5 things that make Changi Airport unique

With world-class efficiency and excellent shopping, dining and entertainment options, Changi Airport is often ranked among the world’s top airports. But it’s the little details that make it such a joy to spend time there. Here are five interesting things to take note of when you’re at the airport.

Breathe in Changi Airport’s unique scent

Changi Airport has a specially developed orchid tea fragrance that is diffused at various areas throughout the airport to give it a fresh, delightful scent

Don’t be surprised if you feel like you’re strolling through a flower garden, as some areas are scented with an orchid tea fragrance developed especially for the airport. With fresh floral notes of orchid, damask rose and ylang-ylang, the scent will evoke memories of a great day out in a tropical garden, leaving you invigorated for your journey ahead.

The scent is diffused near the main doors in the departure halls, at the Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 Transit North Bus Stations, along 64 of the airport’s gangways, and the walkway between Terminal 2 and the VIP Terminal. So there are plenty of locations where you can get a whiff of this delightful scent!

Groove to a great playlist

You don’t have to plug in your own headphones while you’re waiting around for boarding – save your music for your flight and listen to something different instead. Changi Airport has a specially designed playlist that comprises a selection of instrumental pieces from international artistes and familiar classics such as “Fly Me To The Moon” and “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”.

The music has been curated to suit the ambience during different times of the day, so tunes played during peak hours are more upbeat and lively, while relaxing beats are played during off-peak hours to soothe and create a sense of tranquillity.

Changi Airport has a specially designed playlist that comprises a selection of instrumental pieces from international artistes and familiar classics such as “Fly Me To The Moon” and “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”

Admire an orchid that’s hard to find elsewhere

Have you seen this orchid at the Orchid Garden at Terminal 2? Keep a lookout for it as it is Changi Airport’s very own orchid breed!

Did you know that an orchid has been named after Changi Airport? Known as the Dendrobium Singapore Changi Airport, this hybrid was created for the opening ceremony of the Orchid Garden at Terminal 2 in 1997 and can still be easily spotted there among the many other varieties of orchids. To identify this rare species, look out for the flower in a rich yellow colour with a royal purple lip and purple-veined throat.

Take part in fun family-friendly activities

Grab yourself a pre-flight snack of kacang puteh (nuts and beans) when you spot the Local Snacks Delight food cart at the airport

Get interactive and be a part of various fun-filled activities while you’re at the airport. Feeling peckish? Keep an eye out for the travelling Local Snacks Delight wooden food cart to enjoy complimentary kacang puteh, a traditional snack of nuts and beans. Insta-addicts will also enjoy the roving photo-taking sessions with MAX, the airport mascot.

If you have a little more time, sign up for Discover Changi, a daily experiential guided tour within the terminals, which will take you to the thematic gardens and highlight key entertainment, leisure as well as popular dining spots.

On special occasions and festivals such as Christmas, Lunar New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya and National Day, the entire airport also gets into the spirit of things with activities such as Christmas carolling, Deepavali dances and more. The horticultural displays are also decorated according to the festive theme to add to the atmosphere. This means every trip to the airport will be a totally different experience.

You never have to worry about essentials here

It’s always hot in Singapore, and even in the air-conditioned airport you’ll need to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, especially before you board your flight. Luckily, you won’t have to worry about buying overpriced water here, as all sit-down restaurants will provide drinking water* to customers for free, so drink up! (*Bottled water will be charged separately; this service applies only to full dining restaurants and not service cafes and kiosks.)

If after all this exploring you decide to catch some shut-eye at the airport’s rest areas, you might also be surprised with some amenities such as bottled water, facial wipes, light snacks and a personalised note when you wake up.

The next time you’re at Changi Airport, try to see how many of these unique aspects you can discover for yourself for a great start (or end) to your journey.