Future Music Festival Asia; credit: Future Music Festival Asia 

Yes, you can party like a rock star

Before you dismiss Changi as that hood where nothing cool ever happens, consider this: Changi just played host to the much awaited all-day pop up festival Super 0 and it is gearing up for yet another festival. This time, it’s one of the biggest music festivals in the region, the Future Music Festival Asia. Set to take place on Mar 13-14, it is expected to draw some 50,000 fans with heavyweight headliners like Avicii, The Prodigy, Knife Party and Afrojack.

Raintr33 Hotel

East-side staycation, anyone?

It seems like Changi has ditched basic chalets in favor of chic boutique hotels. The latest addition is the charming 50-room Raintr33 Hotel that just threw open its doors last month. Housed within two colonial-style buildings, it has taken over the derelict army barracks just down the road from the old Changi Hospital (!) and we hear they're also planning night walks around the area (no, it's not meant for the faint hearted). For food, there are three restaurants to pick from, including Queen’s Garden, a family-style modern European restaurant that serves up approachable and comforting dishes.

Other hotels that have popped up in the area include the 112-room Changi Cove nearby that also doubles up as an events space and there’s also the modern Village Hotel Changi that’s minutes away from the tranquil Changi Beach. 

Kakis Bistro & Bar

It's getting hip with the "multi-concept" eateries

We’re talking about the Kakis Bistro & Bar. For starters, it's huge—and it’s housed within a nursery that’s almost the size of a basketball court so that means plenty of lush greenery too. On top of growing their own greens, they also harvest their own fish. Food aside, there’s also live music by local band The Passerby on Friday evenings, an alfresco drinking space and weekly fitness classes held in their dedicated green space. Classes on offer include Bokwa, Zumba and Aerobics. Oh and they're pet friendly too. 

Peloton Coffee and Juice Bar

It's got great coffee

Sure, we all know about the rustic charms and quirky vintage furniture of The Coastal Settlement and the too-cute-to-drink lattes at Chock Full of Beans. Also in the vicinity is this new-ish halal café Peloton Coffee and Juice Bar that not only serves up a mean cuppa (with coffee beans from Oriole) but also yummy ice cream sandwiches and savory waffles.   

Changi Beach

Nature, everywhere

The Changi City Point mall that sits across from Expo MRT isn’t really your typical heartland mall. Housed within the complex is a mini garden that lets shoppers stop for a breather and a landscaped roof garden that comes with a pond, plants and even metallic swans. Adding to its cool quotient is much-loved Five Izakaya Bar and its daily $5 cocktails.

Of course, if you’re craving actual nature, there is no shortage of activities in Changi; from fishing at Changi Beach to enjoying a peaceful stroll along the Changi Coastal Point. Somebody take us there already.