Terminal 3
near Departure and Transit Mall
Changi Airport, Singapore
 |
| Friendly butterflies freely sipping nectars from the fresh flowers. |
There is no question that Singapore Changi Airport
is the best airport in the world. This all-encompassing venue has a wide range
of choices in terms of shopping options, dining, entertainment, and lifestyle
as well as business centers ensuring that all guest that layover here makes
their stay sensible while enjoying the first class service they offer. No need
for you to get out of the airport as everything that you need is within your
reach.
 |
| Me and Balong waiting for our flight to Davao. |
 |
| The airport is huge, it's like an interlinked shopping mall with lots of free services to pamper you. |
The airport has three main terminals, all connected via skytrain
system. The skytrain operates both at the transit and public areas and
this service is free. It only takes approximately 1 to 4 minutes to travel between
terminals and the average waiting time is only between 1 to 3 minutes. It’s
like the monorail express in Sentosa Island that can accommodate
30 to 50 passengers in standing position.
 |
| The three terminals is connected with Sky Train. |
There are as well plenty of amenities that will keep you
busy while waiting for your flight. You’ll not get bored once you’re here as
they have over the top free services for everybody to enjoy like movie
theaters, foot and calf massager, playgrounds for kids, internet stations and
an excellent range of public and private transports options that connect the
airport to Singapore’s city center.
 |
| One of the free amenities to enjoy once your in Changi Airport. |
 |
| You'll not get lost once you're here as plenty of signage can be seen everywhere. |
One notable feature that the
airport have is the world renowned nature
trail which is considered as the signature trademark of Changi
Airport. Long flights can be tiring but to sit back and relax in the
midst of nature at any of the garden themes that the airport have is another
story to tell. There are actually 6 themed gardens in here to enjoy. Cactus
Garden, Sunflower Garden, Fern Garden, Orchids Garden, Bamboo Garden, and
the most famous one the Butterfly Garden. I already featured a few bits
of information with regards to it in my Changi Airport post
recently but I guess better to highlight the popular garden because it is named
as the world’s first butterfly garden within an airport.
 |
| View of Changi Tower from the Sky Train on our way to Terminal 3. |
If you have been to Butterfly Park and Insect
Kingdom located in Imbiah Lookout in Sentosa Island
then this is just as great but the difference is: it’s free in here while in Sentosa
you need to pay SGD 16 (PHP 525 or USD 12) for adults and SGD 10 ( PHP 340 or
USD 8) for kids.
 |
| Butterfly Park information board in the entrance of the enclosed garden. |
The farm-breed butterfly habitat is located in a quiet
corner of Terminal 3 Departure and Transit Mall very close to
Harry’s Bar and opposite to FIFA store. There are only few signs
leading here so better ask any airport ground staff where it is and they will
gladly help you out. When I reach the area, a huge signage of ‘Butterfly Garden’ in the entrance
greeted me right away. There is an educational signboard in the corner that
gives information to understand deeper such winged beauty. It explains in
details the evolution of butterflies, the stunning transformation from pupae
stage to a gorgeous creature, and the list of breeds worldwide.
 |
| The entrance gate of the garden. |
Entering the vicinity is like entering a mini forest as
there are wide varieties of crawling plants that kiss my cheeks (whew! ~
ahahaha!). It’s really awesome to be with nature as I remember home when
I think of it (sigh ~ hehehe!). Everytime that we tag Mama along
in travelling expects that she always comeback with a handful of potted plants
as she is fond collecting it (ahahaha!).
 |
| Lot's of information signage like this can be found in each corner of the park. |
The size of the open-air territory is around 10 meters
high designed as a tropical nature retreat. The vicinity is complete with
landscaped tropical plants and timber walkway that allows visitors to walk
freely within the garden.
 |
| Birds eye view of the garden atop the waterfall. |
Since Singapore Changi Airport is known for
its tropical garden image. This park really complement the nature theme of the
airport. You’ll witness hundreds of free roaming butterflies in here and be
ready to be captivated by such beauty as they sometimes perch on you as they
are very friendly to park’s visitors. As per information, most of tropical
butterflies in here are native to Singapore and Malaysia
but I’ve seen some of these breeds in Philippines too.
 |
| Tropical plants such as santan, ferns, palms, and daisies can be seen everywhere. |
The 6-metre cascading waterfall in the corner of the
garden is one feature that really add to that tropical feel. I love the
charisma of it because it does not only exudes beauty but it also helps keep
the garden cool by producing natural mist that engulfs the whole garden.
 |
| To add that rainforest ambiance, plenty of hanging ferns surrounding the waterfall. |
There is a spiral staircase beside the grotto waterfall
to walk in to the second level. From here, you have a bird’s eye view of the
whole park and you witness butterflies flying freely within the open enclosure.
They’re good in replicating the semi-natural habitat of such beauty as they
seems happy in here (ahahaha!). It’s great because when I visit the
garden, no other tourist where in there, that’s why no one is blocking the view
(selfish mode ~ ahahaha!).
 |
| The presence of a 6-meter cascading waterfall adds that tropical feel. |
One of the fascinating aspects of this garden is the
opportunity for visitors to observe that life cycle of butterflies at close
range. You can even see them while they are sipping nectar in plants and
feeding on fresh pineapples . Better keep your distance in order not to disturb
them but they seems not bothered to be surrounded by guest though as they
simply keep on eating even you’re just a centimeter away (interesting ~
ahahaha!).
 |
| View of the left part of the garden. |
The garden maybe enclosed with stainless steel, mesh
wires, and glass panels but the natural air from the outside maintains the
ventilation in the whole garden. I don’t know if there is an air controlled
units here but from the top of the waterfall you’ll fell the natural breeze
coming from the tarmac.
Aside from butterflies just in one corner of the park is
a gallery of jungle: the carnivorous and insectivores plants. They exhibits unusually shaped but deadly
species such as Hooker's Pitcher plants, Monkey Cups, ladder ferns and lot more. I even keep myself away from it and the least I can do is to
take pictures of them (ahahaha!).
If you have ample time to spend while
waiting for your flight in Changi Airport, better devote 15
minutes checking this beautiful haven offering a respite from the stresses of
traveling. It showcases the stunning beauty of mother nature with a great
variety of flattering butterflies and hungry plants set to delight you, it is
one rewarding experience indeed. Just don’t forget to your bring your camera
please as this is a good photo opportunity to get up-close with the butterflies.
So there you go, have a great day and night everyone.
Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrss!!!!!
Enan signing off.
SMILE
:)
.
