Hi Globetrotters,
I normally hate arriving to the airport so early. There’s a general rule that you should arrive at the airport 3 hours before you board. I try to cut it close to where I only have to wait one hour at the gate. I usually make it on time, except for that one time I missed my flight to Mexico.
I would say I learned my lesson, but I haven’t made any changes to my behavior. I still try to cut it close.
However, I heard Singapore’s Changi Aiport is really awesome. Ranked #1 airport for the 7th consecutive year for the World Airport Award, I knew I had to treat this airport like another tourist attraction. On the day of my flight, I woke up at 4 AM and gave myself ample time to see what this airport has to offer.
Koi Pond– I walked to one end of the airport and there is a mini garden with a beautiful koi pond. So many people were posing at the giant flowers taking Instagram photos, and I totally agree on their background choice.
Entertainment Center– I wanted to play some video games to pass the time, but everything was locked. I was there super early though, so if you come later, then I’m sure you’ll have access to this space.
Sunflower Garden– The garden was your standard sunflower garden. I stood outside to enjoy the fresh air a bit. It was dark and quiet, because again, I came really early. However, I enjoyed the solitude and the moderate temperature.
Movie– With comfy chairs and box office movies, this is probably the best way to pass the time. You can just walk into the mini theatre and find an empty seat. I managed to catch the epic fight scene of End Game, which was as entertaining as the first time I saw it.
Free Massage Chairs– You’ll find these free chairs throughout the airport. I tried one and I ended up sweating because I was in uncomfortable pain. If you can handle it, go for it. The soles of my feet felt like they were walking on beach rocks. Yikes.
Jewel– You can take the Sky Train to T1 and T2, which will pass by the Vortex waterfall at the Jewel lounge. I didn’t bother going, because I saw it when I arrived to Singapore. You will only get a view though. If you want to see it on ground, click here.
Straits Food Village– It’s a isolated place that resembles a Hawker Centre inside the airport. I figured this was last opportunity in a while to get Singaporean food. I ordered from the kiosk Nami Lasak, which was really good minus the sweet fish cake (nothing wrong with it, only my personal preference).
Window Shopping– Tons of shops are available at Changi. Surprisingly, they are open at 4 AM. I didn’t need to buy anything, but I definitely perused the shops to pass the time. There are a lot of your standard souvenirs, and of course brand items to eye.
I could have spent another few hours at the airport, because I only scratched the surface of the free activities. But, I wasn’t going to head to the airport THAT early. I’ll save it for the next time I visit Singapore.
Let me know if you tried anything not listed. I would like to hear and add onto my things-to-do list.
Ciao,
Amy
amy 