The Indulgence of Airport : Part 1

Airport could be said as the entrance of the country. In certain way, airport is really related to the identity of the country. Nowadays, airport is not only limited to the terminal building that handling the mobility of air traveler, but also it provides much more sophisticated facilities such as: shopping center, hotel, garden, and so on. People may have their first impression about the country they visit since they arrived in the airport of the country. Through the airport, traveler might have assumption about the country they visit, because airport usually represent the culture, customs, and identity of a country. Hereby, I would share my experience about several airport that I ever experienced during my travel overseas. 

1. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Jakarta, Indonesia)

Terminal 1 : Airport Entrance

Terminal 3: Airasia Flights

  

Soekarno - Hatta International or commonly called as 'Soetta' is the airport of capital city of Indonesia. 'Soetta' airport is commonly known as the biggest and busiest airport in Indonesia. In 2007, this airport was considered as the top 10 busiest airport in the world. The name of this airport is derived from the first president and vice president of Indonesia, Soekarno and Moh. Hatta. 

Basically, this airport serves about 32 domestic routes and 52 international routes. There are three main terminals which are used in handling the mobility of the passenger. Terminal 1 is focused for domestic flights. Terminal 2, which has the newest terminal design and interior,  is serving International flights and Garuda Indonesia Flights. Recently, terminal 3 is used by Airasia Flight as home-base. Terminal 3 of 'Soetta' is one of the eco-green airport in Indonesia. The concept of Terminal 3 is influenced much by modern airport like HKIA (Hongkong) and Shuvarnabhumi airport (Thailand). 

'Soetta' airport adopts the concept of 'green' airport. In developing the grand design of the airport, the government consider to build several around the airport, such as: golf field, natural garden, and 'green' park. Nowadays, for the accommodation from/to the airport is serving by shuttle bus which is integrated to the main area of Jakarta CBD and several district areas. In 2014, the government of Indonesia will finish the project of city line airport and commuter line that make ease the passenger mobility from and to the airport.

Terminal 2: International Flights, Shopping Arcade

2. KLIA (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

KLIA Check-in Counter

 Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is the airport which serves international and domestic flights from and to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). This airport is located in Sepang, 50km from Kuala Lumpur. In 2008, this airport awarded as the 5th best airport in Asia. KLIA is separated into two main buildings. the first is main terminal of KLIA and the second is Satellite terminal which located separately with the main terminal. This airport basically adopt the concept of Islamic airport like in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). 

KLIA Express Counter

In handling the mobility of the passenger from and to the airport, the management of the airport provides the passenger ERL line called 'KLIA express'. This train is fast train that could deliver passenger from airport to the city only in a short period, 20 minutes. The train of KLIA express will depart from the main terminal of KLIA directly to KL Sentral, Kuala Lumpur. Besides, KLIA express also provides 'Check-in' service on board. consequently, passenger could 'Check-in' from KLIA express counter instead of in the airport.

Satellite Terminal

In handling inter-terminal mobility, KLIA provides skytrain that serving the mobility of the passenger from main terminal to the satellite terminal, and vice versa. This train will deliver the passenger who will depart in the satellite terminal. satellite building accommodates international flights departing and arriving at KLIA. Passengers have to travel to the satellite building via the Aerotrain. There is a wide array of duty free shops and prestige brand boutiques in the satellite building. This includes international brands such as Burberry, Harrods, Montblanc, Salvatore Ferragamo and recently, Mango has opened its first boutique at an airport in the Asian region.

Skytrain in Satellite Terminal

3. Changi International Airport (Singapore, Singapore) 

Approaching to Changi, Singapore.

Changi International Airport is the main airport in Singapore. A major aviation hub in Southeast Asia. In the development of Changi, it currently has 3 main terminals. However, nowadays, terminal 4 (was budget terminal) is under construction. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are directly connected via a monorail people mover system, with airside passengers being able to freely move between the terminals without going through immigration. Transport within and between these three terminals is also provided by people movers and the skytrain system, although it is also possible to walk between the terminals on foot for landside visitors.

