Changi Airport on a Shoestring

By Donn Richard
October 2008
Singapore

What is it about a well-made international airport which attracts people? Not just those who are heading into the wild blue yonder, but people who are just heading there for the day? I remember well spending time at my local international airport?doing a bit of studying, having a drink, just watching the people. The whole buzz of the place, the people coming and going?it was a great time. Well, I’m happy to say that we are seeing more and more students heading for Changi. The coolness, the aircon, the expensive and beautiful carpets, but of course there is much more?br>
This mini article is for the benefit for the local budget-conscious Singaporean student and the more economically-minded inclined amongst you.

Changi Airport is justifiably world renowned for its efficiency, beauty and tranquility. Voted the world’s number 1 airport, it is brimming with dozens of awards and rightly so. Changi is the pride not only of Singapore but of SE Asia. Changi has bagged 18 awards and accolades so far this year!

Soon, our favorite airport, Changi, will have Temasek Holdings as its new owner. But let's leave this news for another topic for another day.

Today, Changi serves as a very pleasant welcome to the thousands of passengers traveling through it daily. The world is abuzz regarding its efficiency and warmth. This has been attested to by dozens of articles in local and foreign media so we aren’t going to cover this particular topic nor will we discuss how to get there. If you don’t already know, you must have been living at the North Pole. By the way, if this is indeed the case, you may want to move. In case you didn’t realise it, that sinking feeling you have is caused by?well, you’re sinking. (Hint: Google Global Warming.)

What ?Where ?How

What can one find at Changi Airport in a normal store at normal prices thus eliminating the need to bring it along? To put it simply - everything. All 3 terminals have supermarkets. Terminal 1 has Fair Price in basement 2; Terminal 2 has Cold Storage in basement 2, and the new Terminal 3 has Fair Price, also in basement 2.

Thinking of spending money on buying bottled water? DON’T. Bring a bottle from home and refill it at one of the many water fountains which are mostly located near the restrooms.

Once stocked up with your favorite food items from one of the supermarkets mentioned above, be it bread, noodles or whatever, you can meander over to one of the three Viewing Malls inside one of the terminals. Truly a room with a view. There are of course other seating options but the more aviation-inclined will surely thrill to watching the take-offs and landings.

On your way to any of the Viewing Malls grab a coffee “to go?from one of the many coffee shops. Delifrance in Terminal 1 is a favorite. SG $ 2 for a coffee. Not bad. Remember, you’re in the world’s # 1 airport. Starbucks?fans can get theirs at the departure Hall of Terminal 2.

You want something hot straight off the stove? No worries. Budgeteers should head straight to the elevator near the Burger King in the Arrival Hall of Terminal 1 and press B1. This is where the airport staff canteen is. I am sure they wouldn’t mind the extra business. The dozens of food hawkers will welcome you with open arms. Great food and above all: great prices!

Suppose you’re not in Terminal 1 but instead reviewing your homework at the Viewing Mall in Terminal 3. Not to worry. Go down to basement 2 and eat till you can eat no more at the Food Court there. A variety of choices and again great prices.

Don’t have internet at home? Guess what?you don’t need to. Bring that Laptop because Changi airport offers FREE wireless internet throughout. AND, did I say 3 terminals earlier? Oops sorry, let’s not forget Changi’s 4th terminal: The Budget Terminal.

For the ones without a Laptop computer there is an internet corner in the basement of terminal 2!

I don’t know about you but just thinking about all this studying is making me stressed. You too? Never fear, Changi’s here! Option 1 is to close your eyes and listen to the soothing tunes playing throughout all the terminals. If this is not working for you then there's always the option (not overly recommended but you never know) to visit Raffles Clinics based in the basement of Terminal 2 & 3. There you may consult with the great doctor to prescribe some anti-stress pills to destressify.

Furthermore, Changi does not let down lovers of fast food. There is a Burger King in the arrival Hall of Terminal 1 and the Departure Hall of Terminal 2, and a Mc Donald’s in the arrival Hall of Terminal 2, and the arrival Hall of Terminal 3.

But Changi’s best kept secret is?wait for it?that wonderful restaurant inside the Departure Hall of The Budget Terminal. There are a great many variety of dishes to choose from, and all their dishes are simply Bootelicious. Service is excellent and prices are very very reasonable. You can get there within minutes by taking the Budget Terminal Shuttle Bus from Basement 2 of Terminal 2 or 1.


Visit www.changiairport.com or www.btsingapore.com if you need more information!