Changi Chapel and Museum
Changi Chapel and Museum
4.5
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
About
The newly revamped Changi Chapel and Museum (CCM) features new content and artefacts presented in an intimate and engaging format to tell the story of the prisoners of war and civilians interned in Changi prison camp during the Japanese Occupation. As part of the revamp, the National Museum of Singapore which manages Changi Museum has been collecting stories and personal objects from families of former internees that emphasise their personal experiences. The museum’s narrative is centred on remembrance and reflection, encouraging visitors to contemplate both the hardships that the internees underwent, as well as their courage and resilience in the face of difficulties.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Address
Neighbourhood: Changi West
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See what travellers are saying
- Ian BFort William, United Kingdom17 contributionsLest we forgetMy wife and I visited the museum today, and it was a very moving experience. I had read a great many books on those who were interred in Changi and had worked on the dreaded Burma railway line. To actually visit the museum and the Chapel was something I had always wanted to do if the opportunity presented itself. The deprivation that the prisoners suffered must have been unbelievable. The malnutrition, lack of sanitation, and clean water, along with the constant battle against diseases, would have broken the toughest of spirits. However, to be held captive, not knowing if you would ever return home to see your loved ones again must have been truly heart-wrenching. I can fully appreciate why the Chapel and the comforting words of the bible must have offered comfort when under such duress.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 February 2024
- Sally C3 contributionsEmotional visitWhile on holidays in Singapore I visited the Changi Chapel and Museum. My grandfather was a POW at Changi from the Fall of Singapore until liberation. I have been wanting to get here for some time however the last few visits to Singapore the Museum was being renovated. Very glad that I took the time to visit. Found some information on my grandfather and was advised by the guides there to email any further information to the curator for them to update. I do hope the information I have emailed the curator will be used to update information on my grandfather. I purchased our tickets online however could have easily just have turned up on the day. We did the tour via the robot which was an interesting way of telling the story of Changi. Definitely a place you need to visitVisited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 February 2024
- Neil HReading, United Kingdom184 contributionsHistory buffTake your time, if you can get on a guided tour, we would definitely advise, it is well worth it. The tour can be a harrowing experience, history is well presented. Take time to enjoy refreshments at the onsite Café. If arriving by taxi, ensure you have a App installed on your phone, such as the Grab app for the return, taxis are not freely available in the area.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 March 2024
- ArtfornodrivingBrisbane, Australia3,359 contributionsA Worthwhile VisitA cute little museum that only took me an hour and a half to get through it all. Nice displays with big writing which made it easy to read although the lighting was quite dim, so I wasn’t able to see all the exhibits properly, especially the smaller ones. I got here fairly easily by taxi from the nearby D’Resort where I was staying and the helpful lady at the front desk organised my taxi back to the resort. Entry fee for a senior was a modest 5 Sing. There are no toilets inside the museum, which I found a bit inconvenient, but since the visit was a relatively short one it wasn’t a major problem. The toilets are actually in the restaurant which is just outside the museum. The restaurant itself is quite large and all outdoors, ideal for this hot and humid weather. I didn’t really find anything that took my fancy on the rather extensive menu, but it was a bit early for chicken curries and the like. Still, it looked like a decent place and I’m sure that the fare is good. Apart from the restaurant, there is also a little bookshop. Despite its location being somewhat removed from the city centre, which may deter some visitors, the Changi Prison Museum is a worthwhile attraction, especially for Australians, Britons, and those interested in history. The museum's compact size and informative exhibits make it an engaging destination to spend an hour or two, particularly if visiting on an important day like ANZAC Day, which adds an extra layer of significance to the experience.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 27 May 2024
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4.5
2,099 reviews
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Osula N
Los Angeles, CA718 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
I came here on a Grab on a Saturday morning. I had reserved a spot for myself three days beforehand on their website for their docent led guided tour. Reserving a spot was free but entering the museum was $8.
The museum was really small but the docent was very detailed and knowledgeable. The tour was an hour long and it gave a glimpse into some of terrible conditions people went through during the Japanese occupation. There was free parking on the property and a bus stop that stopped right in front of it.
They even have a restaurant on the property but I didn't get anything so not sure if it's any good. The restroom is right by the restaurant. This museum is in the same area as the SIN airport but still takes about half an hour to get from one to the other via public transportation.
