By Traveling Light Columnist: Liz Pond
Posted: January 6, 2026
Travel Tip: Travel light through airports because you're never sure how much time you will spend there. Being weighed down with too much stuff slows you down and deters exploration. It is worth investing in a nice four wheel rollerbag.
“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things could fall together” Marilyn Monroe
I sat dumbfounded watching the sun set over the enormous airplane as it pulled back from the gate in Singapore leaving me stranded with no hotel or other flight options for at least 14 hours. “How can a plane that big not have room for me when the flight loads look so good?” I thought to myself as the plane and my travel buddy Cathy, who purchased a confirmed seat, made their way to the tarmac in preparation for the 17 hour flight back to the states.
I overheard an airline employee who was also left behind, talking to his wife. “High cargo load created weight restrictions for the long flight,” he said. This is airline code for, no stand-by travelers will be on this flight tonight. That cargo is profitable for the airline and Singapore is one of the largest ports in the world. It is safe to say employee and stand-by retiree travel is much less revenue generative. So there we sat, a handful of weary travelers sorting out plan B. Some took other connecting flights, and some got hotels. After a 20 min pause to sort out my options, I decided not to leave the airport and get a hotel for a few hours just to turn back around and hassle with customs and security again. I was traveling light with just one small roller, so I decided this was the perfect opportunity to explore one of the world’s best airports.
Singapore Changi Airport is known for its artistic design, green spaces, amenities, ambiance and all night activities. It is a popular stop over to Australia and other parts of Asia. I was determined to find out all of the airport's secret spaces over the next 13 hours and 40 minutes before my flight. Frustration about the flight faded and anticipation took over as I was about to embark on a dusk to dawn journey around the best airport destination in the world! One could say I saw the light in the situation and was genuinely excited about exploring Changi Airport.
First I wandered through the magnificent two and three story art installations. One was breathtaking from below where you walk through a combination of the sea and tropical greenery in constant motion. To my surprise, when I found my way upstairs to what looked like a children's play area, an interactive exercise spot, and a stress relief area, you could actually look over the wall at the art below. It reached upward offering another incredible view of water, light, and the ocean magically coming to life in a living breathing massive work of art!
Waterfall photo credit (1)
The famous waterfall at the part of the airport called Jewel deserves mention. It is where nature meets retail with over 250 shopping and dining options and its own hotel. With flights coming and going at all hours, the modern, well laid out shopping is 24 hours a day. You can buy that last minute souvenir, the magnet, the ornament or T shirt, but you can also find Tumi or Coach shopping at 4 AM if that's your desire. You can go luxury or electronics shopping all night or order prior via iShopChangi to avoid long lines or for tax free pick up at the airport. Just give yourself time as it is a big airport and most stores are open. There is something for everyone. The Pokemon Center featured exclusive merchandise and multiple shops featured gourmet treats and liquor. The opportunities seemed endless.
I really enjoyed the Tea Boutiques that carried some of the tea I experienced at Raffles Hotel during the High Tea experience. High Tea at the Raffles was like walking back in time where things are less rushed and there is a focus on quality and things that last. The Raffles Hotel Long Bar, birthplace of the iconic Singapore Sling was also a memorable stop, although I confess I enjoyed my Singapore sling at the Ce’ La Vi Rooftop Bar adjacent to the Marina Bay Sands Infinity pool, with its mind boggling view of Singapore! Regardless, the tea shops at Changi offered a nice opportunity to bring back aromatic samples of quality tea.
I discovered it's worth keeping track of your spending, because you can earn points. The more you spend, the more you earn, redeemable for food, drink, lounge passes and activities like the giant bouncy net, hall of mirrors or the hedge maze. They have competitive exchange rates, cards and applepay are widely accepted, and the local Changi Pay makes parting with your money a little too easy. The oddly named Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) helps many travelers claim refunds on eligible purchases from participating retailers. Of course duty free also offers savings, but I always check prices online to make sure it's really a deal and not a "scheme.”
Feeling a little weary from power shopping, I checked out the club situation. For a minimal fee you can utilize the lounge which is open 24 hours a day. I decided on a three hour reprieve with time to eat, hydrate and find a cozy spot to snooze. There is an indoor and outdoor section which offers fresh air, something rare in an airport lounge located behind security. For a little extra money, there is an option for a sleeping room that offers more privacy. At barely 5 feet tall all I needed was a big chair in a fairly quiet, secluded place.
Adjacent to the lounge is a cheerful rooftop sunflower garden. The well curated yellow giants hung happily overhead absorbing the humid air into their stalks and waving proudly back and forth with the breeze. This created a curtain of colors as you looked up mixing magically with the twinkling stars above. It did not feel like I was in an airport in the middle of the night. I felt like I was touring a little rooftop treasure in the popular greenscape of central Singapore.
Around 2AM I found the SPA for a half hour foot massage that breathed life back into my weary tourist feet, magically reducing traveler swelling, and helping circulation prior to the 17 hour flight I would take in a few hours. The SPA offered a variety of healing treatments based on time and budget.
For early breakfast I hit up the hawker-like food court that offered every kind of global menu imaginable. Airport choices included everything from juice bars and fast food to vegan, curry, noodles, dumplings, and multiple chicken and rice options. There is a full international food hall and although it was closed I saw a Hard Rock Cafe! There was also, lobster, The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, Michelin-starred Kam’s Roast, The Satay Club and bakeries from every culture under the son. The transit food scene is amazing without even stepping foot in a hawker stand outside the airport! Although I was full and did not make it there, the Staff Canteen (an employee area open to the public) is known for authentic, cheap local hawker food like Chwee Kueh, steamed buns, and Kopi which is the local coffee.
