Having traveled through Singapore several times, I've come to appreciate the country’s unique blend of efficiency, hospitality, and cultural richness.
On my recent trip to India, I experienced a 13-hour layover each way at Singapore’s Changi Airport. This provided me with the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into what makes this airport, and by extension Singapore, so special.
From seamless immigration processes, free WiFi and engaging free tours, here’s a detailed look at my experiences and insights into maximizing a layover at Changi Airport.
Should we start with a map?
There are four terminals at this award-winning Changi airport, and a fifth one is anticipated to be ready at some point. I spent most of my time on T3 and also at the Jewel - which you can visit once you clear immigration. I walked across terminalsthrough an internal walkway and also took a sky train once from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 to see the Jewel waterfall from the train itself.
The Jewel of Changi Airport
When transiting through Singapore’s Changi Airport, one of the highlights is undoubtedly the Jewel. Situated just outside Terminal 1, the Jewel is a stunning lifestyle and retail complex that offers much more than just shopping. Even with a short layover, you can enjoy the incredible Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, which is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a serene rainforest ambiance.
Adjacent to the Rain Vortex, you’ll find the Canopy Park, which features a hedge maze, bouncing nets, and slides. On the lower level of the Jewel, there’s a well-stocked grocery store perfect for picking up healthy snacks, fresh fruits, and learning about local cuisines. This store is a convenient stop for grabbing some nutritious bites for your onward journey. So, consider visiting this little grocery store, especially if you are looking for fruits to eat instead of restaurant food.
Terminal Highlights
Changi Airport offers numerous attractions within its terminals. The best way to explore it is to download the Changi app and be on a mission to spot all the different attractions. The airport and all its terminals are internally connected. You can walk or take the sky train.
First things first, explore the Jewel. Then start with Terminal 1.
Terminal 1 features fascinating art installations and the serene Water Lily Garden and the cactus garden.
Then, off you go to Terminal 2. Here, the Sunflower Garden provides a cheerful and sunny atmosphere with beautiful sunflowers in an open-air setting.
You have to visit the enchanted garden (which is a thing of beauty) and the magical Dreamscape! Just grab a coffee and walk around...
Then, go to Terminal 3 - By far my favorite terminal! It is home to the Crystal Garden and Butterfly Garden, as well as one of the tallest airport slides in the world.
I also watched a free animation movie at the movie theater right next to the Butterfly Garden. The seats were so comfortable!
Remember that some of the attractions are in the public viewing area and others are in the transit areas. You may need to clear immigration to visit some of those public attractions but in some cases, the attractions are visible from the transit areas. These are some that are visible:
For those looking to unwind, the SATS Premier Lounge provides a quiet space with decent food and shower facilities. This lounge takes Priority Pass. If it is full, try the Maharaba Lounge on the same floor, just three minutes away. I did not see the Amex lounge in Terminal 3 but I was told I may find it in Terminal 1. (Honestly, I didnt find it there either!) The Ambassador Lounge also takes Priority Pass and offer services (including showers, massages and gyms) in both Terminal 2 and 3.
Not a Priority Pass (or any other pass) member? Not to worry! You are likely to find showers and other services for a small fee on multiple terminals!
Finally - You can always go shopping! Or window-shopping - Look at this Louis Vuitton store, its marvelous.
If you do happen to visit Terminal 4, check out the Heritage Zone and entertainment corner with arcade machines.
Dining at Changi
Too many options! For quick food, check out the food courts / hawker stations as each terminal has a ton of options.
Are there vegetarian options to consider?
Yes - There are some vegetarian options - from Chutney Mary in T2 L3 to Bikanerwala in T3 L4. There are also juice bars and several vegetarian-friendly restaurants such as Pezzo in T1 L2 that serves pizza, Greendot Plus near the Jewel B1, Din Tai Fung in Jewel L 3 which has sautéed veggies, Hard Rock in T2 L2, the Satay Club in T2 L2 which has contemporary (not so healthy!) options, etc. Lounges will also have some decent vegetarian food.
My favorite experience was at Kaveri at a hawker station in T3 which served amazing dosas. At all such hawker stations, you need to order at the kiosk (the machine takes international Visa and Mastercard credit cards) and then give the ticket to the stall for a quick pick up.
To kill time, I also picked up a juice at Boost in Terminal 2, and then watched live sports. What fun! Terminal 2 is home to the Gourmet Garden. This juice bar is located right in that area.
Unique Coffee Experience
One of my best finds was Bacha Coffee, located in multiple Changi airport terminals.
