FREE SINGAPORE TOUR FOR TRANSFER AND TRANSIT PASSENGERS RETURNS FROM 3 APRIL

SINGAPORE, 3 April 2023 – Changi Airport Group (CAG), Singapore Airlines (SIA), and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) re-launched the Free Singapore Tour today after a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19. Three of the existing tours available since pre-Covid-19 - the City Sights Tour, Heritage Tour, and Jewel Tour – have been refreshed to include new points of interest. A brand-new Changi Precinct Tour will introduce travellers to the interesting sights and sounds of the eastern region surrounding Singapore Changi Airport. Each tour lasts 2.5 hours and will be available daily, with plans to progressively increase to nine tours a day. 

With transit and transfer passengers accounting for about 30% of passenger traffic at Changi Airport pre-pandemic, the tour was first introduced in 1987 to enhance the airport’s attractiveness as a transfer hub and to entice transit and transfer passengers to visit Singapore as a holiday destination. In 2019, over 80,000 passengers went on the Free Singapore Tour. The top markets were India, Australia, and Indonesia, with Indian and Australian travellers making up more than one third of the total participants.

New Changi Precinct Tour to showcase eastern Singapore 

The Changi Precinct Tour is a new itinerary that will bring participants to the eastern part of Singapore to visit local community spaces such as the Tampines heartland, and to admire the rustic charms of Changi Village and Changi Beach. It offers a glimpse of how local residents live, and tells the tale of Singapore’s history on this part of the island, away from the usual hustle and bustle of Singapore’s city centre. 

Refreshed itineraries to offer travellers new experiences

At the Jewel Tour, in addition to visiting popular attractions like the Shiseido Forest Valley and the HSBC Rain Vortex, participants can now discover more about Singapore’s food heritage through local brands such as Bee Cheng Hiang and Tong Garden, and sample local snacks at the same time. Another new component of the tour is a free guided walkthrough of a digital attraction - Changi Experience Studio - for participants to experience some of its airport-themed games and interactive exhibits. 

New pit stops in the City Sights Tour include the Civic District, where travellers will get an introduction to Singapore’s urban development through visits to various national monuments including the National Gallery Singapore, Anderson Bridge, and The Padang. The bus route will also pass through the new Marina Bay Financial District enroute to Gardens by the Bay. The Heritage Tour, available from June, will feature places of interest such as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown, Arab Street, and Haji Lane, for participants to gain a more in-depth understanding of Singapore’s unique and diverse multi-cultural heritage. 

The refreshed itineraries also highlight sustainability features at some of the locations featured in the tours, to give participants an overview of Singapore’s sustainability efforts. These include the Eco Community Garden at the rooftop of Our Tampines Hub (as part of the Changi Precinct Tour), environmental sustainability initiatives implemented at Gardens by the Bay (as part of the City Sights Tour) and Jewel (as part of the Jewel Tour). 

Monster Day Tours has been appointed by CAG, SIA, and STB to run the Free Singapore Tours.

Mr Lim Ching Kiat, Executive Vice President of Air Hub & Cargo Development at CAG, said, “The Free Singapore Tour was very popular among our transit and transfer passengers prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, and we are happy to bring it back with the resumption of travel. For travellers who choose to transit or transfer at Changi Airport, the Free Singapore Tour is designed to give them a glimpse of what Singapore has to offer, including the unique attractions and offerings at Jewel Changi Airport and the neighbouring Changi Precinct which has a rich cultural and historical heritage. Together with our partners, SIA and STB, we hope to welcome more passengers who fly through Changi Airport to enjoy a slice of Singapore through our new tours and world-class attractions and facilities.”

Mr Lee Lik Hsin, Executive Vice President Commercial, Singapore Airlines, said, “We welcome the timely relaunch of the enhanced Free Singapore Tour, which offers a unique transit experience for our customers. We are pleased to continue working closely with CAG and STB to promote the sustainable growth of travel to and through Singapore.”