If you're not a history buff then I'd say skip it. If you don't do any of their tours then it'd likely only take you less than 30 minutes to see the entire place. In my opinion, it's not worth the trek out there if you're not staying near the airport.
The museum was really small but the docent was very detailed and knowledgeable. The tour was an hour long and it gave a glimpse into some of terrible conditions people went through during the Japanese occupation. There was free parking on the property and a bus stop that stopped right in front of it.
They even have a restaurant on the property but I didn't get anything so not sure if it's any good. The restroom is right by the restaurant. This museum is in the same area as the SIN airport but still takes about half an hour to get from one to the other via public transportation.
If you're not a history buff then I'd say skip it. If you don't do any of their tours then it'd likely only take you less than 30 minutes to see the entire place. In my opinion, it's not worth the trek out there if you're not staying near the airport.
Written 3 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sue
Neath, UK44 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Tried tore book last night but there was problems trying to do so ( their website not me).
We turned up on the off chance this morning and had a lovey tour with a very informative robot called TEMI. She was delightful and very clever. If you got in her way she went around you. Her only negative was she gave you the information about each area and then only gave you two minutes to look around that area before moving on. After her tour was finished and she had parked herself back in her charging portal we went around again and caught up on the things we’d missed. The museum and chapel are extremely well planned and there were many moving stories and articles on show.
I would highly recommend this experience.
If you’re feeling brave then go by underground train and the number 2 bus. It’s so easy to find. There is no parking there and a taxi would make it expensive. We really enjoyed our train and bus journey.
We turned up on the off chance this morning and had a lovey tour with a very informative robot called TEMI. She was delightful and very clever. If you got in her way she went around you. Her only negative was she gave you the information about each area and then only gave you two minutes to look around that area before moving on. After her tour was finished and she had parked herself back in her charging portal we went around again and caught up on the things we’d missed. The museum and chapel are extremely well planned and there were many moving stories and articles on show.
I would highly recommend this experience.
If you’re feeling brave then go by underground train and the number 2 bus. It’s so easy to find. There is no parking there and a taxi would make it expensive. We really enjoyed our train and bus journey.
Written 16 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KJO74
Canberra, Australia482 contributions
July 2022 • Family
We spent a good hour going through the museum today. The content is modern and well presented and unlike other museums you don’t feel like you are overwhelmed with content and facts figures by the end. It really is well done!!
I would recommend doing the Battlebox tour before this museum as you will find it is a follow on from a lot of the content you have already learnt.
A modern touch is the top it tour guide. First time I have ever seen this and again it worked well with the content and exhibits.
Getting there:
- MRT to Upper Changi
- follow the exit signs to Bus 2.
- once on bus 2 it is seven stops
I would recommend doing the Battlebox tour before this museum as you will find it is a follow on from a lot of the content you have already learnt.
A modern touch is the top it tour guide. First time I have ever seen this and again it worked well with the content and exhibits.
Getting there:
- MRT to Upper Changi
- follow the exit signs to Bus 2.
- once on bus 2 it is seven stops
Written 2 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leanne N
3 contributions
June 2024 • Couples
Unfortunately we found the new updated Museum to be a sanitised and politically correct version of WW2 and life as a POW. The stories made the camp sound like a holiday almost, and the photos of well fed prisoners does not tally with the skeletal pictures of the men when they were liberated. No mention of the brutality of the Japanese. After seeing the 'old' museum, I was looking forward to a much better display. Very disappointing
Written 16 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leanne Culina-Penza
Sydney, Australia838 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
This museum is on the smaller side for many others that we have been to. Somewhere in between a monument and museum perhaps. It is small and well laid out, with interesting information and places of reflection throughout. It won't take you to long to stroll through the entire exhibit, even reading everything or taking one of their walking tours (with a robot!). Given it's size it is also a very reasonable entry fee. The venue is out of town, but the staff will happily call you a taxi and there is a café on site.
Written 4 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WallySchiel
Bullsbrook, Australia9 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
A very sad & moving experience . The hardships & privations that these men,women & children suffered is hard to comprehend.
The conditions they had to put up with were horrendous. Yet through all that, they kept their spirits up & looked to the future. Sadly, so, so many did not make it. I highly recommend the Changi Chapel & Museum for a must see, to pay respect to all those prisoners.
