Thanks to Covid-19, Changi Airport has been pretty much reduced to a dead town, and so one may think that there isn’t any good reason to make the trip all the way to the east.
Cue Changi Airport’s newest attraction – Changi Airport Connector.
The newly opened 3.5-kilometre stretch allows you to cycle, skate, run, and walk to Jewel and the airport terminals from East Coast Park, or any of the Park Connector Network (PCN). It’s also home to the Changi Jurassic Mile, the city’s largest outdoor display of life-sized dinosaurs.
Imagine yourself in Jurassic Park with 22 different prehistoric creatures situated along a 1km stretch between the Terminal 4 pit stop and the entrance to East Coast Park. Information panels have been put up to educate visitors about these long-extinct animals, as well as safari-themed music to heighten the experience!
Those looking to visit the Jurassic Mile between 16 Oct and 3 Jan 2021 will have to reserve a slot on Changi PlayPass or the iChangi app if they plan on going on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 9am and midnight.
Capacity has been capped to meet safe distancing measures. On these days, visitors will be admitted every 30 minutes, and are allowed to stay for up to one hour within the exhibit.
Bookings will not be required for weekday visits.
And if you wanna cycle the trail but don’t have a bicycle? Don’t fret. There will be a bicycle rental store run by GoCycling near Terminal 2.
Kids can rent bikes from $6 an hour, and adults can get theirs from $8 an hour.
Planning for a night cycling session? You can purchase the night rental package which costs $16, that will allow you to use the bike from 6pm to the next day’s opening time.
Those who want to rent the bike for an entire day (24 hours) can do so for $40.
The great thing about this bike rental service is that you can rent your bike at GoCycling’s T2 outlet, and return them at any of GoCycling’s other outlets around Singapore: East Coast Park C4, Changi Beach Park C1, Punggol Park, Punggol Jetty (Coney Island), West Coast Park, Jurong Lake Garden and Pasir Ris Town Park.
In addition to bicycle rental services, there will also be several pay-per-use facilities located near GoCycling’s store.
These include shower facilities designed with open lighting, so you can enjoy a view of the surrounding greenery as you shower. Each shower is also equipped with shower gel and shampoo, and hair dryers are available as well. Rates are S$3 per person per entry and S$5 per person for a two-time entry if you wish to store your belongings.
Payment is contactless and made through the iChangi mobile app – simply scan the QR code and go!
After all that walking, jogging or cycling about, you’re bound to be starving. Settle at HUB & SPOKE Café which serves a colourful, multicultural menu – from toast and kopi to eggs benedict and bubble tea – in a colonial-themed setting, with the option of outdoor alfresco dining where you can enjoy your meal under a canopy.
Ready to visit the new Changi Airport Connector? Here are the directions:
- If you are driving, head towards Terminal 2 and follow the brown road signs to HUB & SPOKE (Jurassic Mile). Park at the HUB & SPOKE Car Park (formerly South Car Park).
- If you are coming by public transport, HUB & SPOKE is located nearest to Terminal 2 and you can follow the directional signs on ground.
- If you are cycling in or jogging from East Coast Park, head in the direction of the NSRCC and the MOE Changi Coast Outdoor Adventure Centre. Once there, continue your journey on the Changi Coastal Park Connector Extension and follow the park directional signs.
More information here.