9-12 people are ready to make a move, a driver will be called to take the group onboard.
Those intending to bring their own bicycles on the boat to ride around the island can also do so for an additional $2/bike.
Boats leave from the ferry terminal as early as 7am and the 2-way service runs till about 7pm. Make sure to catch the last ferry from Pulau Ubin back to Changi Point Ferry Terminal, otherwise you’ll have to camp overnight.
Chek Jawa boardwalk and Puaka Hill peak.
Once you’ve reached Pulau Ubin, don’t forget to check out Chek Jawa wetlands where there’s a 7-storey-high bird-watching tower and a boardwalk with scenic views.
If you’re up for some hiking, then climb to the peak of Puaka Hill. From this vantage point, you’ll get to see a picturesque quarry and the surrounding islands nearby.
There’s a whole slew of F&B options to be found near the ferry terminal too – from popular cafes like The Coastal Settlement to a microbrewery, Little Island Brewing Co.
One of the highlights, though, has to be Smith Marine – a kelong restaurant that’s just a 10-minute ferry ride away. And you guessed it; the ferry has to be taken from Changi Point Ferry Terminal which departs every half an hour from 10am-7pm daily.
The offshore floating restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and they will arrange the 2-way transportation for you.
Woon Woon Pek Beehoon (#01-52) at Changi Village Hawker Centre.
Image credit: Eatbook
Closer to the mainland, we’ve got the famous Changi Village Hawker Centre with a wide variety of stalls selling local fare such as nasi lemak, carrot cake, and hor fun.
Fun fact: there used to be a Changi Cinema in Changi Village where the bus terminal is currently located.
Here’s a little bit of history: in the 1800s, Changi was basically a land of coconut plantations and Changi Point had become a place for picnics and beach parties. When the British took over in the early 1900s, they turned Changi Point into military barracks.
Image credit: Aditi Kashyap
Now, there are a couple of recreation clubs in the area including the Civil Service Club, Changi Beach Club, Changi Sailing Club, and Changi Golf Club. Some of the facilities such as BBQ pits and restaurants are open to the public.
To explore, there are colonial buildings from the 1930s such as the Old Commando HQ and Old Changi Hospital for the brave souls.
Changi Boardwalk is a 2.2km route that goes around the northern coastline of Changi Point.
Whether it’s the early morning or evening, going on a leisurely walk around Changi Point guarantees scenic views of the open sea. With close proximity to the airport, you can even indulge in a little plane spotting.
Start at Changi Boardwalk and if you keep going westwards, you’ll eventually reach Changi Beach Park after about 20 minutes. Walk even further and the path leads you to Changi Bay Point – all part of the Round Island Route.
Whether you’re looking to spend a day at Pulau Ubin or just want to explore the sites around the Changi Point Ferry Terminal, carve out some time to visit this east side gem.
More things to see in Changi:
Cover image adapted from: Eatbook
Last updated 20th October 2023.
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