As I’ve traveled around the world over the last several months, I’ve logged quite a few hours transporting myself from one place to another. And of course a lot of this time is spent waiting… at the airport.
Most of the international oases I’ve been to are fine and give you the ordinary standards—restaurants, duty-free shopping (“I like to stop at the duty-free shop”), and uncomfortable chairs. But Changi Airport in Singapore was, by far, the best airport I’ve ever been to, not only on this world tour, but in my entire life.
Now, granted I was there from about 2:30am to 5:30am when my flight to Dubai departed, so, of course, it was nice and quiet. But one of the first things I noticed was most of the airport was up and running as if it were the middle of the day. Many times I’ve had flight at odd hours and I get to the airport to find there is no where to eat because everything is closed. Not here. Nearly all the restaurants and food courts are 24 hours. And there is an amazing selection of food.
There are also free internet stations all over the place—they have more than 300 terminals where you can log on and check your email to say a last goodbye to that special someone before you take to the skies. For gamers, there are free Xbox terminals. There are plasma screens scattered everywhere with sports channels, news channels, and movie channels to watch while you wait. But wait, it gets better–each screen is set up like a home theater has with big comfy chairs grouped around it and each chair comes with it’s own set of speakers built in. I would come to this airport to hang out and relax!
Some of the bars have live bands performing. And if you have a longer layover or delay there’s a rooftop pool, a Jacuzzi, a spa, massages, and even ‘nap areas’ where you can doze off and not sleep in metal chairs like I had previously in an airport awhile back in South America. When you wake up, you can work out in the fitness center, take a shower, and be fresh and ready to go for your flight. There is even an actual movie theater where you can sit back and enjoy the latest flick—for free! Besides all this, the airport is clean, modern, and beautifully designed. Leave it to Singapore.
“We are now boarding all rows on the Gulf Air flight to Dubai.”
Oops, final boarding call! Sadly I have to leave this airport. I never thought I’d say that.
Sentosa: An Island off the Island of Singapore
A sharp travel agent might book a trip to this airport and dispense with any accommodations beyond what's in the airport itself. Makes you want to miss your flight!
Hi Lisa,
I always knew our airport was pretty cool–it being number one and all, heh heh. But I didn't know it was as awesome as you've described!
Anyway, I was checking out your blog because I'm about to embark on a similar expedition around Europe soon. It's difficult to find a good travel blog by a single girl, so glad to have come across all your advice!
Thanks!
Enette
enette.com
As a Singaporean, I would proudly agree with you on our airport. The system in our airport is intuitive and simple. No complex checking in and no sudden changes in departure row. In addition the airport is bright and clean. Even though it may not give you a welcoming feel, it is not intimidating too.
The airport in Singapore is really perfect!!!
Do you have any idea for any airport in China?