If you are travelling from Europe or the USA to any of our dive destination, chances are you will be transiting through one of the three major airports in Asia. It may come as a surprise, but Asian airports are unlike any other in the world. Engineered to be inviting, friendly and as comfortable as an airport can be, these stopovers could very well be a pleasant surprise during your next trip.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport
http://www.klia.com.my/
Check in at KLIA
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is one of Asia’s key aviation points. It’s located at the top of the southern peninsular of Malaysia, bordering the states of Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. It’s found in the Sepang area, around 50 km from the capital city, Kuala Lumpur.
KLIA is a fantastic airport as it has all that one would need for business, entertainment and relaxation. Its long benches are ideal for long haul travellers looking to put their feet up between flights. A wide range of restaurants, lounges, spas, hotels, smoking lounges and children’s play areas are available. KLIA was built with a welcoming, homely feel in mind, which is echoed throughout the entire complex.
Hong Kong International Airport
http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/index.html
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is situated 40km from Hong Kong city and has a extensive and varied range of facilities and venues suitable for all ages and needs. Terminal 1 offers great shopping from eyewear, to jewellery, to duty free liquor and tobacco, to audio visual equipment and clothing. The dining options are almost endless with high end restaurants, bakeries, fast food and traditional Asian eateries. Terminal 2 offers the same great choices, but also provides entertainment options including the Aviation Discovery Centre, Asia Hollywood (an interactive entertainment centre), Playstation Gateway and the incredible 4D Extreme Screen.
One of the best features would be the premier lounge where you can pay to stay in the lounge or take a nap in one of the rooms. Ideal for transit stops on long haul flights from Europe or the USA: http://www.plaza-ppl.com/hk_en/packages.php
Transfers are available from both terminals and can be taken by car, train and bus.
Changi International Airport, Singapore
http://www.changiairport.com/changi/en/index.html
Shopping at Changi Airport, Singapore
Singapore’s Changi airport is known as one of the world’s best airports, winning over 250 awards. Located approximately 19km from Singapore’s city centre, there are a range of choices when it comes to making your way into the hustle and bustle of the CBD – public trains and buses, Airport shuttles, taxis and car rentals are all available and vary in price. If it’s shopping that you’re after, Changi Airport has a vast array to suit every budget and taste. Whether it’s sportswear, luxury brands, souvenirs and gifts, wine and tobacco, lifestyle electronics, cameras and computers – it’s all available at Changi Airport! If you’re feeling a bit peckish, there’s a wide range of dining options including fast food, high-end restaurants, Halal choices, cafes and bistros. There’s also a great selection of bars and lounges for travellers looking for something a bit harder than soft drink.
Changi features a full service hotel in the transit area where you can book rooms by the hour or you can use their pool and Gym for a small fee and stretch out on a comfortable deckchair next to the pool.
All in all, if you have a stopover on your way through to your final destination, having a few hours to kill at any of the above mentioned airports isn’t necessarily a bad thing! Although you may want to get to your final destination as soon as possible, exploring these incredible places will offer another dimension to your travel and allow you to recharge and revive before the next leg of your trip.
