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How to make the most of a Singapore stopover

For travellers taking long haul flights across the globe, incorporating a stopover into your flight plan is usually unavoidable.

If touching down in Singapore is in your schedule, rest assured that Changi Airport and the city-state have been designed to keep you entertained. You will be tempted to stay in Changi Airport – one of the world’s best – with amenities such as free foot-massages, movies and even a rooftop swimming pool.

But if you have more than a few hours to spare, we show you how to make the most of a Singapore stopover – both inside and outside of the airport.

1. Jump on a free sightseeing tour
You can take a complimentary guided tour and enjoy some of the great sights Singapore has to offer, just simply by registering at the transit area of the airport before you clear immigration.

Look for the free tour booths and present your valid entry visa to secure your spot. Allow five-and-a -half hours or more for the trip.

2. Check out the entertainment zone
Keep occupied while waiting for your next flight. From LAN Gaming and Kinect stations to a theatre that screens movies 24/7, the Entertainment Deck is your one-stop integrated, multimedia entertainment centre for all round good times and hours of video game fun.

Visit the Butterfly Garden. Photo: STB

3. Explore nature indoors
From a Butterfly Garden to the Orchid Garden and a rooftop Cactus Garden, unwind and get some fresh air at Changi Airport. The world’s first Butterfly Garden in an airport is home to 1,000 butterflies and is a hot favourite with the kids while the 500 sunflowers at the Sunflower Garden will be sure to bring you some cheer.

There is even a 300-metre, 5-storey vertical garden to admire while you are waiting to reclaim your luggage.

Check out The Social Tree. Photo: STB

4. Share your memories on a Social Tree
At almost nine metres tall, The Social Tree is Changi’s largest interactive installation. Surrounding the Tree are eight touch-screen photo booths that allow you to ‘attach’ your photos and videos onto its colourful and animated crown.

Share and store your photo and video memories of Changi on this avant-garde memory capsule and be part of history for decades to come. You can also retrieve and re-live your digital memories during your next visit

Try the local Singaporean cuisine. Photo: STB

5. Taste traditional local cuisine
Foodies around the world are drawn to experience new and authentic dishes. Wander just 15 minutes by metro or 10 minutes by taxi outside of the airport, along Joo Chiat Road, and you will discover many charming traditional shops and eateries that both travellers and locals adore. It is here that you will find the best bowl of Laksa.

Visit the Night Safari at Singapore Zoo. Photo: STB

6. Visit wildlife parks
If you have a long layover, a visit to Singapore Zoo in the day or Night Safari at night is well worth the 25-minute taxi ride. And the kids will love it! Catch the rainforest at dusk and watch the nocturnal animals appear in the world’ first night safari.

7. See architectural wonders
Famous for its infinity pool, the enormous Marina Bay Sands has become an iconic part of the Singapore skyline.

Visit the SkyPark for extraordinary views of the city or enjoy a drink at the rooftop bar. Look down at the lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum which has a waterfall in the centre, created from collecting rainwater and drained through an oculus.

You also can’t go past Gardens by The Bay in the Marina Bay area- marvel at the 16-storey tall Supertrees

So whether you are touching down for an hour or a day, there is no shortage of exciting things to see and do in and outside the airport! From world-class shopping to nearby eateries that will sate any food lover’s appetite, a Singapore stopover can be fun-filled and full of adventure.

For more information about Singapore, and a billion reasons to visit, please click here.