From aviation galleries to nature gardens, here are some great activities to get involved in at Changi Airport whether you’re flying out, transiting or sending someone off.
#1 Swimming pool (Passengers)
If the humidity is too much to handle, take a dip at the Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel’s swimming pool and poolside area. While guests staying at the hotel can use the pool and jacuzzi for free, non-residents are charged $17 for use of both; this includes the use of shower facilities and access to the poolside bar.
Where: Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel, Level 3, Departure Transit Hall (near D Gates)
When: 6am to midnight, daily
Contact: Call 6808 2388 or email hello.sin@myaerotel.com for enquiries
#2 The Slide @ T3 (General Public)
Standing 12 metres high (approximately four stories), The Slide @ T3 is the world’s tallest slide located in an airport. You have to be between 1.3m and 2m to take the Level 1 slide, and aged seven or over. For the more faint-hearted, the Discovery Slides at Jewel Changi Airport will open in mid-2019.
Where: Terminal 3, Arrival Hall Level 1 and Basement 2
When: 12 noon to 10.30pm
Cost: For every $10 spent at the airport, you can redeem 1 free Level 1 slide
#3 Zone X (General Public)
From high-intensity shooting games to dance machines and sweet catcher machines, Zone X features a wide variety of arcade favourites and is a perfect place to kill time for both children and adults alike.
Where: Terminal 3, Basement 2
When: 10am-11pm (Monday and Sunday), 10.30am-10.30pm (Tuesday to Friday), 10.30am-11pm (Saturday)
Cost: Varies, depends on arcade machines
#4 Interactive Art (General Public & Passengers)
Woodblock rubbing was a popular artform in Singapore in the 1950s and 1960s. With Changi’s carved woodblocks (which feature icons inspired by popular culture and designed by Singaporean artist Justin Lee), some ink and a little creativity, you can make your own woodblock prints too!
Where: Terminal 1, Level 3, near the Viewing Mall (Public); Terminal 2, Level 2, Departure Hall South (Passengers Only); Terminal 3, Basement 2, next to the Fountain Area (Public); Terminal 3, Level 2, Departure Hall North (Passengers Only)
Cost: Free
#5 Entertainment Deck (Passengers)
From an Xbox Kinect room to a music area and movie theatre, the entertainment deck is what it says on the tin. Children can entertain themselves with Xbox Kinect sports and an Xbox360 while you watch the latest blockbusters or enjoy soothing music ranging from jazz to classical and lounge. Plus, there’s a cafeteria serving local and international snacks when your stomach starts rumbling.
Where: Terminal 2, Level 3, Departure Transit Lounge (next to the Sunflower Garden)
Cost: Free
#6 Nature Trail (Passengers)
There are five gardens in Changi Airport, including Terminal 1’s Cactus Garden and Enchanted Garden, and Terminal 2’s Orchid Garden and Sunflower Garden, but we recommend going to the Butterfly Garden in Terminal 3 first. It features a six-metre waterfall, over 200 insectivorous plants such as pitcher plants, and various tropical butterflies species, all in a lush tropical oasis.
Where: Terminal 3, Level 2, Departure Transit Lounge
Cost: Free
#7 Two-hour guided Singapore Tour (Passengers)
If a friend or family member is transiting through Singapore and has at least five hours to spare, why not recommend them to take a free 2.5-hour tour around the island? The Heritage Tour brings you to the main highlights such as the Colonial District, the Central Business District, Merlion Park, Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam, while the City Sights tour brings you to the Singapore Flyer, Esplanade, Marina Bay Financial Centre, Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay.
Where: Terminal 2, Level 2, Transit Area, (between Transfer Lounge F and Skytrain to Terminal 3) and Terminal 3, Level 2, Transit Area, (near Transfer Lounge A and Gate A1-A8)
When: Heritage tour at 9am, 10am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 4pm and City Lights tour at 6.30pm and 7.30
Cost: Free, but register at least 1 hour before the start of the tour
#8 The Social Tree (Passengers)
In a world that revolves around social media, Changi Airport has created the perfect installation to capture memories. This 9m manmade tree is one of the largest interactive installations in the airport complex, and is made up of 64 high-definition 42-inch screens. Anyone is welcome to use the touchscreen photobooths surrounding it to post their photos and videos on the giant screens that circle the structure.
Where: Terminal 1, Level 2, Transit area
When: Open nearly all day, only closed between 1am and 5am for maintenance
Cost: Free
#9 Discovery Garden (Passengers)
The Discovery Garden is a stunning tree-top trail through tree-like structures covered in lush, verdant greenery. Sound familiar? This installation is perfect for those wanting to visit Gardens by the Bay, but who simply don’t have the time. Enjoy a chilled stroll through the foliage before your next flight.
Where: Terminal 1, Level 2, Transit area
When: Open all day
Cost: Free
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