A social media star who spent a week living inside an airport says it was “like a holiday”. Maddy Macrae, 32, went viral as she shared her experience staying at Changi Airport in Singapore on TikTok with her 1.9 million followers.
Changi is one of the most famous airports in the world and, earlier this year, was crowned World’s Best Airport 2025 in the Skytrax World Airport Awards — the 13th time it has won the top prize. In a video on TikTok, Maddy described it as the “most insane airport”. The content creator from Sydney, Australia, said her stay was part of a “social experiment”.
Speaking to news.com.au, she said: “I wanted to see what it would be like, to see if I would go crazy, would I go insane but I didn’t, it just felt like a holiday.”
She stayed at the Crowne Plaza hotel located in Terminal 3 of the impressive airport.
Maddy said: “The worst thing about layovers is you’re stuck inside but the hotel has a pool that’s outdoors.
“Having that fresh air available to you is so nice, so is having access to a nice shower and gym.”
One thing Maddy noticed during her week-long stay was how it felt “time doesn’t exist”.
Maddy, who went live every day on TikTok during her week-long stay, said: “The phenomenon around airport limbo exists even when you live there.
“So time is a construct and having a cocktail at 7am whether you’re living there or not is absolutely on the cards.
“I had a cocktail once at 10am – nobody will frown at you for doing that.”
Maddy described the challenge as “fun” and acknowledged she was approached by the hotel to experience everything at the airport in full, per news.com.au.
“There’s so much great cultural food and experiences you can do without leaving the airport,” she said, adding a lot of activities are free.
She also shared how the airport offers free outside tours for passengers with long layovers, saying: “I did do a free tour which took me to the river and Marina Bay,” she said.
“It’s actually available to people who haven’t even cleared immigration. You can be on the airport side and have a long layover and go on this free tour.
“If you’re in the arrival side and haven’t come through you can still do it.”
The Jewel Rain Vortex — the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at 40 metres high — is probably the most famous attraction at Changi Airport.
Other things to do at the airport include a bamboo grove, butterfly garden and hedge maze.
While if you’re looking to burn off some energy after a flight, there is a trampoline park area, climbing wall and more.