What are the arrivals lounges like at Changi?
Well,
there is none. If your final destination is Singapore, your arrivals lounge is your hotel room.
If you're in transit, you'll have to use the lounge to which you have access, and this depends on the cabin of your
departure flight. If you’re connecting to an SQ flight and are flying Raffles or first class, then you can use the showers at the SKL. If you’re in economy for your connecting flight but are *G, you can proceed to the shower facilities of the SATS Premier Lounge. Those flying on Silkair (MI) flights in business class also have access to the SATS lounge showers.
If you don’t fit the descriptions above, and you
really would like a shower, you’ll have to use the transit hotel or the pay facilities at the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 2. For the latter, follow the signs for the gym up one level from arrivals. It’s quite a decent facility, and it’s free if you have Priority Pass membership. (
But note: the general shower area is unisex, so after emerging from your shower, exiting your shower stall, and trying to primp for your next destination, don't be surprised to see someone of the opposite gender sharing your mirror space.) The half-hour back massage (extra fee) is another guaranteed stress-buster.
When in transit, should I stay in Changi or should I go into the city?
The answer depends on how much time you have between your flights. If you have 5 hours or more, the famous efficiency of the immigration officers at Changi means you can easily pop into in the city and enjoy what it offers. If you prefer not to lug your bags into the city, there is a left luggage facility for storing them airside. See
this thread for directions on how to find it. Just make sure you have the BP for your next flight with you before you go through immigration. If it hasn’t been issued, obtain it from the transfer desk.
Cab fare into the city costs about S$15-20, and it will take about 20 minutes to reach the downtown area (probably more during rush hour). More advice on what to do are found in the
Featured Destinations: Singapore forum.
But even if you have less than 5 hours, Changi is probably one of the best airports through which to transit. There’s a pool, a cinema, restaurants, massage therapists, and -- let’s not forget -- lots of dutyfree shopping. See
www.changiairport.com.sg for more details about the airport's facilities. Click
here for tips on finding some hawker-centre food right at the airport.
If you decide to skip the city; your flight departs the next day; and you hold a First or Raffles Class ticket, you do have the option of spending the night at the 24-hour SKL. You get sleeper rooms if you have access to the First side, a shared room of slumberettes if you're staying in the Raffles side.
Here is what FTers have to say about this option.