Changi International Airport in Singapore is renowned as one of the world’s best airports, consistently winning accolades for its seamless efficiency, cutting-edge amenities, and traveler-friendly services. Opened in 1981, it has grown to become a major hub in Southeast Asia, known for its exceptional passenger experience.

With attractions like the iconic Jewel complex, lush indoor gardens, and even a butterfly sanctuary, Changi blends world-class transit with entertainment and relaxation. Whether you’re on a quick layover or a longer journey, Changi offers a unique travel experience that sets it apart from other airports globally.

When I arrived at Changi Airport in June 2023, I was completely captivated by everything I saw. From the immense size to the sleek modern design and stunning decorations, I couldn’t help but stand in awe for a few minutes. It’s easy to see why this is hailed as the best airport in the world—everything about it is exceptional.

Accessibility and transportation around Changi International airport

As soon as I arrived and exchanged my USD into Singaporean dollars, I decided to purchase an EZ-Link card. These special cards offer tourists unlimited access to Singapore’s public transport, including buses, MRT, and LRT trains, within the card’s validity period. It cost me less than 5 USD. You can easily top it up at the airport, as I did, or use the machines available at MRT stations.

Changi Airport is conveniently accessible via various modes of transportation. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system connects the airport to the city center, making it easy for travelers to get to and from the airport.

Taxis, ride-sharing services, and airport shuttles are also readily available, providing seamless connectivity. Within the airport, shhuttles are free but you will have to wait for a few minutes.

During one of my trips from Singapore to the Philippines, I decided to take the bus from the airport to save some money. Little did I know how far the bus station was from the departure section inside the airport. I had no idea Changi was that big! I ended up walking for nearly an hour, lugging my heavy suitcase along, as no shuttles pass through that part of the airport. It was exhausting, especially with the weight of my luggage.

For my final return trip, I thought I’d outsmart the system and use the MRT. While it was quicker, I still had to walk nearly 30 minutes to reach the departure area. My biggest lesson? If you’re traveling with heavy luggage, splurge on a taxi. It’s expensive, but it will save you the hassle of trekking through this gigantic airport!

Facilities and Services at Changi airport

Changi international airport is known for its top-notch facilities and services, which cater to the needs of all types of travelers. Some highlights include:

– Dining: With over 140 dining options, ranging from fast food to fine dining, Changi Airport offers a culinary journey for every palate.As I wandered through Changi Airport, I took some time to explore the restaurants scattered around. Curious about the variety, I checked out several spots and was greeted by an enticing mix of Western and Asian cuisines. The dishes looked mouthwatering, enough to get my taste buds tingling. But as tempting as they were, the prices gave me pause. Everything seemed a bit too expensive for my liking, so I decided to keep exploring before committing to a meal.

– Shopping:The airport features an extensive range of retail outlets, including luxury brands, duty-free shops, and local boutiques. As you might already know, Singapore is one of the most expensive countries in Asia, and that definitely carries over to the airport. While exploring the shops, I quickly realized that most items were on the pricier side. If you’re hoping to pick up a memorable souvenir, be prepared to spend a little extra. The selection is impressive, but those unique keepsakes come with a hefty price tag.

– Entertainment:Travelers can enjoy various entertainment options, such as movie theaters, gaming lounges, and even a rooftop swimming pool.

– Relaxation:There are numerous lounges, napping areas, and spa facilities available for those looking to relax before their flight.

Innovative Attractions at the Changi International airport

Changi Airport is home to several unique attractions that set it apart from other airports:

– Jewel Changi Airport: A stunning multi-use complex featuring the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, lush indoor gardens, and a wide array of shopping and dining options.The Jewel Changi Airport is an architectural marvel that seamlessly blends nature and modern design. At its heart lies the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery in the Shiseido Forest Valley. The stunning glass dome structure allows natural light to flood the space, creating a calming oasis that feels more like a nature park than an airport terminal.

Beyond its beauty, Jewel is also a shopper’s paradise, offering a wide range of international brands, dining options, and entertainment experiences. From the Canopy Park’s playful attractions to the high-end boutiques, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re passing through or spending a few hours, Jewel adds an extra layer of wonder to your airport experience.

One evening, I decided to visit Jewel Changi Airport to catch the famous light show, and it quickly became the most unforgettable experience I’ve ever had at an airport. At 8 p.m. on certain days, hundreds of travelers and locals gather to watch the magic unfold. The night I went, the show featured Disney characters, their images magically woven into the lights, creating a surreal, breathtaking scene. I’m not much of a movie buff, but seeing so many iconic Marvel characters projected in that way was something special.

The background music was soothing, adding to the atmosphere, and every few seconds, the crowd, myself included, couldn’t help but say “wow.” It was like being transported to another world—honestly, words don’t do it justice. If you’re planning to visit Changi, I highly recommend booking an evening flight just so you can unwind and enjoy this otherworldly spectacle. Or, like me, you could come on a separate day just for the show—it’s totally worth it!

– Butterfly Garden: A tropical butterfly habitat located in Terminal 3, offering a tranquil escape for nature lovers.

– Sunflower Garden: A beautiful rooftop garden in Terminal 2, providing a serene spot to unwind and enjoy the view.

