You are not alone if you find airport layovers the least exciting part of air travel. In fact, this is probably the one part of the journey most travellers hope can be over as soon as possible. Besides, there’s often very little to see and do while you wait, making the boredom even more unbearable. We promise you won’t feel the same way at Changi Airport. Whether you’re on a short stopover or have more time to spare, there are plenty of activities available here to keep you entertained and refreshed before your next flight.

Layover time: 2 hours or less

Fuel up for your next flight

From fresh and floral to full bodied and peaty, you’ll find the whiskey of your dreams at The Whiskey House

Not a fan of airline food? Prep for your upcoming flight by savouring a leisurely meal at one of the many F&B outlets at the airport before you board the plane. If your flight is departing from Terminal 3, drop in at the Long Bar by Raffles for a complimentary cocktail – or two – before you take off.

If premium Scotch is more your thing, visit The Whiskey House for a tasting session. With more than 100 whiskies from across the globe, this is a great way to discover the perfect tipple for you.

Indulge in some retail therapy

From high street to designer labels, many popular brands are available at duty free prices at Changi Airport

Two hours is just enough time to enjoy a spot of shopping, whether to stock up on necessities or to indulge in a luxury item. With a wide range of stores selling perfumes, cosmetics, books, gifts, electronics and even fashion accessories you’ll be able to snag some good deals at shops such as The Shilla Duty Free, which offer lower prices than malls downtown.

Layover time: 2 to 6 hours

Escape to a pocket of greenery

To get a better look at the butterflies at the Butterfly Garden, position yourself close to sliced pineapples and gerbera flowers drenched in honey, which they feed on

Find out what makes Singapore a Garden City with a calming break among the airport’s themed gardens. With green spaces at every terminal – such as the Cactus Garden at Terminal 1, Sunflower Garden at Terminal 2 and Butterfly Garden at Terminal 3 – you can even embark on a nature trail to recharge yourself as you wait for your next flight.

Gear up for high-octane entertainment

After spending hours in your plane seat, give your muscles a chance to move and stretch with a round of Kinect Sports at the Gaming Room

If you or the kids have unspent energy from hours of sitting in a plane, head to the Entertainment Deck. From a multimedia entertainment centre with Xbox 360, Kinect and PlayStation 3 game consoles to a movie theatre screening the latest blockbusters, there are plenty of ways to keep the entire family entertained for a few hours.

Let your tension melt away at one of the many spa services

Beauty addicts shouldn't miss the opportunity to pamper themselves with luxury facials and massages at The Shilla Beauty Loft's SK-II Pitera Lounge

Long flights and a busy travel schedule can leave you with tense and tired muscles. When you have time to unwind, drop by one of the spas within the airport, such as Spa Express, Airport Wellness Oasis or Be Relax for a relaxing massage or foot reflexology session. With up to six hours to spare, you can even get a mani/pedi and end your session with a hot shower, so you’ll be fresh and ready for the next flight.

Did you know that along with great deals at the Shilla Beauty Loft at Terminal 3, you can also get pampered with luxury beauty services while you’re there? For instance, at the SK-II Pitera Lounge, there is a range of express 15-minute treatments as well as indulgent facials of up to 60 minutes to restore travel-fatigued skin. You can also get a complimentary flash makeover at the Dior Beauty House, so you'll be looking your best before your next flight.

Layover time: Over 6 hours

Explore Singapore

Induce Insta-envy among your friends even on a short layover with a snapshot of Singapore’s stunning skyline while out on a Free Singapore Tour

With at least six hours in the country, you can head out of the airport and enjoy some of Singapore’s iconic sights by signing up for a Free Singapore Tour. You can choose from two itineraries – the Heritage Tour and the City Sights Tour. Both tours include a short stopover at the Merlion Park so you can get a pictorial souvenir of your whirlwind trip with the mascot of Singapore.

With at least six hours in the country, you can head out of the airport and enjoy some of Singapore’s iconic sights by signing up for a Free Singapore Tour

Enjoy some quality R&R

You can even catch some tropical rays while on a layover at the transit hotel’s rooftop swimming pool

For some uninterrupted rest and relaxation, check yourself into one of the airport’s transit hotels, which can be booked for a minimum of six hours. There’s also a swimming pool and jacuzzi at the Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel at Terminal 1, so you can fully relax before heading to your room for a good sleep. Don’t forget to make use of the wake-up call service so you won’t miss your flight!

Now that you’ve sampled just a bit of what Singapore has to offer at Changi Airport, it’s time to consider a longer stay the next time you touch down here!