A Guide to Plane-Watching at WSSS

Ever since my conversion to part-time plus the waiting soon coming to an end, I've been doing lots of plane watching at WSSS (Singapore Changi). I've tried many, if not all, of the possible sites and had good and not-so-good experiences at each site. Here, I'll present a short guide based on my experience on each of them plus their pros and cons. I will also include my earlier experiences at Changi Airport's three terminals.

Changi Airport - Terminal 1 (UNDER RENOVATION - Reopening by End 2010)

Among the three main terminals, T1's viewing gallery offered the best view. Unobstructed views through single layer windows offered plenty of enjoyable watching. Furthermore, T1's host of a myriad of airlines other than the usual SIA, SLK and MAS and the rest at T2 and 3 made watching here a colourful experience.

Pros: Good direct, unobstructed view; Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits nearby.

Cons: Currently closed as part of T1's upgrading project (hopefully they don't screw it up like what they did with T2 and 3 - see below)

Changi Airport - Terminal 2

Recently refurbished with the Changi Aviation Gallery, this viewing gallery offers an indirect view due to the double-layered windowing and sun-shields. The gallery offers some nice info on airplanes and operations at WSSS but other than nice carpeted flooring, not a very good place to watch in my opinion.

Pros: Nice info on airplanes and airport operations; Carpeted flooring.

Cons: Indirect view; Sun shields further hamper the already indirect view; Small area.

Changi Airport - Terminal 3

Almost similar to T2's, T3's viewing gallery offers the same indirect view and sun-shields. The unique air-condition ducts near the floor will keep your feet cool throughout though. At night, you can forget about seeing anything related to a plane. The double-layered windows will reflect the terminal lighting and become a 'mirror' making it almost impossible to see anything outside.

Pros: Large area; Toilets within 50m; Floor-level air-conditioning; Giant mirror at night.

Cons: Indirect view; Sun shields further hamper the already indirect view; Giant mirror at night.

Changi Business Park Central 2

Located here, this open field offers a clear unobstructed view of planes landing into WSSS on a 02L approach. If you have a DSLR with lens, this is your playground. On good days, the setting afternoon sun (4-6pm) 'lights' up the planes as they come in, enhancing their colours. One of the better watch sites among the rest but a tad bit inconvenient if you don't have a car. One more thing, unless you want to do it the army way, remember to clear your bladder/bowels before coming here.

Pros: Large open field with plenty of space to watch; Direct view of planes coming in; 'Free' parking right next to the fields; Nice wind during the windy season.

Cons: No nearby toilets; Inconvenient location - unless you drive, the nearest MRT station is Expo plus a 15 minute walk.

Changi South Street 1

Less than 200m away from the above site, this site is actually at a canal and offers a much closer view of planes landing on a 02L approach but without much of the 'approach'. All you have is about less than 10 seconds to snap the planes as they pass over the unobstructed area over the canal. There are a lot of low-rise industrial buildings around so unless you own those buildings or have some way of getting onto their roofs, it will be a bit difficult to spot them coming in. A good alternative spot for those who can't afford a DSLR and lens yet (like me!).

Pros: Even closer view compared to Changi Business Park Central 2; Good alternative for those with zoom-handicapped cameras; Excellent sound from those engines.

Cons: No nearby toilets; Inconvenient location - unless you drive, the nearest MRT station is Expo plus a 20 minute walk; Small area; Not much view time (~10 seconds); Hard to spot planes due to the surrounding buildings.

Changi Coast Road

This 5km stretch of road lies parallel to Runway 02R/20L. Protected by double fencing plus cameras, this entire stretch is as close as you can get to the runway. You get a nice view of WSSS along with all the landings and take-off's but be warned, this area is monitored and the police will chase you away. Watch here at your own risk.

Pros: Close to the runway; The entire stretch to watch; Plenty to see and hear.

Cons:

Expect visits from the police; Double fencing spoils the view;

No nearby toilets.

South Changi

This site is actually on a breakwater located near the NSRCC Sea Sports Centre. This quiet place offers a spectacular view of 02R approaches, ships harboured at the anchorages, the east coast coastline as well as cloud formations. 02L approaches can also be seen but they are much further away. Bring a hat or some sun protection as well as insect repellent to keep those nasty sand flies away. Be prepared if Runway 02R is underused and you have to settle for mediocre 02L approaches (you can still enjoy the ocean/sky/coastline view!). My personal experience: 5 planes into 02R within 2 hours. Yes, FIVE. Also seems like a good fishing spot.

Pros: Great view of the sky and sea;

Plenty to see; Good fishing spot.

Cons: Inconvenient location - either drive or cycle; Nasty sand flies; Sucks when 02R is underused (if your focus is only on planes).

Changi Beach

In my opinion, this is the site for plane-watching. This site is similar to Changi South Street 1 minus all the buildings. Direct line-of-sight views of 20R and L approaches. Planes coming into 20R will fly right above you! The ultimate visual aural experience. Plus there's Changi Village nearby to fill your stomach up once you're done!

Pros: Awesome sights and sounds; Great wind; Changi Village nearby.

Cons: Like all airports, whether planes land here depends on the wind direction; Nearest toilet is about 200-300m away.

All photos above were taken with a Canon Digital IXUS 860 IS. Maximum zoom (3.8x) was used for most of the landing shots.