Old Singapore in Changi

Connecting with heritage locations in Singapore.

Singapore is very interesting to visit as the country has made an effort to retain many of its old buildings, charm, heritage and culture in the midst of the economic progress grandly reflected in an infrastructure of modern buildings and high rises.

We were invited to a small residential gathering in Changi, in the north eastern coast of Singapore. We arrived to what is very much like a block party, where the residents and their guests brought food and drink to share. There were games, activities and music for children as well as the adults. One of the adult activities was a walking tour around the neighborhood and the adjacent beach area.

The homes in this very green little neighborhood were built in the late 1920’s and 1930’s. The British surveyed Changi and decided to establish it as a defensive fortress against any attack from the sea. The once swampy area with coconut trees was cleared and these homes were built initially as residences for the British Royal Engineers. The homes are set in lush mature greenery and are today occupied by Singaporeans and expatriates. The homes all belong to various government agencies and cannot be owned or sold to the public. They are leased for three year renewable periods and some of the residents we met have been there for over twenty years. It is a very different lifestyle to condominium living. The residents are surrounded by nature with an abundance of fauna, flowering plants, fruit trees and accompanying birds and critters.

The residents of this community have the added advantage of having the beach a short walk away. Changi Point has a beautiful beachfront with a long boardwalk. In the distance you can see the island Pulau Ubin.

The Changi Sailing Club has its facilities there and one can see various boats and yachts anchored close to shore.

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