Singapore Changi Airport - a much needed oasis of calm (Singapore Changi Airport (SIN))

Member Name: claridge

Product:	Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
Date:	22/06/09 (49 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Spacious, peaceful, great facilities

Disadvantages: None. Other airports should take note.

I should specify immediately that this review has a specific focus; the benefits of SIN as a transfer airport. SIN is located conveniently in the heart of south east Asia, and is frequently used as a transfer point to travel to/from Australia and the Middle East. In my case, I had booked a plane ticket from Brisbane to London Heathrow, and had two transfer spots en route; Singapore and Abu Dhabi. I spent approx 2 hours in SIN and it made a significant impact on me. My experience is detailed below.

Having entered the transfer lounge, my fellow passengers and I were immediately and clearly informed as to how long we had in the airport, where we could go, and where we would need to report back to. Good start!
Wondering down the corridor two things are noticeable; the size of the airport (seems to stretch beyond the eyes reach) and the immense calm. You could hear a pin drop. There were plenty of people milling about; yet everyone seemed to be going about their business with a quiet dignity. It's impossible not to feel relaxed and similarly calm. The vast amount of space means it is an ideal place to stretch your legs and really feel you've had a half-decent walk; perfect when you've just spent the past 9 hours cooped up on a plane.
Now ladies, the important part: the toilets. My god they're good. Air conditioned, modern decor and non-offensive lighting (no gaudy flouro strip lighting here). Lovely smelling soap and hand lotion, and plenty of worktop space to put your bag down and touch your make-up up. Whilst these details may seem trivial, believe me, when you've just spent 9 hours on a plane, and know you've got another 16 to go, it really makes a difference if you've got a decent place to refresh yourself and prepare yourself for the next leg of your journey.
Next stop, the free internet access. The airport has wifi, but for those travellers without a laptop, there are approx 8 computers available to use free-of charge. There is no queuing system as such, and fellow passengers tend to drift towards the area from various corners of the airport, so you need to be on the ball in order to secure yourself a PC. I had to wait about 10 minutes - not too bad. Once on, the PCs are modern and the internet speed is quick. Perfect for sending a quick email home with a travel update.
With a little time left to kill I wondered a little further in to the airport and discovered the koi carp pond. Now this is a great idea. If you weren't feeling suitably chilled out by now, this is bound to clinch it. Beautiful water features, informative plaques about the fish, and a few seating areas. Great for taking a load off. Def beats sitting in a bog-standard lounge.
I can wholeheartedly agree with the other reviewers on this airport - despite only transferring there, I can honestly say it is the most impressive airport I have been to. If only every airport was a good as this one. The world would be a much calmer place.

Summary: Makes your journey a lot smoother - you'll feel calm, refreshed and ready to go