Changi International Airport SIN: World's Best Airport
Written: Aug 19 '06
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Pros: State of the art amenities, clean, efficient, ever improving and evolving.
Cons: None come to mind.
The Bottom Line: Five stars. Top of the heap. A number one. These little town blues...
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| javajoop's Full Review: Changi Airport Singapore |
Part of my series of essays to Indonesia Jan/Feb 06
I've transited through Changi International Airport numerous times via SQ, GA, LX, & KL on my way to/from Indonesia and each time is a treat to the senses. Efficient, functional and crowd pleasing, Changi manages to keep passengers very satisfied. What ever you heard in print, television, and word of mouth is true - this is the Best Airport in the World. The following comments are based on my recent trip but interspersed with other excursions in the past.
We arrived from NRT on NWA at Gate D44, Terminal 1 at about 12:40am Jan 06 to catch our flight to Jakarta. Even at this early morning, throngs of passengers were still deplaning from flights as far away as Taipei and Dubai through our concourse. We were in the midst of celebrating the Lunar New Year so many who celebrated were returning to families in their home country. The terminals were tastefully decorated with red and gold celebrating the Year of the Dog.
Overview
Changi is on the eastern edge of the island which occupies 1300 hectares of which 550 is reclaimed land. 12 million cubic meters of land came from the surrounding hills to fortify the seabed and fill against its foundation - this according to the airport's website. It's about 20 kilometers away from the city central business district and can be approach from all methods of transport -MRT, bus and car. About 28 million passengers per year pass through SIN, six times it's own city population. It handles at it's highest capacity of 10,800 bags per hour.
We headed toward one of 200 free internet access terminals provided throughout the airport. They're not stingy here however your limited to 15min intervals. I fired off a few missives. Once done, I carefully made sure my password wasn't stored; the previous user still had her account active. You could access via your own PDA or smartphone to activate bluetooth or IR at the selected kiosk behind the sports bar.
Restaurants & Pubs
I felt hunger pangs and ambled toward Terminal 1's Food Court. Located on the third level near the central transit hall, the court offered food such as Western food, Indian vegetarian, nasi padang, and specialty coffee. Alas, only the noodle shop was open but, no matter, I was famished. Leering at the lit board menu, I centered my choice of the Laksa complete full of shrimp, wheat noodles, scallions, chicken broth mixed with coconut milk. If I were to immerse myself with my own cultural identity, this is the dish. Massively generous for only USD3.50, I was satiated.
Changi features about fifty-five restaurants, bars & cafes to offer hungry passengers. Culinary speaking, SIN represents the many nationalities who ply through their nation-state. I don't know of any airport in the world that offers nearly 25 varieties such as:
Singaporean, Thai, Indonesian, Malaysian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Turkish, Italian, French, Mediterranean, American, English
Fast Food, Fine Dining, Pub-style Dining, Sushi, Vegetarian, Pastry, Ice Cream
Please be advised that if your a Starbucks coffee cup collector and need that city mug, you'll need to pass through immigration. The shop is located just outside the transit area. I'm sure the understanding official will let you through as I did. Just wear a big smile.
Shopping
I strolled down from the third level from Food Court to work off my meal. At 2:30 in the morning, it's still bustling at the shopping concourse amongst the jewelry, clothing and perfumery stores. Even if you lose your luggage, I'm sure most of your personal effects could be replaced here. The Duty Free shop, which rivals any US retailer, was full of tourists, businessmen, and aircrew for their "provisions" and lined up dutifully, excuse the pun, in front of ringing cashiers. The electronic shop across the hall was closed but I peered through the grate for the latest prices on gadgets not offered stateside. A few feet ahead were escalators to the business lounges and one of a kind roof-top swimming pool.
Relaxing Spa
Speaking of which, I popped into the Rainforest lounge to see the price menu for their services. It's open round the clock; however, I didn't bring my necessaries in my kit bag like swim shorts for the jacuzzi nor enough dough. In the past though, I've used their facilities like the slumberette, massage and shower facility. Price start at SGD10.00 for a shower to SGD68 for a full days treatment, gym pass and slumberette. It's terrific and highly recommended. Another reason why Changi is tops in airport amenities.
Across the lounge, a passenger unloaded her cart to catch her flight on Qantas to DXB. I grabbed it to unload my carry-on bags from my weary shoulders and accidentally dropped my SingTel phone card. I really didn't need to call; however, if I wanted to call locally, it's free. FREE! The phone card was previously offered by NWA to my dad who was stuck catching his flight back to the US. I could also use my GSM enabled phone powered by T-Mobile for a call. Just make sure you select the local SIN provider favored by your carrier. My roaming charge starts at USD$5.00 plus my minutes.
Accommodations
If you don't care to sleep rough, another good choice is the the Ambassador Transit Hotel. Located in both Terminal 1 & 2, the hotel offers several types of sleeping accommodations from luxurious to budget. Well appointed, clean and staffed by friendly staff, the hotel provides an alternative to clearing immigration and customs to stay outside the airport. Amenities available are sauna facilities and, in Terminal 1, pool, gym, jacuzzi and sundeck privileges. Prices start at SGD$41.00 and up.
Another great choice if you need a bit of luxury is the Le Meridien Changi Village. There's a free shuttle bus to the hotel which is located in a lush locale overlooking the marina and nearby golf course. The best treat is the nearby food stalls for authentic nyonya-style cuisine.
Getting in & out of Changi
For those of you who need to stay in the Central Business District there are numerous alternatives to go by.
MaxiCab is used for hotels in Singapore and anywhere within the Central Business District, excluding Changi Village hotel and hotels on Sentosa Island. SGD$7.00 allows you passage each way but mind you that last departure is at 2am.
Conventional taxi service is available 24 hours daily. Charges ranges from SGD$16.00 to 24.00 plus applicable surcharges. These surcharges may include Electronic Road Pricing, a electronic feature akin to congestion pricing deducted via RFID. Other surcharges are midnight and airport surcharges.
For those for arriving in style, Mercedes Taxi or London Cab are available at the Limousine Service Counter at the Arrival Hall. This service is available from 6am to 2am daily, and brings you to any destination in Singapore at a flat rate.
Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT) services offers an alternative for light backpackers to enter the city. The MRT station is located in Terminal 2 and is also accessible via the Skytrain from Terminal 1. It takes about 27 minutes to reach the city and cost about SGD$1.40. It's the best value and runs about every twelve minutes. It doesn't run round-the-clock however.
Overall
Some New Yorkers I know, by choice rather by chance, use Changi as a stopover amidst their onward journey. Which other airport can offer a free two hour City Tour during the day? It remains the stellar example of how Singapore is adapting to the global needs of leisure and business travelers. By which all visitors receives it's host's first impression, Changi is a great way to fly into.
www.changiairport.com.sg
© 2006 javajoop
Recommended:
Yes
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javajoop
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Location: New York, NY
Reviews written: 23
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About Me:
Cacoethes scribendi - "Bad habit of writing"
caveat venditor/emptor - "Let the seller/buyer beware"
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