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Among the South East Asian countries, Singapore seems to be one of the countries Filipinos frequent most. Probably because it’s a Pinoy friendly place since a lot of Filipinos live and work there. Another thing is its accessibility from the Philippines. It’s just at least 3 hours direct flight from Manila. I’ve only been to Singapore several times but it’s always a pleasure to breeze through the borders when entering the country. For first timers to Singapore, here’s what you can expect once you landed at Changi Airport.

If one is going to Singapore via budget airlines like Cebu Pacific or Tiger Airways, expect to land at Changi Airport’s Budget Terminal. It’s a small no-frills terminal but is clean and decent. Expect to do some walking on arrival to the immigration, as there are no walkalators available. The structure is basic with a few duty free shops and a money changer before the exit gates. Nice to change a few dollars but the city have better exchange rates.

There are taxis for hire at the exit gates but I prefer to go the cheaper and easy route to the city, which is via the Train to the City. To take the train, I go to Changi Airport’s Terminal 2 where it is located. There are regular free bus services just a few steps from the arrival exit gates going to the Terminal 2 and vice versa. Once the bus is conveniently full, it’s just a few minutes ride to the basement entrance of Terminal 2.

I actually like Singapore’s Changi Airport Terminal 2 as I find it convenient to go around the place. If one were taking the regular airlines like Philippine Airlines or Jetstar Airways from Manila, one would arrive here at Terminal 2. From here, it’s easy to head to the city since train is connected to the airport. Oh how I wish that going to or leaving the NAIA Airports in Manila would be this convenient as well.

Anyways, follow directions heading to the Train terminal. I usually buy the EZLink Card, which can be used on both the trains and buses in Singapore. If I’m staying for a few days, it’s much more convenient. It can be “Topped Up” (their version of reloading) when it runs out and the remaining balance can be refunded as well.

On departures, I like waiting at the Terminal 2 since it’s huge and there are a lot of things to do while waiting for boarding time. Internet Kiosks are available to use for 15 minutes or you could ask for login details from the information desk to access the wifi. Lots of eateries, duty free shops, massage centers and even a cinema to while away time.

Budget Terminal’s not that bad either if we compare it with our very own NAIA terminals. It’s just a scaled down version of Terminal 2 but it serves its purpose well.

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Tags: Airports, Singapore, Transit