This business, founded in 1910 in Marrakesh serve a variety of exotic coffee blends, including a memorable Brazilian coffee accompanied by a whipped cream and a large honey sugar stick for sweetening. It’s a must-try for coffee lovers looking for a unique experience.
Spa Experience
For those looking to relax, Changi Airport offers excellent spa facilities. Be Relax spa in Terminal 3 provides a range of chair and reflexology massages. If you choose to just sleep, right across from the spa is the free Snooze Lounge.
You may also find a few full service spas on other terminals that offer face and body treatments. After a long flight, a quick visit to the spa can rejuvenate you before your next leg of travel. The facilities are clean, the staff is professional, and the experience is truly relaxing.
Transit Hotels at Changi
If you have a longer layover and need some rest, Changi Airport offers several transit hotels. The Aerotel in Terminal 1 and the Ambassador Transit Hotels in Terminals 2 and 3 provide comfortable rooms. These hotels are convenient, clean, and come with amenities like showers, Wi-Fi, food and complimentary toiletries, making them perfect for catching up on sleep during a long layover. You can get yourself a room for even just 6 hours. Rooms start at USD $200 or so. These hotels offer bare-minimum facilities (what else do you need besides sleep on transit, though!) and are for transit passengers only!
Immigration and Customs
One of the most seamless aspects of transiting through Changi Airport is the immigration process.
For passengers eligible for visa-free entry into Singapore, the process is straightforward. Ensure you have your passport at hand + onward boarding pass handy, as you may be asked to show it. During my layovers, I found the immigration officers to be courteous, helpful and efficient.
You can go in and out of the airport only once as a transit passenger so plan accordingly.
IMPORTANT: Upon arrival, you’ll need to fill out an immigration card (SG Arrival Card), which can be done electronically at kiosks before reaching the immigration counters. You can actually fill out this form online upto three days before you enter Singapore. I highly recommend that you do this and print out your confirmation copy for records.
Signing Up for the Free Singapore Tours
Changi Airport offers free Singapore tours for transit passengers with a layover of at least 5.5 hours. These tours are a fantastic way to get a glimpse of Singapore without venturing too far from the airport.
Spots are limited, so early registration is recommended. You are only allowed to register for one tour. I booked my tour at least a week in advance, online. A confirmation email was sent to me immediately. I had to show this confirmation + registration barcode at the kiosk. Review this website to choose and to book your tour.
Here’s how to sign up:
Eligibility Check: Ensure your layover is between 5.5 and 24 hours and that your onward flight is confirmed.
Download the Changi App! It is so helpful :)
To register:
Tour Registration Desk: Locate the Free Singapore Tour booths in Terminals 2 and 3. The booths are near the transit area, and signs are clearly marked.
You can also sign up for the tours via the Changi Airport app, though I found that you might have to try multiple times, as the mobile network can be inconsistent. If the app doesn’t work, head to the registration desk asap.
Required Documents: Bring your passport, boarding pass, and any necessary visas. You’ll need these for first-time / final registration
Show up / Register at least 1.5 hours before the tour departure time
You will be asked to meet at the tour registration booth an hour before the tour starts. From there, the group goes through immigration together. You will be guided to meet outside by McDonald's or a specific spot. Following a head count, you will make your way to your bus along with your group.
Things to remember:
Stay with your group the whole time. If you wander off, the bus will leave without you (not a threat, its real!)
If you have roll-on luggage, you will be asked to check it in with luggage storage at the airport for a fee. Only backpacks are allowed on the bus
Keep those backpacks light. Each time you alight for a tourist attraction, you are required to take all your luggage with you - nothing gets left behind in the bus. And you walk with your luggage for about 60 minutes
These tours are not handicap-friendly
Carry water or be prepared to pay for it on the bus
You cannot eat or drink on the bus. Only water is allowed to be consumed
There are three different tour experiences:
The Heritage Tour: delves into Singapore’s rich cultural history, with visits to Chinatown and Kampong Glam. This tour is perfect for those interested in exploring Singapore’s multicultural heritage and traditional architecture. Highlights included the vibrant streets of Chinatown and the historic Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam.
The City Sights Tour: offers a modern perspective, showcasing iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion Park. This tour is ideal for those wanting to see the modern side of Singapore’s skyline and urban development.
The Changi Precinct Tour: provides a unique look into the local life of Singaporeans, including a visit to a local market as well as a community center. This tour is perfect for those wanting to experience the history and community spirit of the Changi area.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or are a returning traveler, there's always something new and exciting to explore in Singapore. Here are some things you can do!
