16 hours in Singapore Airport

16 hours in Singapore Airport isn’t that hard – it is an incredible airport! This is how we kept ourselves entertained, with a lot of free activities!

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There is honestly so much to do in Changi Airport, you really can’t be bored here! It’s one of our favourite airports and it just keeps getting better…most of the things we did are free!

The Layout of Changi Airport

There are four main terminals in Changi Airport and it couldn’t be easier to get between them. The Sky Train is free and runs every few minutes, we’ve never waited longer than 3 minutes!

It’s clean and air conditioned, just follow the signs to the Sky Train and you’ll fly between terminals.

Do you need to move between terminals?

Great question, lots of different activities are spread out in each terminal. If get bored in one, then move to another, they are literally minutes apart!

You may land in one terminal and need to fly out of another one. There are large departure boards which can help you work this out or head to the information desks dotted throughout.

What are the Facilities like in Changi AirPort?

There is excellent free wifi at Changi airport, the information desks are very helpful and have free lollies for you to get a sugar hit, which is much needed at times!

The toilets are super clean and modern and there are free water refill and drinking stations everywhere. The luggage trolleys are free to use, in excellent condition and there’s lots of seating options as well as sleeping pods and zones!

Are there Lounges in Singapore Airport?

There are lots of Airline or Credit Card lounges here, but there are also pay per use lounges. Our favourite lounge is the Plaza Premium Lounge. It has excellent quality food and drinks, the staff are lovely and the lounges are comfortable and clean.

How we spent 16 hours in Changi Airport!

Ok let’s get into it. We filled our time moving between the terminals and finding all of the free activities in each. There are loads of things to see and do in 16 hours in Singapore Airport.

Terminal 1

In Terminal 1 you’ll find lots of art installations and gardens. It’s the biggest and main terminal hub in the airport, make sure to check out-

The Discovery Garden

This garden is lovely, it’s an open area with a winding walkway between two levels. There are vertical pillars full of lush plants. It’s open 24 hours on level 2 and is a nice way to stretch your legs.

Tropical rainforest vivarium

This is such an interesting place, you’ll see fish swimming with plants growing up pillars and around you. It’s on Level 2 and open 24 hours.

free activities in Changi 16 hours in Singapore Airport

The water lily garden

This is a pretty spot, lots of people were here sitting and enjoying fresh air and sun. There is a lovely water garden with tropical and aquatic plants. Located on level 2 and open 24 hours.

The Cactus Garden

I always this is such a unique spot. It’s outdoors where you’ll see planes taking off and really quite big. Its garden is full of differing varieties of cacti.

There’s lots of seats and it’s an interesting place to check out especially when the cactus are flowering.

free gardens in changi airport 16 hours in Singapore Airport

Shopping

There is loads of shopping here. You’ll find stunning designer stores, duty free shops and lots of little boutiques. There’s great souvenir stores for those last minute gifts and keepsakes as well.

Food

There are countless food options here as well.

Sleeping at Changi Airport – 16 hours in Singapore Airport

Terminal 1 is also home to my favourite part of a Changi Airport layover and that is the Aerotel Singapore. We stayed here and let me honestly say, best decision ever! The Aerotel is luxurious and comfortable, making your transit a breeze. We checked in and found ourselves in the most comfortable room, perfect beds, charging ports and amenities like cookies, tea and coffee to really rest.

There is a library with tea and coffee as well as a gym. Your stay comes with a complementary meal, just order and then wait in the library to be served. Mike selected fish, chips with salad which was all fresh, crunchy and complemented by the tastiest tartare sauce of his life.

I was able to choose from multiple gluten free options, selecting a delicious chicken, rice and vegetable bake in a creamy sauce-it was a flavour sensation. We had the most comfortable sleep and both agreed staying at the Aerotel Singapore is absolutely worth it!

The Aerotel Swimming Pool – 16 hours in Singapore Airport

Yes a pool in an airport! Changi really does have it all. The Aerotel Singapore has a pool, complete with bar serving delicious drinks to relax while in transit. You can either pay to use the pool or it comes included with your hotel stay. When we visited there were loads of people soaking up the sun, kids having fun, it was a very happy vibe!

Terminal 2 – 16 hours in Singapore Airport

In Terminal 2 we visited these exhibits-

Dreamscape

A mix of garden and technology. There’s a roof with clouds above you, you’re surrounded by lush tropical plants which meet a pond at the base. You can walk through it and looking down you’ll see fish and plants in the water below.

Enchanted Garden

This area is full of flowers! Orchids and lush plants sit around and amongst glass sculptures. You can walk through this enchanting combination.

Sunflower Garden

One of my favourite places, it’s just so happy. Walk through rows of tall sunflowers, what’s not to love! What a way to spend 16 hours in Singapore Airport.

The food court

There’s a great food court here, located on level 3 you can find ample options at affordable prices.

Terminal 3 – 16 hours in Singapore Airport

Terminal 3 has some of our favourite things!

Butterfly Garden

The Butterfly Garden is another favourite that I have to visit every trip. You’ll walk in and feel the humidity immediately and then as you round the corner be amazed by the 6m tall waterfall, lush plants , bright flowers and of course loads of butterflies! They’ll flutter super close to you if you stand still long enough. Watch them lightly dance among the fruit and flowers.

Movie theatre

Yes a movie theatre, and it’s free! We have spent countless hours in this theatre, it plays a selection of family and adult movies throughout the day. The schedule is located in the front, the chairs are big and comfy, take in some snacks and you’ll easily lose a few hours. You’ll find it on level 3 next to the Ambassador Transit Hotel and it’s open 24 hours.

Crystal Garden

Worth a stop by on your way, this is a pretty spot right outside Loui Vuitton on level 2. The crystal balks light up and the tiny Singapore orchids dance in front.

The Jewel – 16 hours in Singapore Airport

Ok so Jewel is not located in transit and you definitely do have to clear immigration to visit it, but it’s worth it!

We didn’t have much time left but as we had to clear immigration and check back into our flight we decided to stop off to see a little. It’s impressive, full of shopping, tons and tons of food-the chilli crab at King Crab restaurant came very highly recommended by a local, and of course the infamous vortex waterfall!

We walked in right as they ran the light show, it was really cool and a must see if you do end up coming out of transit. When you enter make sure you walk up the stairs to see if from the top level which adds height, the Sky Train will run past it as well which I loved watching.

That’s it! We spent a very easy and comfortable 16 hours in Changi Airport and honestly I could have used a little more time to see even more. There are tons of little art installations and sculptures in each terminal, but that just leaves more for our next transit through Changi!

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