After an all-nighter from London to Singapore, I have two hours to explore the reopened, award-winning T2 at Changi, which has already won awards for its design, sustainability, and user-friendliness following three and a half years of extensive engineering and expansion.
The accolades are down to the Eutierria, (or nature-filled), design, built around the theory that exposing passengers to nature improves their health and wellbeing. Indeed, Changi has previously achieved this with Jewel Changi Airport, which opened in April 2019. The highlight of Jewel is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Likewise, T2 also emphasises nature – the Eutierria T2 experience starts in the departure’s hall with the Wonderfall, a 14-metre-high LED waterfall.
I’m embarking from Terminal 3 and getting to Terminal 2 is a breeze, as Changi, simply put, just works. From T3, I’m on the Skytrain to T2, with a maximum waiting time of three minutes – and a journey time of three minutes.
Alighting at T2 transit I enter Dreamscape, an immersive indoor garden, where the larger-than-life plant-filled structures smother the man-made pylons. Walking along the transparent pond platform feels like walking on water. The ponds shimmer with colourful fish, and gentle tropical sounds surround. The digital sky, like a skylight, opens to emulate daylight.
Surrounding Dreamscape, retail therapy beckons with luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, and Burberry, alongside essential retail outlets. At Lotte Duty Free Wines & Spirits on the luxurious upper-level lounge, the Forest of Li Bai offers whiskey sampling from dispensers or a drink from the robot bartender, Toni. How cool!
However, the Gourmet Garden embodies what I look for in a terminal. It’s a Hanging Gardens of Babylon-esque chill-out space for 400. Vertical gardens with lush ferns and tropical plantings drape down, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the taxiway. It’s a treat for tailfin enthusiasts.
Grabbing a bite offers overwhelming choices, embodying Singapore’s culinary heritage. The Satay Club by Harry’s has the mandatory skewers and Crave Nasi Lemak serves signature coconut rice with sides. Modern Asian cuisine is plentiful, with Korean favourite Jinjja Kitchen, alongside Hong Kong’s Chef Wei HK Cheong Fun and Ippodo Express ramen. In Straits Food Village travellers can choose from many affordable dishes, and a bowl of Pho beef tender slices costs approximately £11.50. For now, I just grab some dim sum from the Singaporean favourite – Swee Choon.
On the technology side the terminal features a Fast and Seamless Travel (FAST) zone with doubled automated check-in kiosks and bag drops, plus automated Special Assistance Lanes for people with disabilities and young children. A new, fully automated early baggage storage system has also been installed. Consequently, T2’s expansion has increased its capacity from 23 to 28 million passengers annually, boosting Changi Airport’s total to 90 million. Starting in 2024, Changi plans to introduce automated immigration clearance using biometric data, eliminating the need for passports.
My last stop before heading back to T3 is at the super sleek restrooms. Lavishly designed with white stone, brass fixtures, curved mirrors, warm wood and lush plants, these aren’t just spacious – they’re a masterpiece of design. This, along with the terminal’s nature vibes packed seamlessly with F&B and retail, elevates a terminal from just the ordinary to extraordinary and super cool.
