Sometimes airports aren't the most fun places to find yourself in. Various horror stories can happen in them. You might have an unpleasant encounter with unfriendly airport personnel that's enough to ruin the rest of your supposedly fun vacation. Or amidst the hustle and bustle, you could lose your passport just when the airline people have announced it is boarding time. Or the airport could be far from the ideal, such as the ones normally cited in unflattering lists such as this.
Now, if you're on a layover at Singapore's Changi Airport, you may kiss those horror stories goodbye. Often cited as one of the best airports in the world and constantly reinventing itself to give travelers the best airport experience they could get, there's a minimal chance that Changi Airport will rub you the wrong way.
Here airport personnel go out of their way to be friendly. Security measures are on-point. And there are so many things to do your layover will be a memorable travel experience unto itself. The next time you find yourself at the Changi Airport, here's how we recommend you spend your time.
Shopping
Changi airport shopping has something for everyone. If you're into fancy watches, Daniel Wellington and Franck Muller await you. If you're the sporty type, you can visit Rip Curl, Nike, and Adidas. If you need to shop for your children so you'll have something to surprise them with upon your return, you can go to Ducks & Crafts, Crocs, and Klosh, among others.
Pamper yourself
Maybe you want to sit back, relax, and be pampered. That's doable at the Changi Airport, too. You can have your nails done at the Picota Nail Spa. Their nail experts will ensure you will walk out the door with hands and feet looking as pretty as they should. Or, if you need a massage to release muscle tension after your hectic travel schedule, Ning Foot & Back Spa is always ready to serve you. Let their massage therapists work their magic on your sore muscles.
Feast in Singaporean cuisine
Airport food is not the same as airline food. And that is most true if you find yourself at Changi Airport. Here the dishes available to you are as good, if not better than, the ones you'll eat from the city state's famed hawker stalls.
Singaporean cuisine is an amalgam of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisines. It's a feast for your tongue. Visit Din Tai Fung for some mouth-watering Chinese food. Order their famous dishes, such as xiao long bao, pork chop with fried rice, and sweet and sour pork.
Now, if your taste buds are quite discriminatory, and they only respond to familiar stuff, comfort food, if you will, the airport houses your favourite fast foods, including Burger King, KFC, and Subway. No, you will not get hungry here.
Enjoy airport attractions
Once your stomach is full, and you're well energised to walk around and explore, visit the Forest Valley. Here you will experience tranquility like no other. All around you is a lush garden that's enough to rejuvenate your weary bones and aching joints.
The Canopy Park is worth visiting as well. There you can enjoy trails dotted with colourful flowers and bouncing nets perfect for the young and young at heart. It's like you're in Mother Nature's sweet embrace sans the discomfort of going out into the wild.
Go glamping
The airport currently offers Glampcations in the Clouds. This could be a fun alternative to staying in one of Changi's transit hotels. Glamping at the airport is situated in an otherworldly spot next to the world's biggest indoor waterfall. The sound of it will lull you to sleep that you'll be well-rested for your connecting flight.
Satiate your need for speed
If you wish to stay awake throughout your layover, which we say is the best idea, there's no better way than kicking your adrenaline into gear at Terminal 4's Dino Kart race track. This race track has strict safety measures in place, so there's no need to worry about accidents. Security's topnotch as well, so rest assured your valuables will be safe.
Even if you're traveling strictly for business, you have no choice but to enjoy yourself once you're on a layover at the Changi Airport. There's just no getting around the fact that you're in a one-stop-shop of all things good and fun. You're in the right place to satisfy all the cravings of your senses. All you can do is succumb to the call of pleasure and affluence.
