On transit in Changi? Here’s what you can do…
Launched in partnership with Singapore Airlines, the refreshed complimentary Singapore tour provides passengers transiting at Changi Airport an opportunity to enjoy some of Singapore’s iconic sights. Introduced in 1987, the Free Singapore Tour is part of the airport’s efforts to better serve passengers who are at Changi for long layover periods.
Enhancing Changi’s appeal as a transfer hub, more than one million passengers have enjoyed this free service over the years. The refreshed tourist programme has two new itineraries, each offering a different glimpse of Singapore’s heritage and it’s ever-changing cityscape.
Photo credit – Gardens by the Bay
The day itinerary, known as the Heritage Tour, is available four times a day and includes a visit to the Colonial District, Merlion Park and traditional favourites – Chinatown or Little India. the evening itinerary, introduced for the first time, called the City Lights Tour introduces passengers to Singapore’s vibrant nightlife offering panoramic views from the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade.
Both itineraries include Singapore’s newest attractions – Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer. The Free Singapore Tour is available to passengers travelling on any airline while transiting at Changi Airport. Passengers should have at least five hours in transit. For more information about the tour, please click here
Travel Tip
To register for any of the tours, simply approach the staff at the Free Singapore Tours (FST) Registration Booth located in:
- Terminal 2: Near the escalators to North Arrival Immigration and Skytrain station at Transit Mall North, Level 2 (Near Transfer Lounge E)
- Terminal 3: Next to Transfer Lounge B at Transit Mall North, level 2
- If you are at Terminal 1, you can proceed to Terminal 2 for registration.
Note: Please register at the booth at least 1 hour before the start of the tour which you would like to participate in. Eligibility to participate in the tour is subject to visa entry requirements stipulated by the Immigrations & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore. Please enquire at the FST Registration Booth for more information.
**Tour routes may change, subject to weather and traffic conditions.
One of Singapore’s two Integrated Resorts, the luxurious Marina Bay Sands (MBS) offers a wide variety of shops and also houses an ArtScience museum, theatre, hotel and convention centre. The resort’s three hotel towers are connected by a Sky Park which has a 150-metre long infinity pool right at the top. Designed by famous Israeli architect Moshe Safdie, MBS’s iconic architecture is now a must-see for many visitors to Singapore. Photo credit – Singapore Tourism Board
Standing at 165 metres, the Singapore Flyer is the world’s tallest observation wheel. A 60 minute ride on the wheel will offer you a bird’s eye view of the Singapore skyline and its surroundings. Photo credit – Singapore Tourism Board
Little India is Singapore’s foremost Indian enclave and it is a riot of sights, sounds and scents. Here, you can find rows of shops selling spices, jewellery and traditional Indian clothing. At the heart of Little India is the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple which is dedicated to the Hindu goddess of power, Kali. Built in 1855, the temple is adorned with hand painted statues of the Hindu deities. Photo credit – Singapore Tourism Board
Chinatown was home to the early Chinese settlers. Today, it is one of the must-see cultural enclaves for visitors. Visitors will be delighted with the variety of authentic Chinese food, products and souvenirs sold at Chinatown, and be enthralled by the juxtaposition of old pre-war shophouses and modern high-rise buildings. Photo credit – Singapore Tourism Board
The Colonial District has significant historical importance to Singapore. The “Padang” or field in the Malay language, is the site of a celebration held after the surrender of the Japanese troops after the Japanese Occupation. The Padang is also the venue for Singapore’s first National Day celebration. Located directly opposite the Padang is the old Supreme Court and City Hall with their distinctive colonial style. Photo credit – Singapore Tourism Board
With several time slots available, being on transit at Changi will never be a bore! Both tours start and end at Changi Airport.
Fantastic stuff. I have used the Singapore Airlines hop on hop off bus a few times and this is another excellent activity that you can do in Singapore if you’re stopping over for a couple of days or even if you’re at the airport for the day waiting for your next flight.
Love it – and I’m literally going back there tomorrow! Changi could well be the best airport in the world. Surely no other airports do free tours, do they? Anyone?
Thank you for information and sharing.