The Chapel & Museum is a place of quiet reflection.
“We will remember them”
The conditions they had to put up with were horrendous. Yet through all that, they kept their spirits up & looked to the future. Sadly, so, so many did not make it. I highly recommend the Changi Chapel & Museum for a must see, to pay respect to all those prisoners.
The Chapel & Museum is a place of quiet reflection.
“We will remember them”
Written 22 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shane V
Melbourne, Australia21 contributions
Oct 2022
I found this place to be quite Humbling, the stories and conditions of the people that were locked up here will really put it all into perspective.
As an avid military history buff this place was a must see on our trip to Singapore, and I am so glad we made time for a visit. The museum itself is small, but full of interesting displays and information. You could skim though in 30minutes or take your time read and study the information which took us 3 hours. A number of touch screens around full of information give it a modern feel, the museum itself is going with the times and moving to cashless, so bring a credit/debit card.
Overall, we found the museum to be an extremely moving place, I didn't feel right to take photos of anything inside the museum I was that moved. It's very informative on the area and the events that happened there. Its location is tucked into a corner of the New Changi prison and close to Changi airport. A bus stops right out front running both ways so easy to go there and back from wherever you came from. Small restaurant next to the museum is a nice outdoor undercover area to relax. Johore Battery is a 1 km walk around the corner.
As an avid military history buff this place was a must see on our trip to Singapore, and I am so glad we made time for a visit. The museum itself is small, but full of interesting displays and information. You could skim though in 30minutes or take your time read and study the information which took us 3 hours. A number of touch screens around full of information give it a modern feel, the museum itself is going with the times and moving to cashless, so bring a credit/debit card.
Overall, we found the museum to be an extremely moving place, I didn't feel right to take photos of anything inside the museum I was that moved. It's very informative on the area and the events that happened there. Its location is tucked into a corner of the New Changi prison and close to Changi airport. A bus stops right out front running both ways so easy to go there and back from wherever you came from. Small restaurant next to the museum is a nice outdoor undercover area to relax. Johore Battery is a 1 km walk around the corner.
Written 14 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken-of-Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia20 contributions
Apr 2022
The museum is just the right size to be able to take everything in. It uses old photographs, objects, written and spoken words to convey the experiences of mainly Australian prisoners of war in a camp run by the Japanese during World War 2. As well as their notebooks, uniforms and everyday objects, there are also artistic sketches, wall murals, embroidered cloths and other little things that they made. In the face of overcrowding and inadequate food, prisoners kept up their morale through work, reading, education, worship, sports, concerts, art and literature. They ingeniously made many necessities such as soap and shaving gear and were able to grow some food. The images of these emaciated men stare back at you with proud faces from a difficult past and one can only feel respect and admiration for their unconquerable spirit.
The staff are extremely friendly and you can follow a talking robot through the rooms. This uncrowded museum is well worth a visit not only for history buffs but also for anyone wanting to understand how humans can cope with and ultimately triumph over adversity.
The staff are extremely friendly and you can follow a talking robot through the rooms. This uncrowded museum is well worth a visit not only for history buffs but also for anyone wanting to understand how humans can cope with and ultimately triumph over adversity.
Written 7 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Al-Shumba
Bedfordshire, UK721 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
This must have been one of the most humbling war memorials I have visited. It is totally non-judgemental and deals with the facts of what took place without apportioning blame as everyone knows where that lies. The museum is well laid out and explains the history of Changi jail prior to its notoriety. The artefacts displayed paint a poignant picture of what life was like for the residents both military and civilian. It highlights the difficulties they faced and how they were overcome or how they managed on a daily basis. The chapel would be a haven of hope and belief for those residents. Everything is well kept clean and tidy and the credit must go to the Singapore government in ensuring this museum remains open and as a reminder of what took place.
The staff at the museum couldn’t be more helpful especially Ithin, who went out of his way to ensure our visit was successful and out technology worked with the different display rooms. There are databases with all the known prisoners who were interned there. The information on how to get there is well detailed on the website. There is a cafe next door which serves food and drink after your visit.
The staff at the museum couldn’t be more helpful especially Ithin, who went out of his way to ensure our visit was successful and out technology worked with the different display rooms. There are databases with all the known prisoners who were interned there. The information on how to get there is well detailed on the website. There is a cafe next door which serves food and drink after your visit.
