Singapore Changi Airport

Continent: Asia

Country: Singapore

Singapore Changi Airport
Location	Changi, Singapore
IATA code	SIN
ICAO code	WSSS
Airport type	Commercial
Website	http://www.changiairport.com/
Overview map	Google Maps
Communications
Tower
Ground
Clearance
Approach
ATIS

Official Spotting Locations

There is no official spotting location in or around the vicinity. Terminal 1 public viewing gallery offers the best view for photography due to its lack of obstruction. The new terminal 3 public viewing gallery offers limited and obstructed (window shade stickers with tiny holes) view for photography of aircraft landing and taking off on runway 02L/20R. However, in the transit area, Terminal 3 offers the best spotting location with clear unobstructed close up view of parked aircraft as well as landing and take off on 02L/20R.

Any where besides within the Terminal and the Changi public car park area, spotting with a camera within a radius of 5 km (no published law or rule and is up to the police discretion to decide if it is legal) the airport police will swiftly put an end to all spotting activities, including the airport perimeter fence.

Locations

Terminal 1 public viewing gallery - Best location for spotting (with photography) of aircraft landing on runway 20R and terminal operation.
Terminal 3 public viewing gallery - Best location for spotting (without photography) of aircraft landing and taking off on runway 02L. Note: windows has shade stickers that prevent AF on some cameras.
Terminal 3 transit area - Best location for spotting unobstructed.
Terminal 2 public viewing gallery is small and although it is a viewing gallery, it is fully obstructed and constantly being used as a study area for local students.

Other Spotting Locations

Although there are no published law and rules about spotting, there are still a handful of places in the airport vicinity which can still offer good spotting opportunities without risking being caught or intervened by the police.

Locations

Public
Changi Beach Park
Changi Sea Sports Center
Changi Business Park/Changi South Avenue 3

Private
Tanah Merah Golf Course

Locations to Avoid

There is no official guidelines for spotting in WSSS. Spotting by the perimeter fence is in fact quite common on weekends and the police never bothers about spotters most of the time. However, police will almost always immediately put an end if you are spotting with long lens. The rationale or standing order for this behavior is not clear. Generally, as a rule of thumb, just smile and move on if approached by the police.

Facilities and Transportation

Most of the outdoor spotting grounds has little or no facilities at all. Most areas are only accessible by Taxi (if they are willing to) or private cars. Public buses will take about 1 hour to reach from the city center or about 45 minutes by subway from the city.

Hazards and Risks

Be advised that outdoor spotting grounds are known to be infested with mosquitoes during wet seasons, and the perimeter area is infested with giant red tree ants which bite with a burning sting. Singapore is one of the most lightning prone region in the world and the risk of being struck by lightning is extremely high. Most outdoor spotting grounds offer little or no protection from lightning strikes. A thunder storm can formed during late afternoon without warning.