Singapore Changi Airport: Crown jewel among airports!
An iconic airport with high-level service, extensive facilities for departing, arriving and transfer travelers and named the world's best airport in 2023. I'm talking about Singapore Changi Airport! Recently, I - Business Travel Consultant, Jizlia Telussa - traveled to Southeast Asia for several weeks where my first stop was Singapore. In this blog, I will take you on my journey through this impressive airport and share with you my personal experiences and tips.
Photos source: Singapore Changi Airport
The flow after arriving at Singapore Changi Airport
After a flight totaling 14 hours (with a transfer), I arrived at the Singapore airport in November. Because of the titles I had already won, I was extremely curious not only about the city of Singapore, but also about this promising airport.
Upon exiting the plane, a team of airport staff was already ready to direct all arriving and transferring passengers in the right direction. Upon arrival at customs, I was very kindly greeted and assisted. It really felt like a warm welcome.
After being briefly questioned about what and for how long I would be staying in Singapore, I was given my stamp and allowed to enter the country. What I immediately noticed is that the airport looks very neat with some botanical gardens here and there with palm trees, tropical plants and even ponds with fish.
The signs for signage are clear. Obviously very convenient for transfer passengers. The airport consists of four terminals. Terminals 1, 2 & 3 are under one roof making it easy for transfer passengers to walk between terminals.
Don't feel like walking? Then there are also skytrains which pass by terminals 1, 2 & 3.
Staying overnight at Singapore Changi Airport?
While walking through the terminals I see that there are also several hotels at the airport. There are a few hotels within the transit section which makes it unnecessary to go through customs provided you have a ticket for a connecting flight to a subsequent destination.
Outside terminal 3 is the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport hotel. A nice hotel next to the airport and accessible by skytrain from terminals 1 & 2 and by free shuttle bus from terminal 4. Definitely recommended to stay here should you have a very early morning flight from Singapore Changi Airport. Several meeting rooms can also be booked for a business meeting.
Relax in one of the airport lounges or a special activity
Photos source: Singapore Changi Airport
In addition to hotels, several lounges can be found at Singapore Changi Airport. Airlines like Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Qatar Airways have their own lounges there, accessible only to Business & First class travelers. No Business or First class ticket? Then there are also lounges in all terminals for which you can buy entrance tickets as an Economy Class traveler. These are already available from 55 Singapore Dollars or about 38 euros for 3 hours. Great for a relaxing break from or before a long trip!
If you do have to wait hours for your flight to depart, there are plenty of activities and attractions to fill your time. In addition to lounges, you'll find plenty of facilities for travelers both big and small. These include (rooftop) parks, swimming pools, a movie theater and a climbing wall. There are even boarding gates that can be reached by slide. Nothing seems too crazy here!
The Jewel of Singapore Changi Airport
It is definitely worth going to The Jewel, or the Jewel of Changi Airport.
Once you exit Terminal 1, you cross the road via a large crosswalk and walk directly through the entrance to Jewel Changi Airport. Once inside, you enter a three-story shopping mall with a food court. However, I didn't come here to shop. As soon as you walk a little further, it looks like you are walking into a veritable jungle. The roof consists of one large glass dome with meters-high walls filled with tropical plants all around you. In the middle of the glass dome a huge waterfall falls down. At the sight of this jungle I immediately forgot the fatigue of the long flight, so worldly beautiful was this to see.
Even the Skytrain that takes passengers to the various terminals runs right through the Jewel and right past the waterfall. Admission to the Jewel and the waterfall are free.
12 things to do at Singaport Changi Airport
Handy to know!
Both KLM and Singapore Airlines fly directly between Amsterdam & Singapore. In doing so, KLM uses Terminal 1 and Singapore Airlines uses Terminal 2 (for flights within Southeast Asia, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka) and Terminal 3 for other destinations.
With the cleanliness of the airport, friendly airport staff and the presence of many facilities to especially shorten your waiting time at the airport, I fully understand from my own experience why this airport has been named the best airport in the world several times. If you are going on a business trip to Asia soon and can make a stopover at Singapore Changi Airport, I would highly recommend it! My visit to this airport was unforgettable and I look forward to returning again in the future.
Do you have questions about your business trip to Singapore or about Singapore Changi Airport? Then contact us, we are happy to think with you!
Travel Well!
Jizlia Telussa