Mr Chang Chee Pey, Assistant Chief Executive, Marketing Group, Singapore Tourism Board, said, "We are delighted to bring back the Free Singapore Tour through our long-standing partnership with CAG and SIA. It is imperative for us to refresh our tourism offerings to meet the demand for wellness and eco-conscious travel, and cater to travellers seeking deeper experiences. We hope that the tour will inspire transit and transfer passengers to plan a longer trip to Singapore in future, and discover much more of what our vibrant city has to offer.”

Book a tour in advance on new portal

Advance booking is now available on Changi Airport’s website. Transit and transfer passengers who wish to join the Free Singapore Tour must have a layover period of at least 5.5 hours but less than 24 hours. Participants will need to have a valid entry visa for Singapore to take part in the tours. 

For more information, visit the Free Singapore Tour page here. 

For the detailed tour itineraries, click here – City Sights Tour, Jewel Tour, Changi Precinct Tour, Heritage Tour. 

About Changi Airport Group   

Changi Airport Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd (CAG) (www.changiairportgroup.com) was formed on 16 June 2009 and the corporatisation of Singapore Changi Airport (IATA: SIN, ICAO: WSSS) followed on 1 July 2009. As the company managing Changi Airport, CAG undertakes key functions focusing on airport operations and management, air hub development, commercial activities and airport emergency services. CAG also manages Seletar Airport (IATA: XSP, ICAO: WSSL) and through its subsidiary Changi Airports International, invests in and manages foreign airports.   

    

As one of Asia’s most connected international aviation hubs, Changi Airport links Singapore to some 140 cities globally, with over 90 airlines operating more than 5,500 weekly flights. Jewel Changi Airport, a multi-dimensional lifestyle destination, opened in April 2019, adding to Changi Airport’s shopping and dining offerings of over 550 F&B and retail outlets across the airport. The world’s most awarded airport, Changi has won over 650 accolades for its consistent and excellent airport staff service, passenger experience and safety standards.    

   

Follow Changi Airport on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Telegram | TikTok   

 

 

About Singapore Airlines

The SIA Group’s history dates back to 1947 with the maiden flight of Malayan Airways Limited. The airline was later renamed Malaysian Airways Limited and then Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA). In 1972, MSA split into Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Malaysian Airline System. Initially operating a modest fleet of 10 aircraft to 22 cities in 18 countries, SIA has since grown to be a world-class international airline group that is committed to the constant enhancement of the three main pillars of its brand promise: Service Excellence, Product Leadership and Network Connectivity. For more information, please visit www.singaporeair.com.

About the Singapore Tourism Board 

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions. 

 

More: www.stb.gov.sg or www.visitsingapore.com | Follow us: facebook.com/STBsingapore or https://www.linkedin.com/company/singapore-tourism-board/mycompany 

Amazing Sights and Lights: Singapore’s Most Picturesque Destinations this Holiday Season

Gardens by the Bay Chrsitmas Wonderland

The glistening lights, the Christmas trees and all the other festive holiday decorations truly make Christmas one of the most enchanting and picturesque times of the year. But the real beauty of the season is in the moments it brings about—gift-giving, get-togethers, and getaways.

Singapore offers exciting possibilities with its Christmas attractions straight from your Christmas fantasies that are sure to provide you and your loved ones with beautiful, picture-perfect experiences that you would definitely want to capture.

Fireworks Photo by Wesley Loh, Courtesy of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Holiday marvels in the heart of the city

If you’re looking for a winter fairytale come to life, Gardens by the Bay has its enchanting Christmas Wonderland. One of Singapore’s main annual events, this attraction is sure to excite families and friends looking for some holiday cheer as they feast on delicious treats at the European-inspired festive market, play carnival games at the fun fairground and skate under the beautiful night sky at the open skating rink. But the star of the event has to be the stunning seven-storey luminary light, the Spalliera. During the event’s nightly Blizzard Time, visitors can capture a photo as marvelous as their Christmas Wonderland experience set against magical snowfall and the Spalliera’s lights.

