The whole village fronts the Changi Beach (below) where families camp during the weekends. Wooden bumboats chug in and out of the old jetty ferrying people to islands such as Pulau Ubin. Stay or meet in Changi, the often forgotten part of Singapore. But with a resort feel and improved facilities, it may be a refreshing alternative for the weary corporate traveller. WRISNEY TAN reports.

Time moves slowly in Changi Village. Modernisation has bypassed the area. It is hard to believe it is part of Singapore; feels more like being in New York’s bohemian Greenwich Village.

Corporate travellers coming to Singapore seldom get an opportunity to see this side of the city. But with the newly reopened Changi Village Hotel, formerly Le Meridien Changi, it is now possible to do business in a resort-like backdrop.

The hotel is 15 minutes away from the Singapore Expo and Singapore Changi Airport and about half an hour from the city centre.

The whole village fronts the Changi Beach, where families camp during the weekends. The aroma of their BBQs add to the retreat ambience. Wooden bumboats chug in and out of the old jetty ferrying people from the mainland to neighbouring islands such as Pulau Ubin.

The occasional fisherman brings in his catch in the early mornings and evenings. Old housing units on top of shops are rarely seen in town, but are common here.

At the heart of the village is a wet market and a hawker centre. Some of the best local fare in the country is found here and it is no secret locals throng the village just for the food.

One crowd puller is the International Nasi Lemak stall, which sells the fragrant coconut rice served with spiced chicken wings, deep fried anchovies with peanuts and tasty chilli paste. Another favourite haunt is Charlie’s, a snack bar serving western food such as hot dogs, fish & chips and its best-selling fried chicken wings that goes well with a pint of beer.

For interesting sights, corporate travellers can check out the old colonial buildings including the Old Commando Headquarters built in 1935, the Royal Engineers Headquarters built in 1936, the former Changi Hospital (1935), the Far East Air Forces Headquarters (1930) and the Married Soldiers Quarters (1928).

Changi Village Hotel has been targeting corporate clients actively to fill its rooms on weekdays. The bulk of its business on weekends consists of families and leisure travellers.

General manager Mr Fong Kah Seng said there were huge prospects from the many logistics, aviation and related companies located around the airport or at the Loyang industrial park nearby.

Mr Fong said: “Those companies that have supported us while we were Le Meridien Changi have continued to give us their support.

“But now with the renovations completed and the new meeting facilities, we are seeing more companies enquiring about corporate retreats, seminars and workshops, which we didn’t have before.

“We’ve also spoken to the Singapore Expo as it makes sense for us to work together to see where we can fill the gaps in terms of guest rooms, meeting rooms and catering needs.”

The hotel has 14 meeting and function rooms of four types. The Square, divisible into Square1 and Square2, seats 300 persons banquet- style. The Cube comprises six meeting rooms Cube1 to Cube6, seating 34 to 48 persons. The Oval comprises four meeting rooms Oval1 to Oval4, seating 16 to 30 persons. The Sphere comprises three meeting rooms, Sphere1 to Sphere3, seating 56 to 93 persons. The Cube, Oval and Sphere are all theatre-style.

Mr Fong said being away from the city was actually the hotel’s advantage as it was able to provide a totally different experience. He and his team have been in discussions with several recreational clubs around the hotel, including the Changi Sailing Club and the Changi Golf Club, to allow guests to use their facilities.

He said: “We are trying to inject elements of both work and play into their experience when they stay here so that they can enjoy the comforts of the modern world while in a rustic setting.”