Social Media Star Experiences Life at Changi Airport for a Week

A social media influencer has shared her unique experience of living at Changi Airport in Singapore for a week, describing it as “like a holiday.” Maddy Macrae, 32, gained significant attention on TikTok, where she has 1.9 million followers, as she documented her stay at one of the world’s most acclaimed airports. Changi Airport was recently awarded the title of World’s Best Airport 2025 by the Skytrax World Airport Awards, marking the 13th time it has received this prestigious honor.

In a series of videos, Macrae explained that her visit was part of a “social experiment.” She expressed her curiosity about living in an airport setting, questioning whether it would drive her to madness. However, she found the experience enjoyable and said, “I didn’t go crazy; it just felt like a holiday.”

Comfort and Amenities at Changi

During her stay, Macrae resided in the Crowne Plaza hotel, located in Terminal 3 of the airport. She appreciated the amenities that made her time more comfortable, particularly the hotel’s outdoor pool. “The worst thing about layovers is you’re stuck inside, but the hotel has a pool that’s outdoors,” she noted. “Having that fresh air available to you is so nice, as is having access to a nice shower and gym.”

One intriguing aspect of her stay was the perception of time. Macrae remarked that living in an airport felt like a phenomenon where “time doesn’t exist.” She humorously added that indulging in a cocktail at 10 a.m. was perfectly acceptable, stating, “Nobody will frown at you for doing that.”

Macrae engaged with her followers daily on TikTok, sharing highlights and insights from her week. She was approached by the hotel to fully experience the airport, which she described as a treasure trove of cultural food and activities, many of which are free.

Activities and Attractions

Changi Airport offers a wide array of attractions beyond the typical airport experience. Macrae took advantage of the free outdoor tours available for passengers with long layovers, which included a visit to Marina Bay. “I did do a free tour which took me to the river and Marina Bay,” she explained. “It’s available to people who haven’t even cleared immigration, so you can be on the airport side and still enjoy the tour.”

Among the standout features of Changi Airport is the Jewel Rain Vortex, recognized as the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at 40 meters. Other unique attractions include a bamboo grove, butterfly garden, and hedge maze. For those looking to expend energy after a long flight, there are facilities such as a trampoline park and a climbing wall.

Macrae’s experience at Changi Airport highlights the potential for airports to be more than just transit hubs. With its extensive amenities and engaging activities, Changi Airport continues to set a high standard in the aviation industry.