The Star Flyer. Img courtesy of Prudential Marina Bay Carnival

A nearby attraction one can also check out is Poinsettia Wishes, a massive floral installation of poinsettias, amaryllis and Christmas trees at the Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome. Visitors can experience a truly Nordic winter cozying up under a Lavvu, a kind of tent used in Northern Scandinavia, while enjoying the northern lights projected on the dome’s screens. Those with an eye for landscapes are sure to delight in taking shots of the splendid set-up.

Another amazing sight to behold is Christmas on a Great Street. Every year, Singapore’s famous Orchard Road is lit up with fantastic light installations. This year, the event celebrates with the theme “Endless Wonder,” featuring its very own Christmas Village that is complete with pop-up shops and food bazaars. Be inspired to encapsulate your Singapore holiday and take a dreamy photo at the Walk of Wonder, a 20-meter-long tunnel of blue fairy lights covered in a silver reflective fabric blanketing.

Those looking for an adventure-filled yuletide getaway can head over to the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival. Admission to the carnival grounds is free and open for all, especially thrill-seekers who will surely enjoy more than 40 rides and games with impressive standouts like the Star Flyer, Cyclone Coaster, Booster Maxx, Log Flume, Das Fun Schiff (Pirate Ship). A carnival wouldn’t be complete without yummy food to munch on. Luckily, there is also a food bazaar with Michelin-starred gourmet food, classic carnival treats like popcorn, and many more. There are also a wide variety of performances from DJs, local independent artists, and caroling chorales that should not to be missed.

The Prudential Marina Bay Carnival, however, is just part of an even bigger celebration—the much-anticipated Marina Bay Countdown. Here, attendees are in for an extravagant night full of possibilities, from an awesome laser show and a bustling holiday bazaar, to a grand fireworks spectacle. During the year-end festivities, Singapore’s cityscape turns into the perfect backdrop of fantastic projection mapping displays. As part of the 2D mapping display, the big countdown, along with crowd-sourced New Year wishes, will be projected across the Fullerton Hotel, followed by magnificent fireworks that are sure to get spectators excited for the possibilities of a new year.

Experience Christmas on A Great Street and see Orchard Road light up with the amazing luminary installations

Christmas made special at Sentosa

For a completely unique holiday experience, try out an underwater Christmas with the Merry Fishmas at the S.E.A. Aquarium at Sentosa. Capture an interesting and fun photo with Scuba Santa and Underwater Elves inside a massive aquarium swimming with diverse and colorful fishes. As the S.E.A. Aquarium advocates protecting marine wildlife by reducing the waste in the seas and oceans, the Merry Fishmas attraction is complete with a plastic bottle Christmas tree and includes a Scrooge’s Recycling Workshop where guests can make special Christmas gifts from recycled materials.

Both kids and kids-at-heart can discover what it’s like to be an elf at the North Pole at A Universal Christmas at Universal Studios Sentosa. Santa’s Workshop is a fully-immersive attraction filled with different, fun challenges. Visitors can also catch Santa with his reindeers and elves at Santa’s Snowy Sleigh Ride, a fun parade around Universal Studios Sentosa. Complete your Universal Christmas by catching an amusing Christmas show with Oscar Grouchmas Live. Take wonderful shots at any corner of Universal Studios as it transforms into a delightful Christmas village.

Add a little luxury to your trip by going on a Christmas cruise unlike any other on board the Royal Albatross, a massive 4-mast and 22-sail Tall Ship. Sail from the shores of Sentosa and enjoy a Christmas feast on the open deck decorated with sleigh bells, mistletoe, and baubles as you soak in the stunning view of the sunset. With this spectacular background, taking an Instagram-worthy shot is a piece of cake.

Spend this holiday season in Singapore to see these wonderful sights and make meaningful memories that are sure to have the most beautiful pictures to match!

About the Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions. For more information, visit www.stb.gov.sg or www.visitsingapore.com or follow us on Twitter @STB_sg (https://twitter.com/stb_sg)

*This is Press Release