Written 25 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sally C
3 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
While on holidays in Singapore I visited the Changi Chapel and Museum. My grandfather was a POW at Changi from the Fall of Singapore until liberation. I have been wanting to get here for some time however the last few visits to Singapore the Museum was being renovated. Very glad that I took the time to visit. Found some information on my grandfather and was advised by the guides there to email any further information to the curator for them to update. I do hope the information I have emailed the curator will be used to update information on my grandfather. I purchased our tickets online however could have easily just have turned up on the day. We did the tour via the robot which was an interesting way of telling the story of Changi.
Written 13 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it possible to store luggage while touring the museum? Kindest regards.
Written 7 January 2023
Hi, I cannot be certain as we didn't have luggage with us on our visit. The front counter is attended by a staff member I am sure if asked nicely they could probably accommodate your request. But to be certain I'd suggest contacting them directly, nhb.gov.sg/changichapelmuseum
Written 9 January 2023
Is it too far to get to Changi in a taxi from city? What is best way to get there to do audio tour, not organised tour?
Written 19 April 2018
We caught a train and a bus. It was easy. You could take a taxi from the train station I think it was Tampines station. We were there in November 2017
Written 28 April 2018
We will be in Singapore Sat 27th Jan, Sunday 28th and Monday 29th - will the Changi Museum be open as have read it is due to close soon for renovation.
Written 22 January 2018
Hello. glad to answer your question. The Changi Museum will not be closing untll March.
Open from 9:30 till 5 on Saturday and Sunday. Free admission
Cheers, and enjoy. Ken
Written 24 January 2018
Hi, We are staying in Batam, do you need a hotel to be picked up from or can you meet at the departure point? Thanks in advance
Written 21 August 2017
Hi we were staying at Marina Bay and got a taxi from the hotel. It cost less than $25.00 for a return trip. The staff at the museum will call the return taxi for you.
Written 21 August 2017
Hi there,
Many people seem to do a guided day tour in conjunction with the museum tour. I'm not able to do they days they operate, is it still worth doing the audio tour of the museum only?
thanks for any help and advise.
Written 8 April 2017
Yes, definitely! I found that doing the audio tour in my own time, meant that I did not feel rushed, I was able to look at the exhibits in detail and take time to absorb the information. Give yourself 3-4 hours to get out there, do the audio tour and then get back into the CBD, or whereever you are staying.
Written 13 April 2017
We are visiting in April.
How long should we allow for a visit to Changi that means we can so it justice ?
Written 2 March 2017
Ops, I missed your question. It only takes about 1.5 - 2hours to tour the whole place.
Written 24 May 2017
Another posting mentioned recently that the Changi Museum was closing for renovations soon. Did you hear any mention of that while you were in Singapore?
Written 20 February 2017
well worth it also try Battlebox and The Ford Factory where the surrender took place.
Written 27 February 2017
How do I get to this place from Changi Airport? I intend to go to this museum first after arriving at the airport around 10am and before I go to Adler Hostel. Also how do I commute from this place to Adler Hostel? Thanks.
Written 23 January 2017
Best way would be to book a cab or car at the airport and get them to wait for you while you tour. We did this and cost us $50S. We thought this was good value.
Written 26 January 2017
How can we ask to see the real murals? They were painted by my wife's great uncle. Lots of places on the web say you can make a request and museum website has an email address to do so - but that email address is not known and the museum has not responded to my email to them :-(
Written 13 April 2016
Thank you for your answers so far - the murals in the museum are reproductions of the originals and, although I am sure they are very good, my wife would like to try and see the originals by her great uncle Stanley, as restored by him over 3 trips. They are still in the room used as the infirmary when he was imprisoned there.
They can still be seen, if you get permission - it is finding the right people to ask for that permission that is tricky.
I'll try calling the museum during their open hours and not just using email.
Written 13 April 2016
Why is it so expensive to visit prison and how much is it now
Written 24 April 2015
We travelled by mrt and bus which was very cheap = there was a charge for the audio commentary at the museum which was n't cheap - however well worth it . Donation box was available outside at the chapel area. There is little / not much left of the prison itself. It is easy to do by yourself. The tour companies have time constraints with their itinerarys- doing under your own steam leaves you as long as you need to explore a very detailed history of the prison and the sadness associated with it.
Written 24 April 2015
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