In my Singapore trip last year, I planned to explore Changi Airport before going home. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to manage my time well and arrived at the airport less than two hours before my flight. It was a good thing that the baggage check-in, immigration, and security check were very efficient that I arrived at the boarding gate just in time when the ground crew announced boarding. And since I came straight from walking, I was first in line while the other passengers were just getting-up from their seats.

But you might be thinking: Why would I want to explore Changi Airport? Because aside from being hailed as the world’s best airport for 6 consecutive years, the Singaporean airport is a destination in itself. Where else can you find an airport with an outdoor pool, themed gardens, and tall indoor slide, among many other cool amenities?!

So in my recent trip, I made sure that I get to roam more at Changi Airport. In this article, I will share photos of what I did/saw in the airport per terminal. (Do take note that this is not an extensive guide of Singapore’s premier gateway.)

Terminal 1

Flying via Jetstar, I arrived at Terminal 1. Within a few minutes, I already saw an indoor garden, which Changi Airport is known for.

Since I travelled for more than 3 hours, I got starved. So I looked for a 24-hour food joint and, thank God, there was KFC!

KFC Changi Airport Terminal 1 (Cheesy Zinger Stacker Meal: SGD9.45)

In some airports, restaurants close. So passengers with flights beyond operating hours are left with convenience stores. But in Changi Airport, there are many food establishments and cafes that are open 24 hours.

Terminal 2

Entering Terminal 2, I finally realized that each of Changi Airport’s terminal has it’s own architecture.

You will find a lot of kinetic artworks throughout Changi Airport. One of them is A Million Times at Terminal 2. It’s essentially a collection of clocks moving in a graceful, synchronized pattern, and also functioning as a real clock. (Did you get that? If not, just see it for yourself!) The artwork is a collaboration between a Stockholm-base artist collective Humans Since 1982 and engineer David Cox.

Before I forgot, I took a selfie at this mascot:

Yes, Changi is really a gracious airport!

Terminal 3

I arrived early morning in Singapore without any accommodation to house me for my first day. Since I’m just in-transit for a few hours with Johor Bahru (Malaysia) as my destination, I didn’t book a hotel room or an Airbnb place. Also, I intend to use a lounge.

I’ve been hoping to have a lounge experience. To gain access, I should be a frequent flyer or a business class passenger. So I booked…for an economy seat at a budget airline because I’m still cheap! Or to make it sound better, frugal. LOL.

But here’s a good news: There are pay-per-use lounges in Changi Airport, such as the Plaza Premium Lounge at Terminal 1 and the Ambassador Transit Lounge in Terminals 2 and 3. But these two are located in the transit area so I opted for The Haven by JetQuay found at the public area of Terminal 3.

A 6-hour access to The Haven costs SGD62.85. As a budget traveller, I found this expensive. In fact, I contemplated of just killing time at the public benches until sunrise. But I needed a shower so I eventually decided to go for the lounge.

The lounge was almost empty when I “checked-in”. The couches were comfortable but not ideal for a snooze. Also, the lights were too bright for a nap or sleep. Good thing I had my sleeping mask with me!

As with other lounges, The Haven also has free-flowing drinks and snacks. Since I paid a hefty amount, I drank a lot of the beverages, especially the canned ones. I didn’t mind if they’re healthy for me or not. I just want my money’s worth!

But unlike lounges that has a buffet, The Haven only offers plated meals (in my case, it was breakfast). There were a few choices but I got the English one. It’s great…or am I just deluding myself into thinking that I’m getting my money’s worth? Okay, fine! The food wasn’t that great but it’s also not bad. It’s okay.

So how’s my overall experience at The Haven? It’s okay and is not as premium as the exclusive ones. Will I “check-in” again? Maybe not. As a budget traveller, I’d rather book at a nearby low-priced Airbnb, budget hotel, or hostel next time I’m in-transit.

Walking in Terminal 3, I saw a Recycle Point. You will also find these scattered throughout the airport:

Changi Airport takes care of the environment

Before I left Terminal 3, I passed by its departure area:

Terminal 4

Since I flew home via Cebu Pacific, my terminal was Terminal 4, the newest of the 3. T4, I believe, is the first ever terminal to have implemented a fully automated experience for the passengers, from the baggage drop down to boarding. I printed my own boarding pass and baggage tag via a kiosk and dropped my baggage by myself. Even the immigration was automated; I just had my passport scanned and my face photographed. There were still some human interaction (specifically at the baggage drop and security check) but only to serve as guides.

After the security check, I was welcomed by duty free stores for last minute shopping:

For hungry passengers, there is the International Food Hall at Level 2M, which is a food court open 24 hours. It offers a wide variety of cuisine and familiar Western fastfood chains like Burger King and Subway.

For passengers who wish to take a nap, there’s a snooze lounge just across the food court:

On my way to the boarding area, I dropped by the Peranakan Gallery, which is a showroom that features the rich heritage of the Singapore Peranakan community.

A few steps away is the Heritage Façade, which is a zone of stores with a traditional, colorful Peranakan shophouse façade. It also features a digital show called the Peranakan Love Story via the LED screens installed in the façade.

Then I was off to the boarding area, which felt relaxing because of the trees:

Passengers who are bored waiting to board (that rhymes!) can play at the retro arcade machines scattered in the boarding area:

Retro Arcade Machines at Terminal 4’s Boarding Area

Then I was off home.

Have you been to Changi Airport and tried other amenities not featured in this article? Share them in the comments section below.

Changi Airport: Exploring Singapore's Premier Gateway

Terminal 1

Terminal 2

Terminal 3

Terminal 4