Singapore? I choose you!

The world’s only Pokémon Centre outside of Japan is set to open in Singapore at Jewel Changi Airport next year. As with every Pokémon Centre, you can expect to find seasonal and regional exclusive toys, stationery, trading cards, jewellery and even chopsticks!

This follows a positive response from a Pokémon event held at Changi Airport in 2016. It’s safe to say considering how we absolutely love Pikachu mascot appearances from events like Natsu Matsuri, Pokémon pop-up cafes, Pokémon Run and the surprising enthusiasm of those who still play Pokémon Go!, that we would absolutely love having a Pokémon Centre here in Singapore too.

Longtime connoisseurs and fans would be elated to know they no longer have to travel out of the country—whether to Japan for their Pokémon Centres or even Hong Kong for their Pokémon Hub—just to get their favourite Pokémons now!

Photo Credit: TODAYonline

Apart from the Pokémon Centre, you can also expect many more shops and brands to open alongside them when Jewel Changi Airport opens its doors next years. Other popular names include Shake Shack, A&W, Pink Fish, Nike, Naiise and more. Jewel Changi Airport will also feature Singapore’s largest indoor garden; known as “Forest Valley”, as well as a 40-metre tall indoor waterfall.

Excited? So are we! While we still await more news regarding the Pokémon Centre’s eventual opening date, we know for sure we definitely won’t be disappointed.

Slated to open officially in the public departure gallery of Changi Airport Terminal 3 on 22 September 2017, Premium Japan Farmers Market is a destination for top quality vegetables, fruits, meat products, processed food products, and sake exclusively imported from Japan! 

You will also get to experience an unparalleled bento experience presented by Japanese chefs of GOZEN, where you can look forward to creating your very own ready-to-eat bento box from a mouthwatering array of premium options, flown directly from Japan to ensure freshness and quality.

Photo Credit: Pjfm.com.sg/

Some notable products you can look forward to is the plump and irresistibly sweet Kyoho grapes and Shine Muscat grapes; as well as top-notch Wagyu beef cuts such as Zennoh Wagyu, Hokkaido Snow Beef, Saga Gyu and Tochigi Wagyu.

Photo Credit: Pjfm.com.sg/

Also tucked within the store is a brilliant bento box counter by GOZEN, where you will get to enjoy customisable and ready-to-eat bento boxes from a vast selection of fresh ingredients. Choices range from Wagyu and Kurobuta for the meat lovers to seafood offerings such as scallops and snow crab.

We are just puzzled by why Premium Japan Farmers Market chose to open at Changi Airport. After all, not everyone goes to the extreme East “for fun” and will casually step into the supermarket for some groceries shopping. Would you, though?

Premium Japan Farmers Market
Changi Airport Terminal 3, public departure gallery
65 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819663
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

Chasing planes is always a thrill that adds on to the entire travel experience, and this was what we used to enjoy, until we got spoilt by Changi Airport and decided we all need a travel ritual to kickstart a true blue holiday.

No two airports are identical, and for that, Changi Airport is outstanding and amongst the best in the world. A holiday actually begins at Changi Airport, because our award-winning international airport has an enthralling list of offerings that makes it all worthwhile to check-in early so as to enjoy the facilities and amenities to its best.

Need to fill your tummy? The F&B options cater to different taste buds and time allowances. Whether you are rushing for a flight and need a quick take-out, or looking for a cosy diner to enjoy a meal with family and friends who are sending you off, there are plenty of options in both the public and transit areas.

And if you need to pick up duty-free items, the shopping is so irresistible that we strongly advise putting aside more time for some retail therapy. From perfumes and cosmetics, to books and electronics, you can find everything you need at Changi Airport.

Here is a guide to Changi Airport, featuring some of our favourite dining options, places to go, and things to see at the World’s best airport.

For a start, checking-in is a breeze because there are ample rows and counters that clearly segregate the airlines and flights, and there will always be staff patrolling and doing crowd control. We have been to many airports – both domestic and international – and we say it with utmost certainty that Changi Airport has the most seamless experience in this aspect.

Photo credit: Changi Airport

Things to see and do at Changi Airport

Catch a free show at the movie theatre, or watch the latest soccer match on large screen at the Xperience Zone. For the kids, there are several playgrounds located at all three terminals.

Or how does a spa indulgence sound? Head to Wellness Spa for some self-pampering! For the brave-hearted, try the fish spa where you have your feet submerged in a pool of tiny fishes, and they will rid the dead skin off your feet.

To relax your mind, take a stroll at one of the five gardens – Butterfly Garden (T3), Enchanted Garden (T2), Cactus Garden (T1), Orchid Garden (T2), and Sunflower Garden (T2) – in Changi Airport.

There are so many things to see and do at Changi Airport that it is impossible to share everything in this post. Next month, we have lined up a special guide on the 12 Things to do at Changi Airport, where we will share some of the things that you never knew about our beautiful airport.

Shopping at Changi Airport

Changi Airport is truly a shopping heaven. Melody always goes crazy at the perfume and cosmetic shops because there are so many brands to choose from, and enticing promotions that no one can resist. The guys have it good too. The latest gadgets can be found at the electronic stores. If not, head to the bookstore and pick up a good read for your flight.

When you shop at Changi Airport, you will get to enjoy 7% GST savings, which can be a substantial saving especially for big-ticket items. The 7% GST savings also applies to all shops in the public area. And the best part is there is a 30-day Money Back Guarantee. For those who are not satisfied with their purchases, they can return the product within 30 days for a full refund or exchange.

Dining at Changi Airport

Melody and I go to Changi Airport so often that it feels like our second home. When our family is sending or picking us, some of the places we dine at include O’Coffee Club, Swensen’s, Itacho Sushi, Saboten, and Ramen Champion.

Swensen’s and O’Coffee Club at Changi Airport open for 24 hours daily, making them the ideal spots to grab a bite when we touch down in Singapore late at night. Both of us are big fan of Japanese food, so it is no surprise that Itacho Sushi is our favourite haunt as it serves good quality sushi at reasonable prices.

Another Japanese diner that we really like is Saboten, which has consistently good tonkatsu and is great for a quick meal before boarding the plane. For ramen lovers, a stop to Ramen Champion will have you spoilt with different renditions from 4 carefully selected chefs from Japan, who each dishes up their specialties in the individual booths.

The transit area has even more options. Peach Garden Noodle House, Cedele, Bakerzin, Killiney Kopitiam, Tai Hing Roast Restaurant, The Green Market, just to name a few.

In March, we will be sharing a more comprehensive guide on where to eat in Changi Airport.

The World Airport Survey is conducting polls for the World’s Best Airport Award. You can vote for your favourite airport via this link – let’s do our part for our beloved airport!

Changi Airport is often the talk of the town (or the world), and it is with great pride that as a Singaporean and as the first social media ambassador of Changi Airport, I share with you the best of our award-winning international airport. With infinite possibilities, a myriad of shopping and dining options and endless entertainment, your holiday starts at Changi Airport.

For more information, go to www.changiairport.com. Follow Fans of Changi on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest updates.

This post is brought to you by Singapore Changi Airport.