The Singapore Airport is famed to be one of the best in the world. With many flights stopping through and long layovers, they have definitely perfected ways to spend time in an airport. Check out the list below of just 10 of the many activities offered in Changi International Airport in Singapore.
1. Visit a Butterfly Garden
Located behind the clinic in Terminal 3 lies a Butterfly Garden – the first in the world inside of an airport! The garden can be entered on the main level or level 2 lounge by the Transit Hotel. Inside, guests can wander the path and watch butterflies flying above. Stop by the flowers and fruits where butterflies stop for some nectar and snap a picture. They also have a glass case where you can watch butterflies hatch from a chrysalis!
Cost: Free!
Insider Tip: Make sure to watch where you walk! Some butterflies may alight on the path and it would be awful to crush one!
2. Watch a movie
Located in Terminal 2 (on the Entertainment Deck) and Terminal 3 (near Ambassador Transit Lounge) are movie theaters that play movies around the clock for airport guests to enjoy. Most of the movies are blockbusters recently released to DVD. But the best part is they are absolutely free!
Cost: Free!
Insider Tip: To find out which movies are playing, check the screens outside of the theater. They will tell you the movies as well as the times you can see them play.
3. Go on a tour of the city
If you have at least 5 hours before your connecting flight, you could get a free tour of the city of Singapore! Sponsored by Singapore Airlines, the tour takes you on a bus through the city, pointing out the sights are you go and giving a brief history of the people, culture and city of Singapore. The tour makes two stops, one by the waterfront where guests can take pictures with the famous Merlion; the other in either Chinatown or Little India, where you can grab a snack, a souvenir or just a few great photos!
Cost: Free!
Insider Tip: These tours book up fast in part because they are free. Make sure to locate their stand in Terminal 2 or 3 and sign up well before the tour time you would like (counter opens at 7 am). Also be aware that registration ends one hour before tours depart. For more info click here!
4. Go swimming
The Singapore Airport has a rooftop pool. Wow. How many times in your life can you go swimming and watch airplanes take off and land? Not many. Located in Terminal 1 across from the Transit Hotel, this pool is the perfect place to take a break and relax. They even have a poolside bar to get drinks and food.
Cost: $14 Singapore Dollars (comes with towel, access to shower, toiletries and a voucher for a soft drink at the bar)
Insider Tip: This is an amazing little oasis in the airport! If the weather permits and you have the time, it is definitely one of the most relaxing options during a layover.
5. Shop till you drop
It is mind blowing how many stores there are in the Singapore airport. The number is definitely in the hundreds… although when walking around the extensive airport at times it can feel like thousands. They have many duty free shops, designer stores, clothing stores, electronic stores, souvenir stores, book stores, liquor stores … you name it, they have it! And for those of us who love shopping, it is something like paradise.
Cost: However much you are willing to spend
Insider Tip: If shopping online is more your thing, check out ishopchangi.com where you can shop online and pick up your items when you arrive or before your departure.
6. Enjoy a free foot/calf massage
Scattered throughout the airport are massage chairs that offer passengers the choice of a foot or full body massage. These mechanical massages are actually very nice! And when it is free of charge, you really can't complain.
Cost: Free!
Insider Tip: Since many, many people use these, I would advise wearing socks!
7. Play video games
The Entertainment Deck in Terminal 2 is home to a gamer's paradise! If you love video games, check out the Xbox Kinect room where you can play Kinect sports games like table tennis, beach volleyball, boxing, soccer and more. They also have Xbox 360 and Playstation consoles for nonstop gaming.
Cost: Free!
Insider Tip: If you get hungry, check out the nearby cafeteria for snacks and food to refuel!
8. Stroll through the themed gardens
Singapore is known as a garden city, so it isn't surprising that there are several themed gardens scattered throughout the airport. They are all quite lovely and a perfect place to take a stroll while waiting for your flight.
- Cactus Garden (Terminal 1) – With over 100 species of cacti, this award-winning outdoor garden is the perfect place to get some fresh air and a drink at the bar.
- Orchid Garden (Terminal 2) – If you are a lover of orchids, than this pleasant garden is the perfect place to sit and relax. The pond also features koi fish!
- Sunflower Garden (Terminal 2) – Located near the Entertainment Deck and Movie Theater, this outdoor garden is a great place to check out planes taking off and landing. At night, it is lit up with ‘firefly lights' that mimic the lightening bug.
- Enchanted Garden (Terminal 2) – The focus of this garden is the four giant glass sculptures of calla lilies, each filled to the brim with freshly cut flowers and plants. They are absolutely beautiful. The pond also features koi fish and a walk way that juts over it with a glass bottom.
- Butterfly Garden (Terminal 3) – This was one of my favorite gardens! I have included it on this list twice, make sure to check it out!
Cost: Free!
Insider Tip: At the koi ponds in the orchid garden and the Koi Pond in Terminal 3 (right by the Butterfly Garden), passengers are able to help out with feeding at 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM daily! Unfortunately, the feeding does not occur on Sunday.
9. Work out, shower, relax
Sometimes all you need is a shower after a long flight to feel like a whole new person. In the Singapore Airport, there are lounges where you can shower, nap, enjoy spa services or even workout! Check out the Ambassador Transit Lounge for recharging, which also features a hotel for those on super long layovers. They book up quickly, so best to check sooner rather than later for a room if you think you will need one.
Cost: Depends on the service. For a full list of prices click here!
Insider Tip: Combine napping and lounging or working out and showering into a package to save some money!
10. Play in a playground or interact with art
This one is really for the younger crowd or those traveling with young passengers. Located in each Terminal, find the fun children's play areas for ages 1-12! These playgrounds feature colorful slides, see-saws and more.
Next to the Skytrain stop in Terminal 2 is an Asian Icon Interactive Art Station where passengers can explore iconic asian object through touch and smell. This is hard to miss – just look for the giant porcelain sculptures.
Next to the Orchid Garden in Terminal 2 is another art interactive zone where kids and adults alike can create etchings of the airport using provided paper and crayons.
Cost: Free!
Insider Tip: The Family Zone in Terminal 2 is a great place to take the kids. Features include a playground, cartoons, baby changing stations and nursing rooms.
Getting Around
If you land in one terminal but would like to check out an activity offered in another, the easiest and quickest way between terminals is the SkyTrain. The stations are located at each end of the terminals and trains leave about every 5 minutes. They do not run between the hours of 2:30 AM and 5:00 AM, but shuttle buses are available, although it is possible to walk to all terminals by passing through Terminal 1 from either Terminal 2 or 3.
Baggage
Got excess baggage you do not want to lug around during your layover? The Left Baggage counter is available for a fee depending on the number of bags and they size. You can also check loose items, such as coats. Charges apply, though they are very cheap. Check below for rates.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
Have you been to Singapore Airport? Share your experience in the comments below!