I was unable to visit the other gardens but I can guarantee they are places worth visiting.

Check-In and Security at the Changi International airport

Check-in at Changi Airport is efficient, with numerous counters and self-service kiosks available to streamline the process. All instructions are written in English, so its easy to understand. There were also a few information centers with staff 24/7. It wasn’t challenging for me to tour the gigantic airport.

The city-state of Singapore is the wealthiest country in Asia, with a per-capita GDP of $107,690 (PPP Int$).

The security procedures are thorough yet quick, thanks to advanced technology and well-trained staff.

I was beyond excited when I booked my two-month trip to Singapore, dreaming of all the sights and experiences waiting for me in this amazing city-state. The cherry on top? Cameroon has a visa-free agreement with Singapore! No visa struggles, just a quick online entry form two days before my flight, and off I went. I was ready for a great adventure in July and August, exploring Singapore’s wonders.

Flying with Ethiopian Airways, I was already picturing my stay at the Betel Box Hostel, where I’d booked 16 days to start with. But as they say, life has a way of throwing curveballs. When I landed and met with immigration, I wasn’t expecting the reaction I got. The officer seemed startled when I mentioned my two-month stay. Next thing I knew, I was whisked away to their office, my heart sinking.

Here’s where the real fun began. Two female immigration officers took charge of my case, and boy, did they ask questions. I mean every question you can think of! I showed them my hotel reservation, proof of payment, my return flight, my bank balance, and even details of my work. But the kicker? Just saying I was there for tourism wasn’t enough for them. Apparently, they hadn’t seen many Cameroonians coming just to enjoy the sights.

What followed was a deep dive into my travel history, work background, and life story. I pulled up my blog, rattled off the countries I’ve visited, and explained how I’ve been a traveler for years. I even told them about my six years living in South Korea, completely crime-free, working and studying in peace. It seemed almost unbelievable to them!

After nearly three hours of grilling, showing my Google Photos from past trips, one of the officers finally seemed convinced I wasn’t there for job hunting. She gave me the green light to enter—but only if I bought a new flight ticket showing I’d leave in 30 days, respecting their visa-free policy. Phew! I wasn’t about to argue. I quickly bought the ticket, even though I knew I’d lose some money canceling the old one. The new departure date was set, and all my details were registered into their system.

With a final reminder not to overstay, the officer smiled and wished me a great stay in Singapore, still amazed at my life as a travel blogger. I rolled my suitcase into the beautiful, glowing airport, finally able to breathe again—and with a big smile on my face.

For my fellow Cameroonians planning to visit Singapore, here’s my advice: don’t book anything longer than 30 days, unless you want to spend hours in immigration limbo! Make sure you’ve got all your proof of stay, return tickets, and a well-documented travel history, just in case.

One cool thing about Singapore though? No hard paper visa or passport stamps! Everything is digital. Two days after my entry, I got an email extending my stay by three extra days. They even spared me a few passport pages. How awesome is that?

Despite the rough start, I had an incredible time. But take it from me—be prepared, and you’ll avoid a stressful welcome!

Resting areas inside the airport

Lounge and Waiting Areas

Changi International Airport boasts some of the most luxurious lounges in the world, available to premium passengers and members of certain loyalty programs. These lounges offer comfortable seating, high-speed Wi-Fi, gourmet dining, and even shower facilities.

The general waiting areas are spacious, well-maintained, and equipped with charging stations and free Wi-Fi. For budget reasons, I ended up spending several hours at the airport waiting for my flights, especially since I was in and out of Singapore twice. Surprisingly, it was a comfortable experience! The seating was spacious, and the free Wi-Fi was fast and super reliable. I didn’t feel bored for a single minute.

Cleanliness and Maintenance

The airport’s cleanliness and maintenance are impeccable. Restrooms are spotless and frequently attended to, while common areas are regularly cleaned and well-kept.

It was unusual, but impressive, to see cleaners moving around almost every hour. The restrooms had a distinct fresh scent, thanks to the cleaning staff who were constantly maintaining the hygiene and keeping everything spotless.

Customer Service

Customer service at Changi Airport is exemplary. Staff members are friendly, professional, and always willing to assist with any inquiries or issues. The airport also provides information counters and digital kiosks to help passengers navigate their way around.

Baggage Handling

Baggage handling at Changi International Airport is efficient and reliable. The airport employs advanced tracking systems to ensure that luggage is handled with care and delivered promptly.

Pros of using Changi airport

– Exceptional dining and shopping options.

– Unique attractions like Jewel Changi and the Butterfly Garden.

– Efficient check-in and security processes.

– Luxurious lounges and spacious waiting areas.

– Impeccable cleanliness and maintenance.

– Excellent customer service and connectivity.

Cons to using this airport

– Can be overwhelming due to its size and numerous facilities (but staff and signage help navigate easily).

Conclusion

Changi Airport sets the standard for excellence in air travel. Its world-class facilities, innovative attractions, and outstanding customer service make it a pleasure to transit through or start your journey from. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a first-time visitor, Changi Airport promises a memorable and stress-free travel experience.

If you want to read about other airports and things to do in Singapore, check outt this link.