Changi airport captures travellers’ attentions with entertainment, flavours, and tropical nature.
The award winning Changi airport makes travel to Singapore a seamless process, from arrival to departure. You don’t have to leave the airport to experience the ‘Lion City’.
There are plenty of dining, gardens, shops and free entertainment to keep you amused 24 hours.
Did Singapore Copy Another Airport’s Design?
Jewel, the airport’s latest entertainment complex opened in April this year. The gigantic glass dome holds the world’s largest indoor waterfall, a five-story garden (Forest Valley) and over 280 retail stores and eateries.
Akbar Al Bakar, CEO of Qatar Airways said in a Bloomberg article that Singapore “had plagiarized and unbuild expanse of Hamad International Airport in Doha“. Bakar was referring to Jewel.
The allegations are untrue, according to Jewel architect Moshe Safdie. The Israeli-Canadian architect said the design was selected in July 2012 through a competition.
For a city where real estate runs at an ultimate premium, the airport has large, chic washrooms. Some could fit two twin beds with room for a few desks.
Airport Transit Hotel
The Aerotel transit hotel at Terminal 1 is reasonably priced if you plan to stay for seven hours or less. Travellers can transit overnight or catch a short nap after a long journey. The rooms are small, but comfortable and clean.
It’s the only transit hotel in Asia with a swimming pool and jacuzzi. After a tiring flight, a dip in the pool relieves swollen feet and refreshes the body.
You do not have to clear customs and immigration if you are staying at the transit hotel. Clearance is only necessary if your connecting flight is at a different terminal.
From the airport, it’s just a short transit ride to the city, pass housing estates, tree-lined streets and skyscrapers. It’s hard to find a dirty spot in a city obsessed with cleanliness and fines.
Chewing gum and vaping e-cigarettes are banned, so are illegal drugs which carry the death penalty.
Do Not Travel with CBD Oil OR cannabis infused products
Singapore Tourist Pass: Best Travel Card
A four-day itinerary would cover most tourist attractions in this compact city. Public transit is the best way to get around Singapore.
On arrival at Changi Airport, purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass. The one to three day pass allows for unlimited access to public bus and train services. Prices range from $20 to $30 including a $10 refundable rental deposit.
Related: Singapore’s Capsule-Style Lodging: A Minimalist Travel’s Secret
The well-linked public transit system allows for easy access to popular tourist spots including Arab Street, Kampong Glam, Chinatown and Little India. Others include Orchard Road shopping district, Jurong Bird Park and the man-made Sentosa Island.
