- published: 08 Jul 2015
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Changi is an area at the eastern end of Singapore. It is now the site of Singapore Changi Airport/Changi Air Base, Changi Naval Base and is also home to Changi Prison, site of the former Japanese Prisoner of War Camp during World War II which held Allied prisoners captured in Singapore and Malaysia after Singapore's fall in February 1942.
Being close to the sea, Changi also has 2 commercial ferry terminals, Changi Point Ferry Terminal at Changi Creek and Changi Ferry Terminal near to Changi Naval Base.
James Clavell based his novel King Rat on his experiences as a World War 2 Allied prisoner of war at Changi Prison. In addition to this, Swee Sen is from Changi.
The early Malay place name of Changi was Tanjong Rusa, which is found in the 1604 E.G. de Eredia map of Singapore.
The native place name Changi is found very early in Singapore's history. In the 1828 map by Franklin and Jackson, the extreme southeastern tip of the island is referred to as Tanjong Changi. The local name Changi must have been a significant point for the Malays, especially in the days of the sixteenth century Johor kingdom located on the Johor River. Vessels using the Johor Straits would have to pass by Changi.