I felt like Tom Hanks in The Terminal.

For a few days, I lived in an airport. But with a difference. I was no helpless traveller whose passport had been impounded and whose almost non-pronounceable home country had been wiped off the world map overnight.

I lived it up. Besides the staples of the best stay-slurp-shop-spa options this airport had to offer, I saw butterflies flying around, had a swell time walking around in a maze of mirrors as well as a labyrinth comprising hedges, climbed the roof of the airport and lay down on a rope canopy several hundred feet above, got served a cocktail whipped up by two robots right in front of my eyes, became a child once more while going down a slide, played with snow and felt like I had been transported to a magical fairyland.

The mindboggling Mirror Maze is a must-visit

Except that Singapore Changi Airport is no fantasy. It is an ever-dynamic world on its own, an airport which is no longer an airport. For travellers across the world — as well as for the citizens of the country — Changi Airport is no longer a transit, but a destination. An exciting, sprawling space that lives up to its reputation of being the best airport in the world and the most awarded too.

So how could I pass up on the opportunity to experience what is a top service airport with world-class facilities and a connectivity network that practically connects to almost every nook and corner of the world? Well, all that is there for sure. But it was the other side of Changi that I was more excited about.

Flying into Changi is a breeze. Getting to Crowne Plaza, the 5-star hotel that’s connected to Terminal 3, is a two-minute walk from your luggage belt. So you could check in, shower and get ready for the day even while your co-passengers are waiting in the taxi queue to get to the city. That’s a major box that I ticked and I knew I was off to a great start.

The Enchanted Garden is an oasis of calm at the airport. And a spot for some great photos!

FAIRYLAND ON THE GO

Transiting through Changi and have a few hours to spare? There is nothing that this airport can’t offer you, as I discovered. Dining and shopping aside, every corner of Changi Airport has something for everyone — even a coffee corner looks like no average coffee corner.

A garden full of sunflowers within an airport? Oh, yes!

If you are in Changi, there is no escaping the Rain Vortex, undoubtedly one of its biggest attractions. The world’s tallest indoor waterfall, this is a spectacle in the truest sense of the term. One can spend a substantial amount of time simply staring at this architectural marvel which is a stunning display of water cascading down seven storeys at the heart of Jewel, which is a nature-themed entertainment and retail complex within Changi Airport. A light-and-sound show during the late evening is a sight to behold. Take a train connecting one terminal to another if you want a stunning aerial view. That experience alone is worth transiting through Changi when you make your travel plans next.

Located in the vicinity of the Rain Vortex is a host of entertainment options for the young and the young at heart. Changi is a nature lover’s paradise and many of these activities are themed around nature.

Lose (or find yourself) in a hedge maze, traipse or trip on the walking net suspended at a height which isn’t for the faint of heart, have your kids bounce around on a bouncing net which gives the feel of playing among trees.

A maze of mirrors keeps you both engaged and bamboozled. The hedge maze is a tamer version of it, but intriguing all the same. A giant sculptural playscape will have you wonder whether it is a work of art, a playground or a viewing deck — well, it is all three, as well as a slide!

An interesting way to spend your time is at the Changi Experience Studio which not only contains intriguing information about the airport in its past, present and future form but also has activities galore. There are also fun games to play — all centred around the airport and its myriad services, and many fun selfie booths.While all major airports of the world pack in a holistic shopping experience that includes both local and global brands, Jewel Changi is the place you have to be if the plan is to not stop till you fill your suitcases. And then much more.

The Butterfly Garden is a beautiful spot for a visit if you are a nature lover

NATURE NURTURE

Have you ever heard of an airport that has sprawling gardens housed within it? Singapore Changi Airport balances the luxe with the earthy. The airport has its own Butterfly Garden, housing several varieties of the species and even breeds them there. A garden of sunflowers is not only a great place for photos but also soothes the senses. There is also a cactus garden that has 100 species of cacti and arid plants from the deserts and dry areas of Asia, Africa and America and also doubles as a cool rooftop space to chill at.

Have time to visit only one garden in Changi? Pick Enchanted Garden, a ShangriLa-inspired space which is a visual delight. Motion sensors trigger sounds of nature and blooming flowers while fibre-optic and LED lighting, embedded in the undulating pathways, form a fascinating carpet of sparkling lights. This is truly a beautiful space. It is right in the middle of the terminal and yet feels like an oasis far away from it.

ALL THINGS PINK & SNOWY

Indulge in some frosty fun at the Candy Snow House

The Changi Festive Village is a space of sweet whimsy that is surely a go-to destination for your kids, but even you will feel a spring in your step as you walk in. Dressed up like a village fair, there are games and rides at the Candy Carnival as well as some popular cartoon characters walking around. My favourite was Candy Snow House, a fantastical world of frosty fun where you can play with fake snow. Ice sculptures, mini igloos, snowy slides and much more.

Changi Festive Village is a great place to take your kids. The Candy Carnival is a huge hit!

COOL SPACES

Line up for a cocktail whipped up and served by these cool robot ‘bartenders’

The next time you have a couple of hours or even a night to spare, check in at Yotelair Singapore Changi Airport, nestled amongst the trees and waterfalls on the fourth floor of Jewel Changi Airport. And yes, there are robots around to service you. If not, just head to the cinema within the airport and enjoy a blockbuster for free. The newly revamped Terminal 2 houses a four-storey high digital waterfall that is a must-visit for some cool Insta clicks.

Speaking of robots, the most jawdropping part of my experience at Singapore Changi Airport was seeing two robot ‘bartenders’ whip up a cocktail for me. This is at the Lotte Duty Free section which also has a tasting lounge that spells luxe. I quickly chugged down a few cocktails. Who cared that it was 11am?

CHANGI AT A GLANCE

Singapore Changi Airport is the most awarded airport in the world. To date, it has won 674 awards.

At the World Airport Awards recently, it was adjudged the World’s Best Airport of 2023, marking the 12th time it has won the coveted honour. In previous years, it has also earned the honours for World’s Best Airport Dining and World’s Best Airport Leisure Amenities.

If you are brave enough and have great knees, then climb the canopy that gives you an aerial view of the airport

India figures among the Top 5 markets for Changi Airport, with a large number of passengers flying in. Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia and Thailand make up the rest of the list.

Singapore Changi Airport continues to expand its connectivity with India. There are about 40 daily flights between India and Changi.

Since India opened earlier than Singapore after the pandemic, the traffic came up much faster compared to the other markets. Singapore Changi Airport now gets passenger traffic from India, which is 103 per cent up from pre-Covid times. There are now direct flights from Bhubaneswar and Pune to Changi.

The Changi Rewards campaign is aimed at encouraging Indian travellers to travel to Singapore. Passengers can go online, key in their itinerary and instantly get a $10 voucher in their Changi Rewards account. When you shop at Changi, you will earn points as well. That can easily be redeemed and an annual Changi Millionaire contest gives one person the chance to win a million dollars!

If you have time in Singapore and don’t want to spend it at the airport, then avail a Free Singapore Tour courtesy Changi that takes you to landmark city spots. In its bid for easy connectivity and fitness, there is a cycling track that connects Changi all the way to the iconic Marina Bay Sands.