Singapore’s international gateway, Changi Airport, has been open for business for 26 years and, in that time, has collected 250 international aviation awards. And it’s easy to see why. There are only two major terminals; check-in is very close to where you enter; security is a stone’s throw from check-in; and the lounges are comfortable, full of friendly staff, and a short walk from security. All of this means you can (for once) afford to turn up late – if you’re flying First or Business, an hour and a half before the flight is more than sufficient. The airport has numerous shopping and eating outlets, so you can actually get yourself or your family something useful on departure, including top brand name products from Prada, Gucci, Bulgari and Hermes. In addition, Changi has six open-air gardens, numerous business centres, internet and games facilities, prayer rooms, showers, a gym and even a swimming pool (!). Plus, this is an airport which, unlike “Tokyo” Narita or “London” Stansted, happens to be in the city it purports to serve. You can reach it by high-speed train (only 27 minutes to the centre), buses, taxis, limos, airport shuttles and the standard car rental companies. Going by road is good - ask your hotel to book you a car in advance and you can experience the luscious greenery of the East Coast Parkway.

changiairport.com

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Got a long stopover in Singapore? If you are staying more than four hours, you can take a trip into Singapore (it's not so big, so you can zip in and out of the city). However, if you have a touch longer, you could visit one of the many spas in the city (you can find many in the top hotels). High standards, and relatively inexpensive, it will certainly leave you refreshed for the next leg of your journey.

Jump on a taxi from the airport, make sure you check with your airline first to see if you have enough time

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After a long flight from Heathrow (or anywhere else for that matter), there's nothing better than an outdoor swim in a rooftop pool without even leaving the airport. If you have a few hours stopover in Singapore airport, follow the signs for the spa - it's a bit of a trek, but very much worth it. For about GBP8 you get a swim, a towel and a free cocktail by the pool. Generally very quiet and wonderfully relaxing. Even better if it rains!

Singapore airport - follow the signs for the spa.

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A great way to break up a bleary stopover at Singapore airport is to take a dip in the rooftop swimming pool. It's 'Balinese style' - more beach lilo than Olympic lanes. It's a much more relaxing way of getting the blood flowing after a long-haul flight than drifting round the duty free shops, especially if you don't have enough time to get into Singapore itself. The humid climate means you can use the pool pretty much all year round. It's open from 7am to 11pm and the small entrance fee includes a hot shower and a free non-alcoholic drink. And there's a poolside bar. Every airport should have one.

The swimming pool is on third level of Terminal 1. If you are in Terminal 2, take the sky train to Terminal 1. Travel time between the two terminals via the sky train is two minutes. The wait for the sky train is about one or two minutes.

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Having spent just a few days in Singapore as a stop over, I'd like to highly recommend one activity: Jacuzzi, sauna and swim at the airport.
It's well known that Singapore's airport is one of the best in the world, and for around £10-15, you can have the ultimate luxury.

Check-in first, and go straight through to departures. You can then enter the health club and lie back in an outdoor Jacuzzi and watch planes over your head, just an hour before boarding your plane. I've never felt so refreshed for a flight!

Singapore Airport, after Check-In
www.changiairport.com/changi/en/index.html

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