Redefining Transit at Changi Airport

Changi Airport is the happiest place on earth. At least for us who often had to spend hours waiting for boarding (and yes, waiting has never been a fun thing). But this international airport, well-known for its facilities on both transit and departure/arrival area makes transit more than just fun, it’s educational! So, when our recent flight to Jakarta got delayed for over than 2 hours, we’re more than glad to be patient.

There’s something for everyone at Changi Airport Singapore. Be it dining, shopping, movie, playground, even a walk-in a-park kind of thing. Most of them are free (except dining and shopping) so leave your worry behind. If you have extra hours in Singapore, checked your luggage in and have fun. Much better than dragging your suitcase around town. Once you’re in the transit area (the ones after immigration), scan your boarding pass and see how much time you have left before boarding and plan ahead.
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Here are the list of our favorite things to do at Changi Airport.

Food Fighters Melawai

We stopped by a place called Food Fighters today. Located at Blok M Square complex, this supposedly Pasar Santa extension offers interesting (Western) food selections. Of course, it still comes with an unique marketplace, open food court concept.

No AC, but they do put big blowers everywhere, so it wasn’t as hot as the outside world. Parkings are okay too, but you better come from the right door, otherwise you have to do a little walking to reach this area. And you wouldn’t want to do that in the middle of the day. Oh, speaking about parking, this place is at Blok M Square side, so don’t enter from the Blok M Mall gate (which connects to the bus station) cos you won’t be able to drive across and ended up had to drive out and pay an hour worth of parking.

Jungle Fever Bazaar PIK

If I have to mention one thing that’s currently trending in Jakarta, it’s bazaar. 

Don’t think about the big Jakarta Fair or something like the ones held at Balai Kartini (JakToys Fair or Mother & Baby Fair perhaps?). Think of them on a smaller scale held at a limited space inside or by a prestigious shopping mall. But this time, the one we’re attending, Jungle Fever, is a bazaar organized by All Access Jakarta which was held at Marketing Gallery Pantai Indah Kapuk.

AEON Mall BSD City

While Jakarta is already too packed with shopping malls, its suburban, Serpong, is still growing. A new mall called AEON is attracting everyone’s attention with the light-up Sakura Garden and low-priced sushi.

The mall is family friendly. From it’s elevator, stroller rental, family and kids toilet to the different playgrounds and seating areas available throughout the mall. Arriving at the mall before noon, we got a parking by the department store door. The closest ones are reserved for priority parking. Entering the double doors, which remind me of malls abroad, the AEON department store gives a different ambiance compared to those of Indonesia. AEON is a Japanese brand (I’m most familiar with their credit services), and it’s currently developing services in lifestyle area. AEON Mall BSD City is the first AEON in Indonesia.

Gummybox Endless Creativity Inside

What if a box full of creative surprises arrived to your doorstep, just in time to safe your children’s holiday (and your sanity during their out-of-school days)?

Gummybox is a briliant concept. All you have to do is subscribe on www.gummybox.com and those boxes filled with thematic art-and-craft activities are sent to your door every month. The different themes like Starry Night, Medieval, Underwater, Construction, Postal Services, Monster Mania and many more, is a surprise for each children. Each box consists of three different activities and one workbook. I’d say it’s shareable with siblings and cousins.

Jakarta Food Bazaar Adventure

Bazaar is trending in Jakarta. Mainly dominated by food and fashion, these collection of pop-up markets are taking over the shopping centers. So, on one occasion, I took Dudu to a Mom and Kids Market called Shophoria at Grand Indonesia and going through the food tenants. And this is what we have to say about the unusual yet delicious bazaar food.

What makes bazaar popular is the unique concept offered by the food tenants. Each booth is competing to be the most singular store that everyone would talk about whole year long. Often started with online (mostly instagram) store, these food and beverages concept go offline on the weekend when there are chances to meet their customers personally.

Traffique Coffee

An unnamed building at Hang Tuah street, a stone throw away from Senayan area is Traffique. A coffee shop slash working space slash hangout spot. My first visit here was with an event. Then I came here with Dudu and his homework.

The decoration is nice and homey, we liked it right when we opened the door. Parking is a little problem though, but if you come on Sunday afternoon after lunchtime, then there would be spots open. They have wide variety of cakes, desserts and drinks. The gelato was attractive but we just arrived from a huge lunch so there was no more space.

On our menu:

• Americano
• Butter Croissant
• Banana Bread

We got a spot on the corner by the listening bar. It was quiet and when the rain falls, we can see it through the glass window. There’s a small garden (really small) but was nice if you’re sitting by the patio. The coffee was great and the banana bread was heavenly. Andrew finished his Butter Croissant in no time. Needless to say, as a working space, the wi-fi was smooth.

Curiosity sparked and Andrew got the people behind the counter explained to him about the tall brewing machine. In the afternoon, as we’re about to leave, he got to watch the machine got filled up even though it would take a long time until the coffee comes out at the bottom jar. After finishing his homework, Andrew got to try different earphones, watching movies on gadget while I’m working on my laptop.

Andrew says: “I like the place, it was perfect for doing homework. The croissant is quite good too. I like the coffee machine, it was interesting, but the uncle on the counter said it would take at least a day to finish brewing. I was sad I couldn't see the end result.”

Traffique
Jalan Hang Tuah Raya No. 9, Jakarta Selatan 12120
0878 8984 8004
http://trafiquecoffee.com/