Walking in Changi

Tired and BORED of WALKing? Not at Changi BOARDWALK!

Nope, it’s not your typical catwalk runway where you can be awed by hot leggy models strutting the walk with vain, pompous bearing; head erected and chest thrown out, impressing observers. Neither is it a place where you see Singapore’s A380, soar beyond the horizon into the magnolia clouds just because it’s coincidently located within the same region as our prized Changi airport.

However, here is a walk, where I can guarantee that you will experience one of the most memorable nature adventures by the eastern shoreline. At Changi Boardwalk, you are promised a tranquil interaction with the marvels of sandy marine and lush greenery. With such relaxing scenery and fresh sea breeze, there is no reason to contemplate any further! So what are you waiting for? Just get down to Changi Boardwalk for a retreat from the hustle of your urban life. Take a stroll along with itchytraveller and you’ll know why!!

Consisting of six different thematic sections, it’s no wonder why Changi Boardwalk is popular with visitors from different walks of life. It was first proposed by the URA as part of the Singapore Green Plan 2012, which was aimed at conserving our environment. After detailed planning, the project went through two phases. With the 1st phase which consisted of the western sections of the walk completed in 2003, the 2nd phase took over on the eastern sections and completed in 2006. The costs amounted to a staggering $5.4 million.

With the completion of the two phases, the Changi Boardwalk is ready to roll. One thing that sets this place apart from the rest is that although it has been enhanced to become an attractive recreational spot with new amenities, it still retains its distinct traditional ‘Orang Laut’ (People of the Sea) ambience.

The 2.6km boardwalk is located at Changi Point, which connects Changi Point Ferry Terminal at the eastern end, to Changi Beach Club at the western end. Along the way the path cuts through the Changi Sailing club, which is mid-way between the two points. This long boardwalk is categorized under six sections, mainly; Creek Walk, Beach Walk, Sailing Point Walk, Cliff Walk, Kelong Walk and Sunset Walk.

So how did I get there?

Fortunately for me, I am blessed with my darling Vespa, which made traveling to Changi Boardwalk a breezy journey. However for those of you dependant on the public transport, there’s always the bus!

The boardwalk is accessible from four entry points, namely Changi Village, Changi Sailing Club, Changi Beach and Changi Beach Park. From Changi Village access point which is east of the Boardwalk, you can take the following buses to Changi Village Bus Terminal. Here you’ll begin your boardwalk from the east just like I did, slowly making my way westward towards the Sunset Walk.

Buses to Changi Village Bus Terminal:
2 from New Bridge Road Bus Terminal
29 from Tampines Bus Interchange
59 from Bishan Bus Interchange
109 from Serangoon Bus Interchange

Enough said! Now is time for me to WALK THE TALK!

Journey to the west
I started my adventure from the east of the Boardwalk at Changi Village. From there, I headed for Changi Point Ferry Terminal which leads to the starting point, Changi Point Coastal Walk. Here at the starting point, ripples of shady greenery and pavilions have been constructed for relaxation and gatherings; a place where you can enjoy the laid back character of Changi Village.

Creek Walk
The beginning of the six walks is none other than the Creek walk. This walk stretches from the Roof Garden of Ferry Terminal to the rock bunds of Beach Walk. As you stroll along the Creek walk, you will be able to see bumboats cruising in and out, ferrying people to and from the neighbouring off-shore islands. The moment you begin your journey, the beauty of flora and fauna interacting with the coastal life will surprisingly awe you.

Beach Walk
Moving westward, the Creek Walk will lead to the Beach Walk which stretches from the Sailing Club to the Rock Bund Area offering visitors a coastal walk along the shoreline with serene sea views. Along the walk, a pavilion is built emerging out into the sea to provide rest and shelter, while at the same time offering an excellent view out into the ocean. This walk begins with a typical wooden platform walkway which slowly makes way to smaller granite paths, giving you a closer touch to the sandy beach.

Halfway there!
Alas, after these two walks you would have reached the western part of the Boardwalk which stretches for another 1.2km all the way from Changi Beach Club to the Changi Sailing Club. The western part of the walk has been divided into four different thematic sections and this is where the journey gets more interesting! Carry on and you’ll know why!

Sailing Point Walk
As you make your way further westward, you will enter the Sailing point walk. Here is the longest part of the Changi Boardwalk, which stretches along the shoreline from Changi Sailing Club to the Cliff walk. As the name suggest, you can expect to see a myriad of sailing boats anchored randomly on the calm sea.

Cliff Walk
This part of the walk is built slightly inland with the intention of going through some lush greenery. As you ascend up the steps inward, you’ll experience a nature hike where you are in contact with the tropical wildlife. On the boardwalk, a pavilion with seats is strategically located to offer panoramic views of the surrounding sea.

Kelong Walk
As you exit the tropical greenery, you’ll enter this next stretch of the walk which is one that is on top of kelong-like stilts. Because this section is above water on the sea, it has become a popular spot for many fishing enthusiast. Not to mention, this is as close to the sea as you can get. With fantastic sea views and turquoise waters, Kelong Walk is often used as backdrop for wedding photo shoots. And I was fortunate enough to witness the blissful couples!

Sunset Walk
Last but not least, the sunset walk will take you to lush greenery against the shoreline where only the 2.4m wide pathway separates these two from each other. For all of nature’s wonders you’ve gone through, you will be warmly rewarded here! As the name suggests, this section of the walk at the most western part is the place to welcome dusk. Bring your loved ones here to bask in an amazing view of the beautiful sunset. No promises on catching the perfect sunset, but if it is your day, trust me Sunset Walk won’t be seeing the last of you!

The Sunset Walk concludes the whole 2.6km Changi Boardwalk journey. It is not just in the boardwalk where you can experience Changi Village’s distinct atmosphere. Places in the area such as the Park Connector, Changi Point Ferry Terminal and Waterfront Park are also part and parcel that helps retain the village’s colourful history. Changi Boardwalk is definitely a solace from the hectic buzz of urban life.

A warning though - If mosquitoes aren’t really the best of your friends, do remember to tag a can of repellent along! Wearing long pants and shirts would not be recommended because by the end of the walk, you’ll probably be 99.99% convinced to jump into the sea at Sunset Walk end. It’s prohibited to swim there by the way!

And since you’re in the area, do check out the planes taking off at the airport runway, as it’s just a stone throw away! It’s like icing on top of a cake – what perfect way to decorate the cake! In this case, the day!

For the model runway featuring my ex-girlfriends such as Tyra, Kate and Heidi – how about we put that on rain-check?