7 Things to Do in Singapore Airport

What do you picture when you think of an airport’s transit area? Generic souvenir shops, bistros with overpriced coffee, and bad Wi-Fi coverage comes to mind. Hordes of zombified travellers shuffle around on the threadbare carpet, trying in vain to find a comfortable seat to take a nap in.

Fortunately, you are now in Changi Airport, voted the best airport in the world for sleeping. Otherwise, adventure awaits you!

1. Take a Nap

While meandering around the airport, one will find many a weary traveller slumbering awkwardly upon a row of hard seats. Avoid this uncomfortable situation by making use of the many rest areas scattered throughout Changi Airport. They are furnished with specially-designed leather ‘snooze chairs’, which come with head and leg rests.

Complimentary Rest Areas:

• Terminal 1: Central Window Aisles, Transit Mall West, Level 2
• Terminal 1: Central Window Aisles, Transit Mall East, Level 2
• Terminal 2: Sanctuary, Transit Mall North, Level 2
• Terminal 2: Oasis Lounge, Transit Mall North, Level 2
• Terminal 3: Near Hard Rock Cafe, Transit Mall North, Level 2
• Terminal 3: Near Global Tax Refund, Transit Mall South, Level 2

Looking for the ultimate power nap? Splurge on comfort with these luxurious alternatives, which feature showers, cable television, and a full-sized bed!

In Terminal 1 and 2, you can check into the Ambassador Transit Hotel for a quick slumber. Their Budget Room is equipped with a single bed, and you can take a refreshing shower in the common bathroom. Rates start from SGD 47.00 for a 6-hour block.

In Terminal 3, you can choose between the Ambassador Transit Lounge and The Haven.

In the Ambassador Transit Lounge, you can make use of their Nap Suite for a minimum of 3 hours, at SGD 39.00 per person. The on-site shower facilities costs SGD 8.56, and this includes basic toiletries.

There are only 18 Nap Rooms available at The Haven, so hurry if you want to catch a wink! Some of the rooms come with connected chambers, and are ideal for families. Depending on when you check in, there is a minimum usage time of 3 or 4 hours, and rates start from SGD 70.00. This price is inclusive of a shower, a hot meal, and lounge access, making it a great deal for the power-napper!

2. Go on a Shopping Spree

There are so many shops in Changi Airport that you may be hard-pressed to keep your luggage under the weight limit! Flying out to an important event? Buy some new togs at Burberry or pick up a new lipstick at MAC. Your father will appreciate a fine bottle of wine, and your girlfriend will squeal over a charm bracelet from Pandora. Best of all, it’s all duty-free – shopaholics, go wild!

3. Work in Comfort

Nobody wants to work on vacation, but some tasks are too urgent to wait. Attend to work in the comfort of Changi Airport’s Business Centres. Fully-outfitted with the latest technology, they are equipped to handle typing, mailing of documents, photocopying, and faxing.

Business Centres:

• Terminal 1: Transit Hotel, Departure Transit Lounge East, Level 3
• Terminal 2: Transit Hotel, Departure Transit Lounge South, Level 3
• Terminal 3: Transit Hotel, Departure Transit Lounge North, Mezzanine Level

4. Follow the Nature Trail

Even in something as urban as an airport, it is possible to immerse yourself in nature. Recharge your weary spirits in these green oases and explore the different biomes represented in these beautiful gardens!

The Cactus Garden can be found in Terminal 1, Departure Transit Lounge, Level 3. Look out for the prickles – this arid patch is populated with over 40 different species of cacti and succulents sourced from the Americas and Africa.

Frolic in fairyland with the Enchanted Garden, located in Terminal 2, Departure Transit Lounge, Level 2. As you wander amidst the flourishing greenery, your motion will set off nature sounds and sparkling lights, enhancing the fantastic experience. Look out for the glass bouquets – vivid displays of colourful glass and freshly-cut flowers.

Singapore is famous for its orchids, and you can examine them in detail at the Orchid Garden & Koi Pond, situated in Terminal 2, Departure Transit Lounge, Level 2. Brighten your day with the vibrant orchids in this tasteful garden, which features Singapore’s national flower – the Vanda Miss Joaqium.

The Sunflower Garden is elegant in its simplicity. This cheerful patch of sunflowers is sure to lift the spirit of any exhausted traveller who passes by. This garden can be found in Terminal 2, Departure Transit Lounge, Level 3.

The Butterfly Garden is a must-see for any traveller passing through Changi Airport. The towering conservatory has an impressive presence in Terminal 3’s Departure Transit Lounge, and covers Level 2 & 3.

Upon entering the enclosure, you will be transported into a lush forest, where over 1000 butterflies flutter among the vegetation. Be sure to stop by the educational areas, where you can learn more about the life cycle of our colourful friends.

5. Nosh on International Cuisine

Changi Airport features an impressive plethora of global cuisine that will send a gourmand into transports of delight. A cosy bistro is tucked into a corner; a bar beckons in the distance.

Vegetarians have plenty of choices, and can choose between Chinese and Indian options. For the jet-lagged, there are a multitude of cafes to supply you with hot coffee. If you have an hour or two to spare, chill out in a bar and watch the world go by.

6. Freshen Up

A traveller can get pretty gunky after a long flight, and no one likes to arrive at their destination looking like a disaster. Well, you have arrived at the right airport for a little rejuvenation! Head over to the 24-hour lounges and indulge in a spa treatment or two.

Facials, massages, and nail services will restore you to the height of sophistication, complete with a new haircut and blowout. For fitness buffs, get into the gyms and work up a good sweat on state-of-the-art exercise equipment!

Lounges:

• Terminal 1: The Rainforest Lounge at Departure Transit Lounge West, Level 3
• Terminal 2: Ambassador Transit Lounge at Departure Transit Lounge, Level 3
• Terminal 3: Ambassador Transit Lounge at Departure Transit Lounge, Level 3

7. Are You Not Entertained?

You can now keep up with the latest box office hits while on the go! Sneak into these 24-hour theatres and watch movies free-of-charge. Enjoy a variety of movie genres in Terminal 3’s theatre, or view the latest movie screenings on the Fox Movies Premium Channel at Terminal 2.

Theatres:

• Terminal 2: near the Sunflower Garden at Departure Transit Lounge South, Level 3
• Terminal 3: near the Ambassador Transit Lounge at Departure Transit Lounge North, Level 3

If you are a gamer, hit up the Entertainment Deck on Departure Transit Lounge, Level 3 of Terminal 2. It has the very latest in gaming consoles, and even features a Xbox Kinect Room! For the non-gamers, lounge around in the Movie Theatre, or watch music videos in the MTV Room. Pop over to the cafeteria next door if you get hungry!

Now that you have read all about Changi Airport’s various attractions, it can be quite tempting to spend an entire day exploring the transit area! You don’t even have to walk that much – an efficient monorail makes travelling between terminals a hassle-free experience. To make the most of your time there, arm yourself with a map of Changi Airport. Don’t forget to catch your flight!