Start your Singapore journey instantly upon arrival! While most of Singapore’s attractions are concentrated in its central region, travellers up for offbeat travel attractions will be glad to learn that they can pretty much begin exploring as soon as they get off the plane. Yes, we’re talking about Changi Airport, winner of the World’s Best Airport award for six consecutive years.
Most airports are transportation hubs, but Singapore’s Changi Airport aims to do more than just park resting planes. Whether it is to shop, eat or play, you’ll never find yourselves bored. Here’s our guide to the wonderful and wacky things to do at Changi Airport.
1. Gawp at Kinetic Sculptures
This is for both art lovers and tech enthusiasts alike. The largest and most elaborate of its kind in the world, the Changi Airport Kinetic Rain sculptures at Terminal 1 are sure to impress. Paired with soothing music, the gentle but precise movements of the 1,216 bronze droplets will calm even the most anxious of travellers. Watch them morph into a plane, a hot air balloon, and more! Then, take the Skytrain to Terminal 4 to admire the Petalclouds structure, suspended 200m across the Central Galleria. Whether you’re beginning or ending your trip to Singapore, these sculptures will certainly cement Singapore’s image as a futuristic wonderland.
2. Learn about Singapore’s Unique Peranakan Heritage
If you’re transiting or departing from Terminal 4, stop by the Heritage Zone for a last glimpse of Singapore’s Peranakan heritage, with replicas of the façades of colourful shophouses and a short recorded theatrical production about young romance set in the thirties. If Singapore were a feeling, nostalgia pretty much sums it up.
3. Fresh Air does Wonders
Singapore might be a big city, but there’s no lack of fresh air if you crave it (except if you visit during haze season). While big names like the Gardens by the Bay might be the reason you’re in Changi at all, you won’t be disappointed if you seek out the green spaces located right at the airport! For peace and tranquility, don’t miss the Cactus, Butterfly, Sunflower, Orchid and Water Lily Gardens located in the transit areas.
4. Catch the Latest Blockbusters
Why pay for a movie ticket when you can watch one legally for free? Check out the Movie Theatres at Terminals 2 and 3, which screen a selection of family-friendly blockbusters daily. Have a look at the schedule to see if your favourites are playing. Who says holiday means sacrificing your movie time?
5. Shop for Souvenirs and More
Changi Airport is a reflection of Singapore’s favourite pastime, shopping. Forgot to bring a suit for your company function? Luggage broke? Or just want to feed your sweet tooth? With luxury brands gracing the retail space alongside supermarkets and convenience stores, you’ll be sure to find a solution for your travel woes,. If you spend $50 or more in a single receipt, you could also stand the chance to win a million dollars in the annual Be a Changi Millionaire lucky draw.
6. Eat Your Fill
Miss the laksa you had in town? Don’t fret, for there are restaurants and stalls hawking the fan favourite in almost every terminal! Check out this guide here on what to eat and where to find it. Whether you’re looking for a taste of home or seeking new flavours, Singapore’s love for food has made Changi Airport a one-stop destination for cuisines from all over the world. A word of caution: prices are a tad more expensive than in town.
7. Zoom Down a 12-Metre Slide!
Unleash your inner child with The Slide @ T3. Yes, you heard it right! Remember how you whooshed down a slide? This time, there will be no pushing and shoving. If you’re between 1.3 m and 2 m tall, simply spend $10 in a single receipt to redeem a ride down Singapore’s tallest slide. Age is just a number for the young at heart. 
With impressive art installations, fully-fledged gardens, a breath of history and fun entertainment options, Changi Airport is a fantastic way to bookend your Singapore trip. As they say, it never hurts to be early for your flight!