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!
All our blog posts contain affiliate links that help us keep our blog running at no extra cost to you! When you click on our links to book accommodation activities or transport we earn a very small commission. Clicking on our links to book your accommodation or activities costs no extra to you but helps to keep our blog online!
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!
Table of Contents
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.
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.
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!
Are You Booking a Trip Soon? These are the sites we trust!
These are the sites we use to book, they are our affiliate links and by clicking through you will help us earn a few cents to keep our website up online. We really appreciate it!
1. Book Your Flights
We will always check and book through Booking or Trip.com they have great deals!
2. Book Your Accommodations
We always check Booking.com, Expedia, Klook and Trip.com. They all have great deals and sometimes are better in different continents, for example we almost used Trip and Klook exclusively in Asia and Booking.com always in Europe!
3. Buy your E-sim!
E-sims have changed the game in communication while travelling. They are cheap and easy to use, we never go without them. Our current favourite is Yesim!
4. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I usually use and recommend Get Your Guide, Klook and Viator to book tours and activities. They also have shuttle options to and from airports which is great. I love the real reviews you can check and we have never had a problem with them!
5. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is my favourite way to explore most destinations, we use Rental Cars.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a must, Mike travelled for years without it but now we see that was a little crazy! We feel so much better knowing we have a backstop for cancelled flights, delayed luggage, sickness on the road and wouldn’t be without it! Safety Wing is great, especially for frequent travellers.
7. Airport Lounge Access is a must!
Use Priority Pass to access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide.
Where Next?
Aerotel Singapore best way to spend a Changi Airport Layover
Best place to stay in Paje Zanzibar for couples
This African Serengeti Safari is the best safari in Africa!
Why Choose a Tanzania Serengeti Safari?
Best gluten free Serengeti Safari
What to do in Mt Fuji in one day
Things to do in Hakone Day Trip
What to do in Langkawi, Malaysia for 3 days.
