Between the two parts of our trip, Australia and Southeast Asia, we had a six hour layover in Singapore’s Changi Airport. It’s known as one of the best for layovers in the world, so I wasn’t too worried about how I would spend my time. This airport is straight out of a movie. If you got stuck here for months at a time, you wouldn’t get bored or go hungry. While we had our bags checked onward to our final destination, you can store them during your layover.
Airport Free City Tour
We didn’t get to take the free city tour because we were cutting it a bit close on time, as you’re supposed to have a layover of at least six hours to allow enough time. It was raining also, so we wouldn’t get many good views of the city, but I recommend the tour if you have more time! Note that you’ll have to exit and come back through security.
Surf the Net
If you want to connect with friends or family back home, you can take advantage of the free WiFi and computers throughout the airport. There are over 500 Internet kiosks around or alternatively, you can use your own devices by getting the code from SMS or by asking the information desk for a password. It’s also a good place to recharge, as plugs are everywhere. If you forgot to mail postcards, there’s a post office box you can drop them off at.
Sleep and Lounge
Don’t worry about finding a place to crash, as there’s an airport hotel, which you can book by the hour if you don’t have the night to spend. There are also loungers all over the airport. There is also a spa, where you can get a massage, pedicure or shower off. Changi also has an in-house clinic if you’re feeling under the weather and need a remedy before your next flight.
Wander the Gardens
Throughout my travels, I’ve never before seen such a green airport. Not only is there living gardens throughout the terminals, but there are also the sunflower gardens, the butterfly gardens and many more. It’s nice to get out into the green space, despite being stuck inside the airport.
Eat, Play and Shop
Once you’ve had your fill of gardens and Internet, you can enjoy the shopping mall like hallways at Changi, selling everything from clothing to handbags to electronics. Kids can enjoy the playground and an area devoted to video games. There are also movie theaters playing films throughout the day. And as for food, you have your choice of Western and Asian selections. I bought myself chicken rice for only $6!
A hotel where you can book rooms by the hour?! That is the dream.
After stupidly missing our flight back to New Zealand from Singapore (we were distracted in the butterfly house) we had to wait an extra 24 hours to fly home. We were all pretty much broke so had to stay at the airport, the whole day was pretty much spent in the free cinema! Definitely the best airport ever to be stranded in!