AIRPORTS aren’t known for giving out freebies – after all, most don’t even provide free drinking water.
But inside Singapore Changi Airport, you can do everything from sampling cocktails to watching films and it won’t cost you a penny.
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The airport has been voted the best in the world for the last six years and it’s easy to see why.
Across its four terminals, there are so many things for visitors to do that you can spend 24 hours there without getting bored.
It’s recently opened a new lifestyle hub that connects all the terminals and will be building a fifth terminal in the next few years.
If you happen to be transiting through the airport, or are heading to Singapore, here are all the free things you can do in every terminal.
The freebies that are available in every terminal
- Free drinks – look out for the DFS outlets. Each one has an area where you can sample free alcoholic drinks, and there’s no pressure to buy.
- Singapore tours – if you’re transiting through Singapore and have a few hours to spare, you can actually go on a free tour of the city. There are desks in all the terminals where you can book the tours. The tours are by bus, and you will have a chance to get off and take photos.
- Gardens – all the terminals have gardens but each one has its own style. Some are even outdoors, offering passengers a breath of fresh air. You can find the locations for these on the airport’s website.
- Art work – there are huge installations and artworks dotted all over the terminals too. Some are interactive, so you can leave your mark at the airport even when you leave.
- Snooze lounges – every terminal features a quiet area where you can relax and have a nap. Some even feature free massage chairs to help you settle in for a flight.
- Plane spotting – there are viewing galleries in all the terminals for aviation enthusiasts to check out the planes travelling through the airport.
Singapore Changi Terminal 1
As Singapore Changi’s original terminal, terminal 1 is in the perfect spot for plane spotting.
On level two, there’s also a rest area with TV lounge nearby, while on the other side there’s a play area for kids.
On level three of the terminal is a viewing area where passengers can look out over the planes at the gate.
And right next to it is a play area with art facilities for kids.
On the other side of the same floor is a TV lounge where you can watch your favourite shows while relaxing in the comfy chairs, and there’s also a rest area nearby if you’re looking for somewhere quiet for a nap.
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The main gardens to check out are the outdoor water lily and cactus gardens, both of which also doubles as smoking areas.
Singapore Changi Terminal 2
Like the other terminals, you will find play areas for kids and quiet zones where passengers can relax in terminal 2.
However, it’s also one of the two terminals that has a free movie theatre, which is found up on level 3.
There are films showing 24-hours a day and you can even check out the schedule before you get to the airport.
In the same area is the gaming space where you can play games on Xbox Kinect, PlayStation, arcade machines and computers.
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For sports fans, it’s all about the Xperience Zone on level 2 where the biggest sporting events are shown.
Singapore Changi Terminal 3
Terminal 3 is packed with activities and it’s where Brits are most likely to travel through.
The fun starts on level -2 where ST3PS is located – it’s a showcase area where you can watch films and live performances.
There’s also a play area for kids, as well as an area for art activities.
On level 1, it’s all about The Slide@T3, the world’s tallest slide in an airport, that goes all the way down to level -2.
It’s not completely free however – you get a free ride for every S$10 (£5.70) that you spend at the airport.
It’s on level 2 airside that the fun really begins.
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There is a huge butterfly garden that you can explore – it’s home to some 1,000 butterflies from about 47 different species.
If you’re lucky, you might even see them hatch.
There are also two koi ponds, where the fish are fed daily at 4.30pm.
In the huge DFS store here, you will find an outpost of the Raffles Long Bar on the second floor where you can try one of the famous Singapore Slings, completely free.
They have other cocktails on the menu as well, if you’re looking for something less sweet.
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And at beauty store Shilla, you can go upstairs for free makeovers with Dior.
On level 3, you will also find the movie theatre that shows films throughout the day.
Singapore Changi Terminal 4
Terminal 4 handles mainly regional flights, meaning that it’s unlikely that Brits will transit through it.
However, if you do happen to pass through, there are some interesting spots to check out and most of it is on level 2.
At the Heritage Zone, look out for the Peranakan Love Story, a short film showcasing life in 1930s Singapore.
There’s also an entertainment corner where you can play games such as Xbox Kinect and there are retro arcade machines as well.
Who those looking for a pre-flight tipple, the DFS store has a cocktail bar where you can learn to make custom cocktails.
Whisky fans can try over 130 different brands at the Whiskey House in store, or there’s the Craft Collection for beer lovers.
If tea is more your thing, the TWG Tea shop has tea brewing demos where you get to sample the fine teas afterwards.
Sun Online Travel were among the first to visit Singapore Changi Airport’s new lifestyle hub, Jewel, earlier this year.
The air-side attraction combines an indoor forest with a huge shopping mall.
The airport previously tested facial recognition system that helps track down passengers who are late for their flight.
