Changi Airport's SG50 trail offers visual treat

Changi Airport has flouted its own ban on durians - by placing a 6m-high "king of fruits" right in the middle of Terminal 2.

Of course, the "durian topiary" is not the real thing but a giant-sized replica filled with flowers. It is one of 50 attractions forming an SG50 trail that was launched yesterday.

Among the sights, spread across all three terminals and on display till end-September, are a 4m-tall model of Vanda Miss Joaquim - the national flower, a floral Singa - the Courtesy Lion and model displays of food such as a 2m-tall chilli crab.

Changi Airport Group SG50 Committee chairman Jayson Goh said: "We wanted to create a homely feeling for Singaporeans and tourists, and food is an important part of Singapore culture. Durians are something which is not allowed in airports, but is a food which Singaporeans love. We wanted something that could wow people."

The attractions were erected over the last month and feature local icons, dishes and landmarks.

Other displays include an explanation about the behind-the- scenes work at the airport, and an exhibition area showcasing Singa-pore's aviation history. One exhibit depicts the old Race Course (now Farrer Park), Singapore's first landing ground. It was a hit with Ms Karen Teo, 38, a winner of My Changi Story contest - in which entrants sent in photos and stories of their experiences at the airport. She said: "It was like a history lesson."

The Changi Airport masterplan is on public display for the first time, giving a glimpse of what the place will look like by the mid-2020s.

This article was first published on July 17, 2015.
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