Singapore Changi International Airport has long been consider one of the top airports in the world. Winning several awards including airport of the year several times. I’dd heard great things about this place. And as someone whom spends a great deal of time in airports I was curious about the hype. There is no way for me to prepare for what I was about to experience. I intentionally booked a late flight from Bangkok so we would arrive at 1am. This would force us to stay in the airport overnight. One of my best decisions.
Changi is full of wonderful art, cool green spaces, excellent shopping, and revolutionary technology. You’ll be hard pressed to find something you don’t like here. Unfortunately I didn’t eat much here as most things were closed between the 8 hours we were there. There are however plenty of 24 hour fast food and traditional places to choose from.
Changi has enlisted some world class artist to create stunning sculptures and interactive art throughout the airport. You can’t move far without see a stunning piece of work. I especially like this piece depicting a family returning from a long trip.
The Koi Pond is located in the Orchard Garden. Terminal 2, Departure/ Transit Mall South, Level 2. They have hundreds of these little guys covering the floor. You can also feed them if you want.
Changi International is definitely a luxury shopping experience. You can find major brands from Prada to Gucci throughout the airport. I will say that if you’re not inclined to spend that much money their are several cheaper options for clothes and electronics available.
You’ll find free massage chairs everywhere. Nothing like getting a nice massage after that long flight. One of the only places I’ve ever seen this.
This has to be my favorite feature in the airport. A 24/7 movie theater. FREE. And they show relatively new films. Maybe a few months old. You can’t beat that. I noticed a few people sleeping in here. Near the Sunflower Garden at Departure Transit Lounge South, Level 3
Changi Airport doesn’t have a shortage of video gaming locations. From PC games to console, any gamer will find something to entertain themselves. The PC selection was quite impressive. Again, free of charge. You’ll find these at Departure Transit Lounge, Level 3 of Terminal 2
You can easily find a computer to send emails back home or check your itinerary. Although Changi has free wifi throughout, they provide computers as well. I liked this ePoscard kiosk. You can take a picture of yourself, write a message, and email it to your friends and family. Even post it too Facebook.
I was under the impression you could sleep in Changi Airport. A gun totting policeman informed me I was wrong. Something may have been lost in translation but they were basically saying we couldn’t stay there until the morning. Our flight arrived at 1am and we decided to stay until 7am for safety reasons. I talked them into letting us stay but be aware. These lounges are for those who have morning flights and connections. And they fill up fast.
Security will wake everyone up around 3am to check their boarding passes. They were relatively nice though. If you can, I recommend getting one of the massage chairs below. YOU ARE NOT supposed to sleep in them but clearly some people don’t care about that. lol
If you want to avoid the police hassle you may want to just stay at the Ambassador Transit Lounge or Hotel. Basically a lounge and hotel insode the airport. They have an interesting model. Rooms are booked in 6 hour blocks. A standard is 76 and budget 48 Singapore dollars. This is largely for privacy and if you want to take a shower. Personally, I don’t see the point. Pay 58 for the lounge and you get a gym, shower, and nap suite.
Changi has outstanding customer service. They all speak several languages and go above and beyond to help customers. And for me, this is what makes Changi Airport the best airport in the world. You can have the best facilities and fewest delays but the people working there provide the heart and soul. Singaporeans make visitors feel welcome.