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A lengthy layover lasting 18 hours is not always a welcome interruption to a long journey. But things are a bit different in Singapore, widely regarded as a fantastic stopover point between Australia and Europe.
One member will have a full day in Singapore between Singapore Airlines flights and requests some tips about how best to make use of this time.
In about two months, we will be transiting at Changi between a flight from Melbourne to one to Frankfurt – a layover of 18 hours. Any suggestions of what we might do to make this more comfortable?
Singapore is a very handy place for a stopover, whether you stay at the airport or head into the city. The airport itself is rated as one of the best in the world. There are a number of highly-regarded airport lounges, with the Singapore Airlines and Qantas lounges particularly notable for their excellent quality. But one does not need to be a member of a frequent flyer program or flying in business class to use a lounge in Singapore. There are a number of comfortable lounges at Changi Airport that will let you enter for just a nominal entrance fee. Priority Pass members also have access to a number of different lounges in each of Changi’s three terminals.
There are even a couple of hotels located right at Singapore airport. The Crowne Plaza is a popular choice amongst our members, as is the Ambassador Hotel. The Ambassador is particularly useful as the entrance is located airside – meaning there is no need to clear immigration and customs to get there. The transit hotel is also great for passengers with a moderate layover as it sells rooms in blocks of six hours.
For a longer layover, there are also countless hotels in the city, and with a convenient train network and plentiful taxis, getting downtown is quick and simple.
No visa needed. Exit to landside, then get on the MRT (‘metro’) at the airport (or a taxi) and go almost anywhere to a hotel you have booked, presumably somewhere down town. Might take you 30 minutes door to door. Spend the daylight hours seeing the sights; evening having a great meal, either at Boat Quay or similar, or at any number of the great restaurants there.
For customers flying on Singapore Airlines, the airline may even throw in a free city tour or “Changi Dollars”. Changi Dollars can be used like cash at the airport (including towards lounge access), while free transit tours take visitors into the city for a few hours for some sightseeing.
Changi Dollars will give you two vouchers per passenger, both of $20 each. One can be used to redeem 2 hours worth of lounge access. The lounge includes showers, snacks and refreshments.
There is no shortage of things to see and do in Singapore, whether you stay at the airport or venture into the city. Share your tips HERE.
Read more: The Ultimate Singapore Stopover Guide