T2: Public Area

Changi airport has been awarded as the best airport in the world for several times. In 2011 and 2012 Changi was awarded as the best airport in the world by 'Skytrax'. However, in the 2013, Changi is positioned as the 2nd best airport in the world after Incheon International Airport (South Korea). 

Changi provides several best facilities beyond our imagination. Hotel transit, shopping mall and arcades, cinema, fast internet access, even swimming pool in Terminal 1. 

T1: After Immigration Departure Area

T2: Boarding Lounge

Terminal 1: Changi Airport, was known as the airport's oldest terminal operated as the sole terminal from its opening on 1981 right up until the opening of Terminal 2 nine years later. Configured in a H-shaped layout to maximise the number of aerobridges which may be built, it underwent two major upgrading works over its lifespan. This terminal is located in the center of the airport. It means T1 of Changi is located in between T2 and T3. Terminal 1 provides some unique attractions in airport. One of the famous attraction is "Rain Drop" which could be seen in the public departure area before entering immigration.

Terminal 2: Chamgi Airport, opened in 1990 as part of Phase II in the original airport master-plan. Deploying a linear configuration parallel to the runways, it is located adjacent to Terminal 1 towards the south, and heralded the opening of the original skytrain system linking the two terminals via the land side. This terminal serves all Singapore Airlines and Silk Air along with several Southeast Asian carriers. In this terminal, passenger might take a rest in the transit hotel that provides by the management. Besides, terminal 2 is my favorite terminal in Changi. It provides game center, such as: PS 3, X-Box, and Online games inside the terminal. Consequently, passenger who takes transit for several hours could get some refreshments and enjoyable experience during transit in Singapore Changi Airport. Moreover, passenger who has more than 5 hours transit in Singapore could take city tour for free.

Changi: MRT Station

Terminal 3: the newest terminal of Changi, departs from the largely utilitarian architecture in the first two terminals. Like other new airports in the region, it has a structure mainly made of glass, with big transparent spaces inside the terminal. However, unlike these newer airports, it incorporates "natural" features and "warm" tone extensively to balance the sterile feel of glass and steel. For example, the column is given a wood-like cladding and the floor of the terminal is mostly cream/ beige color. In this terminal, passenger will experienced about the garden in airport. There are several gardens that could be found in this terminal, such as: rainforest garden, butterfly garden, and so on.

T2: MRT Station to City

 In handling the movement of the passenger from and to the airport, Changi has provided  the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network, with Changi Airport MRT station located in the underground between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 and directly accessible from both terminals. MRT could be accessed from Changi that might continue to the all of area in Singapore. 

4. Incheon International Airport (Seoul, South Korea)

Incheon from Onboard: Home-base of Korean Air

Incheon International Airport is the largest airport in South Korea, the primary airport serving the Seoul National Capital Area, and one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. For seven years in a row (2005–2012), it was rated the best airport worldwide by Airports Council International. The airport has a golf course, spa, private sleeping rooms, ice skating rink, a casino, indoor gardens and a Museum of Korean Culture. In 2013, Seoul Incheon International Airport is awarded as the best airport in the world. This airport also known as the home-base of KOE (Korean Air) which rated as 5 stars airlines by Skytrax. 

Incheon: Shopping Arcade

It is connected to the mainland by Incheon International Airport Expressway. The expressway also connects Gimpo International Airport to provide connections between domestic flight service with international air traffic, an advantage that makes it much easier to travel from southern Korean regions to Incheon, and then to airports all over the globe. The airport is served by frequent bus service from all parts of South Korea as well as by traditional ferry service between Yeongjong pier and Incheon. Airport limousines operate around the clock from Seoul to Incheon, and several backup highway buses escort people from places within and outside Seoul. The Incheon International Airport Railroad connects Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station in downtown Seoul. Non-Stop Express trains 43 minutes, and regular trains which stops at all stations takes 53 minutes to Seoul Station.

In providing mass facilities to the passengers, Incheon International Airport has provided the most luxurious shopping center in airport. As like its rival, Changi Airport, Incheon also provides several premium brands store and unlimited free facilities such as: spa, internet, game center, museum, and cultural attractions.  There will be some local dance and food festival that might introduce the Korean cultures to the visitors.

Incheon: Departure Area