For passengers of Silk Air, Singapore airlines and selected operated flights with connecting flights with Singapore airlines; who transit in Singapore, did you know that you can enjoy free tour between your flights in Singapore? Even it is not a detailed one, it is good enough to capture the spirit of Singapore during transit between flights. My overall experience of Singapore was wonderful, counting from the view from the airplane before landing, down to the airport itself and the city tour is just another excellence bonus.
If you have over 5.5hours (and less than 24hours) transit in Changi airport, Singapore; you should register for Free Singapore Tour offered by the airport. It is 2.5hours city tours by coach with an English-speaking guide. I got a chance to see Singapore in a flash tour back in January 2015 which I really appreciated, because I could never make it to Singapore as a single destination [now due to Covid-19 I think they suspended the tour, check the website for the update]. I personally think that 2.5hours is actually a good amount of time for the summary of Singapore sightseeing: several stops and photographs and enjoy many spots Singapore has to offer, even from a far distance:
Sands Sky park observation deck (Marina bay sands)
The Singapore Flyer, the world’s second tallest observation wheel.
Singapore’s national icon “the Merlion” at the riverfront & Merlion Park
Modern skyscrapers as Singapore’s core financial and commercial district.
Singapore’s premier arts in the spiky glass buildings, resembles a popular local fruit – the durian.
Gardens by the Bay: 11 artificial Super-tree Groves
Travel passed tunnel (under the sea) and city streets of some Chinatown, Indian community…
Great things - every thing above located not far from each other so by just seeing them from afar is good enough.
Tips not to miss the trip /coach
Check with the airport staff as soon as possible, after you settled for your flights, and register for the tour hours [it runs every hour]
Keep your cabin luggage at the airport [visit Left Baggage counters]
Always follow your guide and groups [for immigrations and others]
Listen to the instructions very carefully, where to get back on the coach and how long is the time allowed to stop at each spot. If you miss the tour coach (you are late) you will find the way to come back to the airport yourself.
this is amazing, @Sophia_Cambodia , as not everywhere is possible to get this opportunity, and in many case you have to wait for hours inside the airport, to avoid the risk to miss the next flight.
I don’t think it is a good idea for doing such a tour in my town too - very busy town, with bad traffic… @ErmesT anyway we don’t have the opportunity for transit yet.
I recall my daughter having a similar experience in 2018 when she was flying to Auckland from Mumbai, India for an official trip with Singapore Airlines and had a long transit layover, during which she was accepted to a free tour of Singapore from the airline. Even if you don’t have a valid visa, a short tour is a fantastic idea.
That’s such a great opportunity to explore while you are waiting for the next flight @AjitThite I think it runs most of the time until Covid-19. So, whoever knew about it can take benefits from this free tour. I was also on my ways to Auckland back then, by Singapore airlines/Air New Zealand. Normally, we would arrive from Cambodia around 9-10am and waiting till 9-10pm to take another long haul flights so about 12hours waiting is very long.
FYI - I also learnt that Incheon airport of Seoul also provides such service if you are over 5hours layover, read here:Airport layovers Sightseeing
