6 Reasons Why A Layover In Singapore’s Airport Is Actually A Good Thing
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Consistently ranked as one of the world’s best airport, the Changi Airport in Singapore is definitely worth a stop over.
When shopping for airline tickets, passengers usually prefer to book the most direct flights to save time and avoid staying in overcrowded airports. However, if you happen to come across cheaper seats with a lengthy layover in Singapore’s famed Changi Airport, you may want to consider booking that instead.
Boasting a 5-star rating from SkyTrax, the Singapore Changi Airport itself is a destination worth experiencing. That’s why if you have to get stuck at an airport, it better be this one. In fact, a long layover of at least 6 hours would be preferable so you can fully appreciate and experience all the things to do at Changi Airport.
Whether you are travelling alone or with your family or friends, booking a flight with a Singapore layover is certainly a great idea. Here are just a few reasons why you should go for it:
1. Recharge While Travelling
Where else in the world can you find an airport with a full-on rainforest and a gigantic waterfall to boot? The world shared a collective gasp when the Jewel Changi Airport, this aviation hub’s nature-themed commercial complex, opened to the public in 2019. With fully grown gardens to explore, this new airport extension allows passengers to take a breather from their long and hectic journey.
Enjoy the Canopy Walk at the 5th level of the Jewel to fully immerse yourself in nature. From this high vantage point, you will also get a spectacular view of Jewel’s centerpiece, which is the HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
2. Visit World-Class Gardens
Those who are into greenery would especially love the different world-class gardens situated all over the airport’s vast complex. These airport gardens will certainly give you a glimpse of why Singapore is called the Garden City. And with all 9 themed gardens free to visit, it’s almost a crime not to see every single one while you are there at the airport. Here’s a short list of them:
Terminal 1
- Arrival Garden – (Public)
- Cactus Garden – (Transit)
- Discovery Garden – (Transit)
- Water Lily Garden – (Transit)
- Piazza Garden – (Transit)
Terminal 2
- Sunflower Garden – (Transit)
- Orchid Garden – (Transit)
- Enchanted Garden – (Transit)
Terminal 3
- Butterfly Garden – (Transit)
3. Appreciate Fine Art
Aside from the gardens, Changi Airport is also renowned for its art installations. The most famous one is the Kinetic Rain, an installation consisting of 1,216 bronze droplets. This mesmerizing and dynamic kinetic art, located at Terminal 1, represents the airport community working together in harmony.
In Terminal 3, you can find more art installations such as the Crystal Garden with 12 dandelion sculptures made of hand-blown Bohemian glass. Han Meilin’s Coming Home sculpture, representing a homebound family, is also located in this terminal, as well as the Birds in Flight installation by Baet Yeok Kuan.
Meanwhile, Terminal 4 is where you will find the colossal red “Chandelier.” What’s great about this sculpture is that it’s actually a very aesthetically pleasing play structure. Children and adults are invited to climb in and explore the 16-meter installation for as long as they want.
Even if you’re not the best art connoisseur, there’s no doubt that you will appreciate the art pieces that are specially curated for the airport.
Terminal 1
- Kinetic Rain Installation – (Public)
- Tropical Rainforest Vivarium – (Transit)
Terminal 3
- Crystal Garden Installation – (Transit)
- Coming Home Sculpture – (Transit)
- Birds in Flight Sculpture – (Transit)
- Flora Inspiration Sculpture – (Public)
- Daisy Sculpture – (Public)
Terminal 4
- Singapore Rojak Mural – (Public)
- Hey Ah Chek! Sculpture – (Public)
- Chandelier Play Structure – (Transit)
4. Let Kids Play
Travelling as a family with little kids can be exhausting not just for you but for children as well. Having Changi as a pit stop for the family can be a welcome respite. You can find plenty of attractions to distract and entertain the kids at every terminal. But if you are looking for playgrounds specifically, they are located at Terminal 1 (Level 3) and Terminal 3 (at the basement level 2). For transit passengers, you can find another play area at Terminal 3 (Level 2).
5. Sample Singaporean and Gourmet Cuisine
Travelling gourmands would want for nothing when they land at Changi Airport. Housing numerous excellent restaurants, the airport offers foodies plenty of options — from Asian to European cuisines and everything in between. And while Singapore is truly one of the world’s richest cosmopolitan cities, it’s also known for its humble but delicious hawker food scene. Of course, nothing beats getting street food from their legendary hawker vendors, but you will be surprised to know that you can actually find hawker-style food that fits any budget when you locate the staff canteens hidden in Terminals 1 and 2.
6. Shop Tax-Free
As a cosmopolitan city, Singapore consistently ranks high among the top-rated fashionable countries. It’s also considered to be the 5th largest destination country for tax-free shopping. Luxury brands keep expanding and building stores in the city as well as in the airport itself. That’s why if you are a fashionista or shopaholic with discerning taste, you can shop to your heart’s content, and enjoy the discounts afforded by tax-free privileges at the airport.
A layover at Changi Airport is a great way to see a glimpse of what Singapore is all about. Make the most of your extra time, and explore the airport’s unique attractions and activities. It just might entice you to make Singapore your next holiday destination.