Do yourself a favor. The next time your plane even touches the tarmac of Changi International Airport in Singapore, get off and see what a real airport should be like. Changi International has repeatedly won awards through the years and is considered one of the best airports in the world.

The secret is simple: while other airports act like fast food outlets and wish to process as many passengers through its gates as quickly as possible, Changi acts like Starbucks, inviting visitors to stay awhile and enjoy the many amenities within its halls.

Changi International Airport of Singapore has conceptualized back in the 1950’s, when congestion was starting to trouble the previous Singapore International Airport in Paya Lebar. The city authorities decided to construct a new airport at the easternmost tip of the island in Changi, the site of a former military airbase, well away from urban areas. This is to avoid any buildings from interfering with airplane traffic as well as any ground casualties in the event of an accident. The first phase of the airport was operational by 1981, and expansion and upgrading continue up to this day to allow for advances in flight technology and passenger comfort.

Whether you are a transit passenger, a visitor to the Lion City, on a budget, or well-moneyed from months of saving, take at least two hours of your time to discover Singapore’s fascinating airport.

1. Go online.

There are 300 internet-ready kiosks for use, with and without seats, and all for free! Check your email, confirm your travel plans, research on Singaporean attractions, or post about your current adventures. Each kiosk has a 10-minute limit per user, but that doesn’t have stop you from using the next available terminal.

2. Sign up for a free wifi account.

Those with wifi-capable mobile phones need to subscribe first for an account with any number of wireless ISP providers in Singapore. The city is filled with free wireless internet nodes, and you can start web-browsing from the airport itself.

3. Play console games.

The iConnect Lounge on the 3rd floor has dozens of XBox consoles available for free gaming. During non-peak hours, some of the consoles are offline, which still leaves plenty of units for sports games, driving simulations, or action shoot ‘em ups.

4. Watch TV or a movie.

At the Hi-D Lounge on the 2nd floor, giant screen TVs are tuned to major sports, news, and movie channels. Comfy couches and chairs adorn the area, where you can switch seats instead of channels to try on a new show. There’s also a free movie theater on the 3rd floor.

5. Unwind.

Get a free chair massage at The Oasis Lounge. Or clear your mind of worries at any of the Koi ponds, or the Orchid, Fern, Cactus, and Sunflower Gardens.

6. Stock up on essentials.

Changi has a money exchange centre which offers terrific currency rates, an MRT Ticket Office right next to the station where they sell EZ-Link cards, and brochure stands stocked with lots of free information about the city.

7. Shop.

Don’t think that Asia’s premier shopping city will overlook its airport for last-minute buys. From duty-free goodies to posh luxuries, Changi has got what you need. You can even buy cigarettes, which is weird because you can’t smoke in public places anywhere in the island. My favorite is the Times Newslink bookstore at the ground floor.

8. Eat.

Singapore’s other favorite past-time. From budget-friendly Burger King and Crystal Jade bakeshop  to local and international cuisines, Changi will take care of your cravings. Yum.

9. Tour.

If you’re a transit passenger with at least 5 hours to spare, join a free 2-hour city tour to an urban or cultural center in the heart of Singapore. All you have to do is register at the Singapore Visitors Centre. Of course, the bus will take you back to your connecting flight, as well.

10. Lots more..

There’s still the spa, the Transit Hotel, the shower and jacuzzi, the bars, and the swimming pool to try out. And if you don’t have enough time to visit them all? Well, start preparing for your next trip, then. Two trips, in fact: the rest of Singapore is just as awesome as its airport, and just as worth exploring, as well.

Posted in Airlines, Singapore

This entry was posted on Monday, August 18th, 2008 at 6:42 pm and is filed under Airlines, Singapore. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.