Landing and taking off at the Changi Airport, on the mid-night flights does not do any justice to the Airport that is supposedly one of the best in the world. I realised the excitement that Changi Airport offers from a travel magazine. And after having read that, I decided to actually spend some dedicated time the next time I land there, just to check if it was really what it was projected to be.
The trip to Bali was punctuated with a day spent at Changi Airport on the outward and inbound flights. This was of course pre-pandemic, so as you read, please note that some options now maybe not available. The airport offers two free guided tours from the airport if you have a long layover of over 5 hours. These tours are around 3 hours are quite popular so you have to rush to get your spot, usually for the next tour. However, a note to Indian passport holders that you will need to get a visa to get out of the airport to go on the tour, which I did have, as I arranged for a Singapore visas before we left.We got the Heritage tour, that covers most of the touristic highlights including a photo op at the Merlion. One cannot take luggage on the tour, but there is a facility to store your luggage that is at a reasonable cost. Only they do not keep any electronic items such as laptops, so you have to cart those around on the tour. The tourist guide was a witty 72 years young-at-heart lady. On return, before entering the airport again, if you should wish to purchase local snacks there is a grocery shop right at the underground level.
On the return journey, we literally toured all the three terminals of Changi airport (at the time terminal 4 was just getting ready). From the Sunflower roof top to the enchanted garden, the in-house theatre where we caught The Greatest Showman, the entertainment deck, the free foot massage chairs, the drawing station, the Butterfly garden, the Koi fish pond, to taking the sky-train to go to from terminal 1 to terminal 3, to window shop at the high end brands set shop there, we did all of it. We left out the slide and pool, as the kids were not too inclined towards that.
I think shopping if any, should be an easy option at the duty-free Changi airport, as it saves you the hassle of formalities to claim tax refunds.all you need is to show your passport while purchasing. I have picked up a few things as the choice for shopping is as good as what one could get in the city. In fact, it is better because all of it is in one place here at the airport.
What I did appreciate at the airport is that there is a wide variety of food options that are very pocket friendly, including water stations that gave hot water should you want to just have a cup-o-noodles bought from the 7/11 outlets to the very popular franchises to fine-dining options that cover a range of cuisines. I don’t think I have seen normal supermarket stalls selling items at regular non-airport prices at any other airport. I think that in itself tells you that every passenger is accommodated for in their airport services. So if you have a long layover at Changi airport, it would be one that is not to be regretted if you have a plan in hand.
