Singapore airport is a 'paradise'



Changi makes most botanical gardens blush with envy.



I've heard airports described in many - usually unflattering - terms but never a "traveller's paradise."

But the folks who run Singapore's Changi Airport - my favourite airport in the world - have come up with a menu of activities - most free - for people who are caught there on a layover which makes the giant facility feel like a paradise.

Hats off to the people running Changi  for trying to help consumers - don't we wish airlines were this thoughtful.

Anyway, Changi is now not a bad place to be left stranded, because:

If you have a two to three hour layover at Changi, you can:

- Surf the Internet or send out some emails with FREE Internet services (15 mins);

- Enjoy a relaxing stroll in the world's first Butterfly Garden in an airport at Terminal 3 (20 mins);

- Whiz down the Slide @ Terminal 3, the tallest airport slide in the world and try to beat the best times too (10 seconds or less - sliders determine the time);

- Get a FREE foot massage at the Foot and Calf Massage Stations (15 minutes);

- Pick up fantastic gifts from a wide selection of souvenirs, toys, fashion and books (30 mins);

- Grab a quick bite at Changi Airport Shopping City's wide selection of food kiosks serving anything from mouth-watering local desserts to sushi (on conveyor belts!) (30 mins).

If you have a three to four hour layover:

- Try out a fish micro-massage therapy at the Fish Spa & Reflexology (30 mins);

- Refresh with a quick shower (20 mins) at the Rainforest Lounge on Terminal 1 or at the Ambassador Transit Lounge at Terminals 2 and 3;

- Gamers, test your skills at the FREE Xbox 360 and PlayStation® 3 games at the Entertainment Deck (30 mins);

- Shop at the wide selection of fashion labels, gift choices and lifestyle brands (1 hour)

- Enjoy delicious gourmet dining at our wide range of restaurants (45 mins) including Mediterranean cuisine at Fish & Co., Cantonese fare at Crystal Jade Shangai Restaurant, freshly made dim sum delights, noodles, and more at Peach Garden Noodle House - there is something for every palette

If you have four to five hours:

- Soak up the sun and take a refreshing dip in the rooftop swimming pool (30 mins);

- Get a new hairdo or manicure (45 mins);

- Catch a blockbuster movie for FREE at the Movie Theatre (2 hours);

- Rediscover the beauty of nature at one of Changi's themed gardens (15 mins);

- Tuck into a hearty meal and chill out at Harry's Bar or Hard Rock Cafe (45 mins);

If you have more than five hours:

- Join a FREE Singapore Tour and take in the sights and sounds of Singapore, as well as get a glimpse into Singapore’s ethnic heritage and tourist attractions (I've done this and it's great fun) (2 hours);

- Try out various cuisine options from local, Asian and international dining outlets in the airport (45 mins);

- Don't miss out on some great buys from our wide range of duty-free products (1 hour);

- Catch a nap at one of our quiet Rest Areas or check into a napping facility (1 hour).

There's also lots of things to keep kids entertain at Changi.

All this tells me why international magazines continually rate Changi as one of the top 3 airports in the world - I say it's No. 1 because no other airport I know of offers so much for free.

With all that's happening in the "traveller's paradise", I just hope people don;t miss their flights.