Distance from the CBD
Both the Changi and Tampines area is located in the Eastern region of Singapore. It’ll take about 30-40 minutes to get to the city centre by car, and about 35-50 minutes by public transportation. From Changi, you can get to the CBD from either Expo, Tampines or Pasir Ris MRT Station. From Tampines, the closest public transportation options are either Tampines MRT or the Tampines bus interchange which are adjacent to each other.

Living in Changi/Tampines: Morning, day and night
Since you’re right by Changi Beach Park, most residents living in Singapore love to start their morning going for a stroll by the beach to enjoy the sandy white sand, tall coconut palms, and gentle waves. The Tampines area also houses Tampines Eco Green – a park with open grasslands, freshwater wetlands, and a rainforest. 

Those looking to get a workout at the gym, can head to Fitness First Changi and attend a wide range of classes or drop by Tampines Sports Centre that boasts one of the largest ClubFITT gyms in the whole of Singapore. 

In the afternoon, head to Singapore Changi Airport to explore its newest development – Jewel. This stunning modern mall integrates nature with plenty of attractions, retail, and dining. Shops and restaurants here open late into the night so if you’re feeling peckish in the evening, feel free to head to Jewel to grab some food. At Tampines, there’s the Tampines Hub which has a range of facilities from a regional library to a hawker centre and retail shops. 

In the evening, drop by the Changi Boardwalk to catch a glimpse of the sunset and a stunning coastal view. Due to its serene location, you won’t even feel like you’re still in the metropolitan city of Singapore. Here, you can also head to one of the many small seaside restaurants or walk to Changi Village to feast on some delicious local food. 

Shop 
There are a plethora of shopping options at the Changi and Tampines area. You’ve got Tampines 1, an iconic retail landmark that has over 5 floors of retail and dining options which also includes a supermarket. Just adjacent to Tampines 1 is Century Square and Tampines Mall so shopping options are aplenty. Living in Tampines will also place you near IKEA – the perfect place to purchase some inexpensive furniture while enjoying delicious Swedish meatballs. For the Changi area, there’s Changi City Point which has a landscaped rooftop garden, interactive art installations, and even a treehouse trail for children. 

Eat 
One of Singapore’s most popular foodie destinations is Changi Village. It’s known for serving up some of Singapore’s best Malay food such as Nasi Lemak. Some other local dishes that you wouldn’t want to miss include Ipoh hor fun (flat rice noodles), goreng pisang (fried bananas), and Ayam Penyet (smashed fried chicken). Tampines Round Market & Food Centre is another great hawker centre to head to that also has a wet market. There’s plenty of inexpensive food in this centre, and for the freshest pick of seafood and meats, you’ll want to get there early in the morning. 

For a relaxing afternoon session, our favourite place in the area (maybe Singapore) is Little Island Brewing Co, a must-visit.

Both areas also have plenty of other cuisines from Korean to Japanese and more. The Coastal Settlement in Changi is a great spot to find grub like pasta, burgers, and chicken wings.  For a cheeky drink, head to Little Island Brewing Co. for some craft beer and house-brewed beers while overlooking the sea. 

See
The Changi Museum is a solemn reminder of Singapore’s past and is a historical place that’s worth visiting to learn more about Singapore’s time under the Japanese occupation. If you fancy sailing away for the weekend, Pulau Ubin can be easily accessed by a bumboat off the Changi Ferry Terminal and is a fantastic place to head to for a day out, or to camp overnight. 

At Tampines, the Tampines Regional Library is popular with individuals that want to grab a good book and soak up some knowledge. It houses over 200,000 books and has online resources for all of its users. Adventure junkies can head to HomeTeamNs to participate in activities ranging from laser tag to rock climbing. 

The downside
Compared to other neighbourhoods in Singapore, Changi has an above-average crime rate. Both Changi and Tampines are also further away from the city centre so it’s not as convenient as some of the other areas in Singapore. Since it’s one of the more mature neighbourhoods, you won’t be finding the hippest or fanciest properties here. The proximity to the airport also means that you have to get used to the sounds of planes landing and taking off, and nightlife isn’t as prominent in this area. 

Making the most of your move to Singapore 
If you are in the process of planning your move, make sure you read our comprehensive and refreshed 2021 Moving to Singapore Guide to learn more about the real cost of living in Singapore, what you need to prepare for and insights on family and work-life as an expat.

You can also use our free relocation dashboard to discover other areas to live, chat with a community of likeminded people and begin setting up for your new life in Singapore... all before you land.