One way to walk off all the eating is to explore the Peranakan Gallery which is conveniently located at the airport. I would highly recommend the gallery because Singapore's unique culture is center stage. The Chinese, Malaysian, and Indonesian melting pot that makes up Singapore is displayed through traditional clothes and portraits. The location is at Terminal 4 transit Level 2.
Other amazing spaces to walk off any over indulgence include the butterfly garden in terminal 3 and Canopy Park where you find one of the world's tallest slides, bouncy nets, mirror mazes, topiary walks and a ton of photo opps. If you're looking for something to soothe your stomach, the airport has its own pharmacy and clinic. Trams run most of the night between terminals making it easy to investigate most of these places. If sitting still to digest all that food is more your jam, the airport even has a spot to play video games, watch TV, or see a movie for free.
Another fascinating thing to do in Singapore Airport is to take a dip in the swimming pool, while watching planes taking off at the same time. This Singapore Changi Airport rooftop swimming pool and jacuzzi is located in terminal 1, on level 3 Departure Transit Hall near D Gates. The pool does close and unfortunately the night I explored some of the transit between terminals shut down for a few hours. For a fee you can use the pool, facilities and shower as long as you can show a boarding pass and follow the transit rules. This pool is on my bucket list for next time!
I took some time to settle into a cozy work space tucked away in a modern greenscape overlooking an art installation to register for my ASU Olli classes. The internet was good and with my unlimited T Mobile texting I was fully connected and able to sort out with a friend which Chef Larry class I wanted to take. T-mobile has great plans for those of us over 50 that need global access. Once I registered for classes, I was inspired to make notes about a possible ASU Olli submission about Singapore and her second saturn. (2)
As I observe all the well thought out and intentional spaces around me, I notice a pattern that makes me want to shout, “Come visit Singapore! Singapore is accessible!” Beyond the complimentary self assist wheelchairs, the airport has wide spaces, accessible toilets and changing rooms. These rooms feature grab bars and adult diaper changing accommodation with adjustable benches. There is dedicated special access for wheelchairs at the taxi stands, space for wheel chairs at most eateries and accommodation on many of the airport experiences. Jewel Changi offers accessible gardens and waterfall access and the ability to rent a wheel chair for those with situational mobility considerations.
Singapore champions inclusion from a religious and cultural perspective by weaving diversity into the very fabric of its society and legal system. This attention to inclusion is evident with how a person with disability is cared for throughout the airport. The Skytrains and shuttle buses are fully accessible with dedicated spaces. At security and automated immigration the Special Assistance Lane (SAL) offers wider lanes for wheelchairs and up to four family members. A concierge wheelchair service is available independent from the airline service for a fee. The service provides a dedicated assistant to guide you through the airport journey and time permitting, to explore many of the airport attractions and duty free shopping. Best to book this service 48 hours before arrival. My heart sings to see the efforts put into providing an equitable travel experience.
Super impressed with how Singapore cares for people with invisible disabilities. Singapore offers quiet or calm rooms for the neurodiverse who may need a break from the sensory input of the airport. Sensory kits are available as well as support for the visually impaired. The airport has downloadable social stories and guides available with pictures to explain the process to a traveler with autism. Telecoil systems are available at information counters for those with hearing loss. Passengers can use special lanyards, like the hidden disabilities Sunflower lanyard to discreetly signal their needs to staff. Experienced Care Ambassadors are trained to recognize and assist passengers with invisible disabilities like dementia. They are also available onsite for direction and assistance. There is an amazing Care@Changi program that commits to fostering greater inclusivity and enhancing the passenger experience. The vision is to make travel less stressful and a more inclusive experience for every passenger at the airport. What really stands out about this program is that beyond facilities their is a focus on training with empathy, a key component of caring for people often missed in the accessibility conversation. (2)
Like with any airport travel for the best experience contact the airline prior to travel with specific needs, Pre-book assistance and with medical equipment carry a summary of needs and power requirements for screening. Beyond the airline, Singapore airport is well equipped to help every traveler maximize their opportunity to experience all Changi has to offer.
Some might say I was stuck in Singapore airport overnight. I would say 14 hours was not enough time to do everything I wanted to do in this adult Disneyland of an airport destination. I found myself a little disappointed when it was time to board the flight. I had more to see, more to eat and more places to explore. I read that ‘Singapore is put together with a champion top chef style precision that creates an experience that pleases the eye, delights the palette, and leaves guests wanting to visit again and again.” (3) I will definitely be back to Singapore!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Pond spent over 25 years leading Sales Teams around the globe with American Airlines flying for both work and personal fulfillment. She has been to over 100 countries and continues to divide her time between world exploration and accessibility advocacy. She believes we have the opportunity to enhance lives through positive accessible travel experiences.
Liz is a UCLA graduate with a degree in Sociology and Urban Planning. She also has an MFT from the University of Phoenix and earned her Global Leadership Professional designation from Wharton School of Management and Darden School of Executive Education through University of Virginia. When she is not traveling Liz devotes her time to UCP (United Cerebral Palsy) of Central Arizona where she has joined the board of directors to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential.
References:
- Changiairport.com Waterfall photo credit
- OLLI Blog Post Singapore and the Second Saturn
- Changiairport.com -- Care@Changi commits to fostering greater inclusivity, by Audrey Thalia Prajogo
- www.visitsingapore.com
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