Mornings at Changi Beach are beautiful and refreshing. A beach that would be abuzz with activity in the day would actually be very peaceful and therapeutic in the early morning. Besides the bumboat drivers preparing quietly for the late morning journeys, and the random nocturnal dog scouring bins for food, you can walk along the beach undisturbed.I drove down to a little corner along Netheravon Road and parked at the carpark near the holiday bungalows. I then grabbed my stuff and started taking in the crisp breeze while i stroll down the wooden walkway. Its hard not to enjoy a morning by the beach. Having been here a few times in the day, it was nothing compared to the atmosphere here at 6am. I considered starting the day with some long exposures but didn’t. I just wanted to enjoy the moment. I’m sure that at times like these you just want to enjoy it while it lasts.

I only started whipping out my camera at about 6.40am and by then i already knew what i wanted to capture. Some fishing enthusiasts were lighting up their cigarettes, this makes for a interesting morning. Most of these guys are friendly and when in groups, they sure know how to have a good time. I decided on capturing silhouttes to display the morning activity in such a beautiful morning setting.

They don’t call it the golden minute for nothing, and it indeed lasted no longer than that. Before long, the ambience lighted up in bright blue and gold. I suggest that you visit this place more than once because there are plenty of places to shoot and its one of the most interesting places to shoot, if you know the right places.

And so, i forsee that there would be 5 areas in Changi Boardwalk that you should take into consideration before you go for your walkabout:

1. Changi Club

This is a club near Netheravon Road. I parked here and i’m sure you would too. There is a jetty here and there would be some fishing enthusiasts here camping for the night in the hut. Despite that, this would definitely be a spot for you to capture. Prepare for long exposures. Bring a tripod and a Cable Release. A Cable Release will definitely come in handy for long exposures to prevent blurring caused by handshake.

2. Big Rock

About 20 meters to the right sits a big rock at the shore of the beach. This would be a good place for you to sit and enjoy the view. You can also shoot from this point, provided the tide is right.

3. Small walkway towards the boat shed

If the tide is low, you could walk below the walkway, on the sand. Another potential spot. Note that in front of you are a whole bunch of yachts berthed neatly, so its another great spot.

4. Jetty

Nice place to take sunrise too. If you were to visit Changi Boardwalk for the second time i suggest you come here and try it out. I foresee that the sunrise with the silhoutte of the yachts would turn out rather well if executed by a persistent and relentless photographer.

5. Changi Bumboat Jetty

This is the place for you to take a 20 minute bumboat ride to Pulau Ubin, a good trekking place along nature trails. There would be some activity in the morning; bumboat operators preparing their boats for the long day ahead. Some sunrise photographic opportunities await.

By the way, i went to a local bookstore to look for photography books and happened to come across a lonely planet guide book for Singapore. As we all know, Lonely Planet is very good in listing local info such as the best food available, the best places to visit (and when to visit. important!) all written with a personal touch and a very unique perspective. I recommend that you get this book as a starting reference. As i post more photos here, i’m sure it will be easier for you to plan your trip and the best places to go!