SG50 “Window” Displays at Changi Airport Terminal 1

Changi Airport's special exhibitions and displays are always intriguing and picture-perfect. It is also a very creative airport that offers entertainment concepts that are not usually associated with airports. Even though Terminal 1 is undergoing improvements, Changi Airport has creatively incorporated pretty window-like displays around one of the enclosed areas. These “windows” are tiny, and the displays light up and move. These displays remind me of the window displays in Australia during the Christmas holidays, except that the displays in Changi Airport are SG50-themed to commemorate Singapore's 50th year of independence.

The displays are of Singaporean attractions, which are also national icons. One of the window displays is of the Botanical Gardens, which was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. The purple orchids also give a strong sense of the Singapore identity, since orchids closely form both Singapore’s and the Botanical Gardens’ heritages, and Singapore's national flower is an orchid (Fun fact: Singapore’s national flower is the Vanda Miss Joaquim).

The next window depicts the Singapore Flyer and the Formula 1 night race in the city. The race car moves up and down, and it is a reminder of the Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix that was held in September. It embraces the night grand prix concept that Singapore hosts in the heart of the city, with the city lights illuminating the night sky that form the beautiful backdrop.

The third window is a mini-Changi Airport. The iconic control tower takes centre-stage in this display, and the Skytrain, which links all three terminals, moves up and down on the bright and cool track. The Skytrain in the display is the tiny version of the normal-sized Skytrains that are currently covered in illustrations to commemorate Singapore’s 50th year of independence, referred to as SG50.

The final window display in this post is of the Merlion. The Merlion is half-lion and half-fish, and there are five official life-sized Merlions around Singapore. This majestic creature has a primary role in the story of how Singapore was discovered and named “Singapura” by Sang Nila Utama, a prince from Palembang. In this display, the blue waves move around the Merlion, similar to the Merlion at Merlion Park in the city.

These window displays are fun to watch, even though they are small. The movements and bright lights in the displays add joy to viewing them, and they attract many happy travellers who are keen to snap their pictures. Head to Changi Airport Terminal 1 to enjoy these displays.

These displays are located near the Skytrain platform bound to Terminal 2, and the location is near to the AirAsia check-in counters.

Top Five Awesome Activities at Changi Airport, Singapore

Changi Airport is undoubtedly one of the best airports in the world. From its world-class amenities to creativity, this airport is a destination of its own. Once you have cleared the immigration, you can explore this awesome airport further. If your airline provides the early check-in service, it is worth to pay the additional costs (like I do) to spend time in exploring and enjoying the various facilities in this amazing airport. Here are the top five fun and awesome activities to enjoy at Changi Airport.

#1: Movie Theatre

There are two theatres in the Airport, one in Terminal 2 and the other in Terminal 3. The theatres are mini cinemas that play famous movies for all travellers to enjoy. The theatre in Terminal 2 is located near the gaming kiosks (yes, there really are gaming kiosks at Changi Airport!) and sunflower garden. The theatre in Terminal 3 is located near the Transit Hotel. I enjoyed watching movies there while waiting for my flight to the Gold Coast late in the evening.

#2: Gardens

The airport truly lives up to Singapore’s name as a garden city. The outdoors are embraced through five gardens around the airport, including the butterfly and sunflower gardens. These gardens allow travellers to go outdoors and observe the planes while admiring the lush greenery.

The gardens are beautiful at night too. This is the sunflower garden at night.

#3: Television-Viewing Areas

Travellers can catch-up on their favourite television shows, keep up-to-date with sports and watch the latest news at the television lounges in Terminals 2 and 3. There are limited seats at these areas, and the speakers are in the armrests of the comfortable one-seat sofas. Channels including MTV, BBC and The National Geographic Channel.

#4: Food

Changi Airport is also a notable attraction for its variety of food choices. From local cuisine to Western delights, this airport caters for a variety of taste buds. Hard Rock Café, Dunkin Doughnuts, Texas Chicken, the Coffee Bean, Subway, Starbucks and many more restaurants are located in the airport. As for local street food such as satay and char kway teow, a “hawker” centre, named the Singapore Food Street, is located at Terminal 3. The décor resembles the traditional Singaporean shop-houses and streets that were common from some generations ago. Travellers can also view the planes from Singapore Food Street while enjoying their food.

Singapore Food Street

The Coffee Bean at Terminal 1

#5: Colouring Stations

There are colouring areas around Changi Airport where both kids and adults can colour over wooden carved designs with crayons. Designs such as the airport’s control tower and Terminal 3 are fun to colour, and you can bring your masterpieces home to remember your holiday.

There are some colouring stations before immigration too, such as the one in Terminal 3 at the Basement 1 level.

Note: You do not need to pay any additional fees to enjoy these activities, except for the food.

Appam At Changi Airport T3, Singapore

Changi Airport is a destination of its own and never fails to impress its visitors with fascinating amenities; from the outdoor gardens (my favourite is the sunflower garden) to the wide ranges of shops. Terminal 3 is home to Kopitiam, which is basically a food court selling local food at affordable prices. One of the stalls that is busy during the peak hours is the Local Snacks stall, and their stand-out snacks are their appams.

Appams are native to South Asia and is usually consumed as a meal. To me they are milk pancakes, since milk is one of the core ingredients. The middle of the appam is fluffy, and it is crispy on its surroundings. Many foodies enjoy this humble yet delicious delicacy. Appams can be elevated by adding modern twists to the flavours. My favourite version of appam is the one with chocolate drizzled, and nuts and sugar sprinkled all over it. This appam is the perfect treat, and what’s more is that it is served with grated coconut and more sugar as sides.

The chocolate and nuts appam looks like a dream come true for appam and chocolate fans, and it catches many patrons’ eyes whenever it is served. Whenever you are at Changi Airport, head down to the Local Snacks stall located at Kopitiam in Terminal 3 at the 2nd basement level (public area). The stall is next to a bakery. Do note, however, that the Kopitiam is not accessible upon clearing immigration, therefore you should visit it before entering the immigration hall.