Changi Airport serves 102 airlines in total, with 5,900 flights weekly, connecting to 209 cities in the world directly or indirectly, putting Singapore on the map as one of the busiest airports in world (annual capacity of 70 million passengers).
After a major overhaul in refurbishing their terminals, including expansion of their Budget Terminal in 2009, let's check out the 10 things you can do in and out of Changi Airport while on transit in Singapore:
1. Transit Hotel
Changi Airport provides over 210 rooms across all three main terminals with their Ambasador Transit Hotel, all with a view of the airport runway. Enjoy a short rest, recharge and freshen up after a long flight. Showers, fitness, massages, naps, hair and beauty services are just within reach.
Quick Tip: Book early to secure a room.
2. Rooftop swimming pool and jacuzzi
Possibly the first airport with an outdoor swimming pool, Changi Airport provides travellers the opportunity to take a dip and get a tan, whilst overlooking the airport runway.
The Balinese-themed swimming pool at Terminal 1 is even quipped with a bar if margaritas are on your mind. Guests from the transit hotel are entitled to free usage of the facilities. Non-residents, on the other hand, are able to use the swimming pool and jacuzzi, including shower facilities, towel and a complimentary non-alcoholic drink from the poolside bar for a fee of S$13.91.
Location: Departure Transit Lounge (Level 3), Terminal 1
3. Complimentary culture tours
The hospitality of Changi Airport doesn't just end within the airport itself. If you're on transit for at least five hours or more, and have never been out of Changi, we recommend taking up their free local tours that will only take two hours.
There are two itineraries to choose from - colonial or cultural tour. The first one takes passengers to the Singapore River, Raffles Landing Site as well as other sights including the War Memorial. The latter brings you to Kampong Glam, Little India and Chinatown.
Location: Sign up at the booths located within the Departure Transit Lounge of Terminals 2 and 3
4. Cinema
If in-flight entertainment just wasn't enough, fret not. For Changi Airport has two cinemas (Terminal 2 and 3) that screen movies 24 hours daily, free of charge. Check online via Changi Airport's website to know in advance what's showing at the movie theatre in Terminal 3 or view the latest Star Movies at Terminal 2.
5. Entertainment Deck
Changi Airport has a one-stop integrated multimedia centre complimentary for gamers to have their fill of adrenaline with the PlayStation 3, LAN Gaming, Xbox360 and the Xbox Kinect room.
Location: Departure Transit Lounge (Level 3), Terminal 2
6. Free Rest Areas
If you have trouble getting a room in the Transit Hotel, and have a couple of hours to spare but want to do absolutely nothing, try Changi Airport's Departure Transit Lounge in all three terminals. Their specially designated snooze chairs are located in the quietest zones of the airport, where lounge music is being played and water features are what surround you.
7. Themed Gardens
You have to give it to Changi Airport for constantly promoting Singapore's clean and green policy with their recycle bins and of course, the five theme gardens all around. A world's first in an airport, is the butterfly garden located in Terminal 3, which houses more than 1000 butterflies. There's also an outdoor cactus garden at Terminal 1 for passengers looking for some fresh air (and a beer). Sunflower garden, fern garden and orchid garden are located in Terminal 2.
8. Complimentary Wi-Fi and computers
There are more than 550 free internet terminals across all four terminals (including budget terminal) and airport-wide free Wi-Fi.
9. Duty Free Shopping
Be spoilt for choice with more than 290 retail and service outlets all around the four terminals. One thing about Changi Airport's duty free products; each terminal is different. Some products that may be found in Terminal 1 may not necessarily be found in Terminal 2. This is to ensure a wholesome shopping experience for passengers.
10. Hard Rock Cafe
Changi Airport is all about being the first in doing many things. One of which also includes having a Hard Rock Cafe within an airport. Like many cafes and bars located across the airport terminals, Hard Rock Cafe provides guests with an extensive dine-menu, all American style.
Location: Terminal 3
