10 Things to Do in Singapore Airport in 10 Hours
When someone says Singapore’s Changi Airport is the best airport in the world, this is not an exaggeration. In fact, backed by a whopping 566 awards, Changi Airport is the most awarded airport on the planet.
This is great news for the many Aussies who travel through Singapore for their layover and need to kill some time. As a major hub into Asia and Europe, Changi airport is a hotspot for tourists from all around the world and as such, caters to every need a weary traveller might have.
Here’s our top 10 things to do when you have 10 hours or more to kill during your Singapore layover.
1. Catch a movie
How many airports can claim they have a free cinema on offer? Not only does Singapore’s airport offer the latest box-office hits, but you can also relax in the cinema’s comfy seats. The movies play continuously, so simply jump in when you can or check out the session times to make sure you get to watch the whole flick before your flight. Although, missing your flight might be preferable to missing the end of a really good movie? We’ll leave the prioritising to you.
2. Check out some butterflies
Butterflies? In an airport? That’s right, Singapore Airport has its very own Butterfly Garden located in T3. Walk into this hidden sanctuary and marvel as thousands of butterflies flutter throughout the colourful flowers and plant life. A babbling waterfall completes the picture of serenity and provides travellers an ideal spot to destress after a long flight.
3. Experience some nature
If you’d rather avoid the humid temperatures of the Butterfly Garden, Singapore Airport has plenty of other relaxing gardens for you to enjoy during your layover. First there’s the Cactus Garden in T1 which has an open-air bar and even treats its guests to live music on certain nights.
Then there’s the Sunflower Garden in T2 which, as the name implies, boasts a lovely array of sunflowers. It also offers an excellent vantage point to do some plane watching near one of the runways.
Lastly, there’s the airport’s Enchanted Garden, also in T2, which treats your ears to relaxing bird sounds as you trigger the sensors located throughout the orchid garden.
4. Go on a shopping spree
While not an experience unique to Singapore airport, Changi offers a commanding smorgasbord of shopping potential for the traveller looking to treat themselves. With over 350 varying stores to choose from, you’ll be able to find everything from luxury goods, to designer clothing, gifts and your everyday necessities.
This is where having a Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard can really come in handy, as you won’t have to worry about paying any foreign transaction or currency conversion fees. Happy shopping!
5. Enjoy a free massage
If two words ever went well together, it’s ‘free’ and ‘massage’. While some massage chairs leave much to be desired, the complimentary chairs on offer in Singapore Airport T3 are certainly not to be scoffed at.
Want one of our hot travel tips? Treat yourself to a free massage after your flight to work out the kinks from sitting in the same position for hours on end. Your shoulders and back will thank you for it.
6. Go for a dip
I bet you never pictured yourself going for a paddle during your Singapore layover. Well this is very much an option at Changi! While not free, the rooftop swimming pool and jacuzzi offers an excellent opportunity to lounge around and make use of the shower facilities. What better way to wake up and feel refreshed in between long flights?
7. Entertain the kids
Passing the time for 10 hours can sometimes seem challenging for adults, let alone young children. If your little ones are getting restless and you just don’t have the stamina to keep them entertained, Singapore Airport offers plenty of kid friendly options. Park them in front of the suite of XBox 360s, PS3s and other gaming devices at the Xperience Zone in T2, while you enjoy catching up on your favourite TV flicks and news programs. And it’s free!
Failing that, there’s also a fun-filled, three-level children’s playground equipped with all the tunnels and slides your children could ask for. You can find this bad boy in the T1, 2 and 3 transit area.
8. Brave the giant slide
That’s right, you heard correctly. A giant slide. In an airport. Embrace your inner child and give this four-storey super-slide a whirl. This fast-paced thrill ride will be sure to get your blood pumping after a sleepy red-eye flight in. Pro travel tip: this experience is not recommended for those seeking a relaxing layover. If you’re after an exhilarating rush on the other hand… have at it!
9. Grab some shuteye
Once you’ve tuckered yourself out after all the giant slide action and butterflies you can handle, head on over to one of the transit area snooze zones for some well-deserved shuteye. These isolated quiet areas come equipped with delightfully comfy recliner chairs that contour to your body for maximum Zen. For any weary travellers struggling with [jet lag]([internal link to “9 Tips to Avoid Jet Lag and Hit The Ground Running”]), these areas offer the perfect way to catch up on sleep. Just make sure you set an alarm so you don’t miss your next flight!
10. Sign up for Singapore’s free city bus tour
Last but certainly not least, we can’t recommend the free Singapore city tour enough. If you were ever thinking of turning your layover into a Singapore stopover, then this complementary tour will definitely help persuade you. Make sure you allocate at least five hours and sign up at one of the City Tour stands as soon as you touch down to make sure you don’t miss out.
The bus tour includes an informative and friendly guide and offers an excellent introduction to the city of Singapore. Did we mention it’s free? You will also get an opportunity to hop off the bus and take some token tourist snaps of the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel and the Merlion fountain.
Changi Airport has a lot more to offer travellers from all walks of life. Consider prolonging your stay in Singapore into a stopover so you can explore this beautiful city... and spend more time at the airport!