Stuck on a Hong Kong layover? The Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is located roughly 25 miles from downtown Hong Kong which makes the city accessible only for those on long layovers. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your Hong Kong layover, click here for useful tips.

If you don’t have enough time to leave the airport during your Hong Kong layover, fortunately you are in the airport that was currently ranked #1 in the world’s top airports. In the Hong Kong airport, in addition to many choices of restaurants and shops, you can get a foot reflexology massage, see the 4D Extreme Screen in Terminal 2 with the largest 4D screen in Asia, and visit the Aviation Discovery Centre in Terminal 2 which includes a Cockpit Simulator, a full-motion plane-cabin ride simulator and much more.

For Gwyneth Paltrow’s Hong Kong Picks, Click Here!

In addition, you can check out Asia Hollywood in Terminal 2, Level 6 where you can experience this interactive themed entertainment centre that educates about the local film industry. You can also play I-Sports in Terminal 2, Level 6 where you’ll find sports simulators such as soccer, basketball, golf, boxing, skiing, car racing, and shooting.

If you arrive at night or are looking for a place to rest, The Regal Airport Hotel is connected to Terminal 1. There are also a number of hotels in the area for varying price points. For a comprehensive list of Hong Kong hotels, click here.

The World’s Tallest Hotel Opens In Hong Kong

If you have a long layover in Hong Kong and plan on leaving the airport, in addition to taxis, the easiest and more affordable way to get from the airport into town is to take the Airport Express. The trains are on time, clean and efficient. The Airport Express links HKIA directly to Hong Kong’s central business district and from there, buses connect the airport with most of the city. Trains depart at 12-minute intervals. For schedule of the Airport Express, please click here.

LayoverGuide.com’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On A Hong Kong Layover:

Victoria’s Peak
Take the Airport Express to HK station and take the mini bus (from the bus terminus below IFC/HK station), and then take the Peak Tram to The Peak. This high point gives you a great lookout onto Hong Kong and the harbor. It’s the perfect place to snap some great shots and get a good look at the city.

Star Ferry
From Central, take the ferry to TST, Kowloon and check out another great view of Hong Kong. You can walk along Nathan Road for shopping and food.

Business District and Mid-Levels Escalator
To central business district of Hong Kong has the fancy buildings and shopping malls, and gives you a feeling for the city. Take the Hong Kong stop of the Airport Express. You’ll be at a large mall and office building, called ‘IFC’. You can take the ‘Mid-Levels Escalator’ which is the longest covered outdoor escalator in the world. It starts from the western end of IFC and it is an outdoor escalator that will take you through the middle of the city, restaurant/bar area and then up towards the more residential areas.

Tian Tan – The Big Buddha
Although on the same island as the airport, unless you take a taxi which can be pricey, you need to take public transportation there, which can take some time and is only recommended for those on very long layovers. You can reach the Buddha by traveling to Tung Chung station via the MTR. You can find an MTR map here. Visitors can then take the following bus routes: Mui Wo to Ngong Ping (NLB No. 2) and Tung Chung to Ngong Ping (NLB No. 23)

Have a suggestion for a Hong Kong layover? Leave a comment below!

If you’re stuck on a Shanghai layover at Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport, you can find plenty to do to bide your time. Shanghai is China’s largest city, situated on the banks of the Yangtze River. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your layover, click here for useful tips.

If you’re stuck in the airport during your Shanghai layover, there are dozens of restaurants and plenty of shopping including duty free shops between gates 15 and 20 for international travelers. There are also medical clinics, banks, and airline lounges throughout the airport.

For those on an overnight Shanghai layover, or looking to rest between flights, there is a three-star hourly hotel on the transfer level of the main terminal. You can reserve a room in advance by calling 021-68346480 (domestically) and 021-68346490 (Internationally). For a list of Shanghai hotels at varying price points, click here.

Stuck on a layover at Pakistan’s Jinnah International Airport (KHI)? The airport is located roughly 15 kilometers from downtown Karachi which makes the city an accessible destination for those stuck on long Pakistan layovers. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your Karachi layover, click here for useful tips. For Visa and passport information click here.

If you’re stuck inside the Jinnah Airport during your Pakistan layover, there’s plenty to do. The airport has plenty of stores in the Shopping Arcade, a number of restaurants, banking services and ATMs, and baggage storage for up to 24 hours in case of emergency or transit visits.

The Jinnah Airport also hosts the CIP Lounge for first class and business passengers. Other passengers can gain entry to the lounge for 6 dollars per person for international flights, and Rs. 200 per person for domestic flights. The lounge offers TV, telephone, fax and Internet.

If you arrive at night or are looking for a place to rest there are many hotels nearby in Karachi. To view a comprehensive list of Karachi’s hotels of varying price points, click here.

If you’re planning on leaving the Karachi airport during your Pakistan layover, there are taxis available at the Arrivals Lounge, as well as railway tickets, and rental cars.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions Of Things To Do In Karachi:

Mahata Palace

Karachi’s Mahata Palace is one of the city’s most distinguished monuments, which was first build as a resort and is now a museum. The palace is home to a number of exhibits – to see what is available during your visit, click here.

Safari Park

Located on Main University Road, the Safari Park has a chairlift which provides great views of the city and lake. In addition, the park provides various animal and bird life. In addition, separately is the Karachi Zoo.

Empress Market

The Empress Market is named in honor of the Queen of England, who during the the time that the building was constructed was the Empress of India. The bustling market has all sorts of goods and services.

Bagh Ibne-Qasim Park

The Bagh Ibne-Qasim Park is one of Karachi’s biggest attractions with over 130 acres with a turtle pond, food stands, fountains, murals, rose saplings, and more. It’s a great place to stetch your legs after a long flight.

Bhambore

Bhambore is the ruins of an ancient port city near Karachi and is only recommended for those with very long layovers. About 64 km east of Karachi, this is the site where the young Arab warrior Mohammad Bin Qasim landed his armies in 711 AD.

None of these interest you? For a ton of other things to do on your Karachi Layover, click here!

Stuck on a Singapore layover at the Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN)? Singapore is a common layover for people en route to a variety of places in Asia and the South Pacific and is located roughly 11 miles from downtown Singapore which makes it an accessible destination for those stuck on long layovers. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your Singapore Changi layover, click here for useful tips.

The Changi airport in Singapore was ranked the second on the Top Ten Airports To Get Stuck In, and there’s a lot of wonderful things to do. The airport has a great deal of duty free and regular shopping including Shopping City, a large mall in the airport. You can browse the shop by terminal here.  There are also a number of places to grab a quick bite on the go or sit down for a formal dining experience. Check the restaurants and eateries by terminal here.

If you are looking for some rest and relaxation in the Changi Singapore Airport during your layover, there are a number ofhair and beauty services, live acoustic music performances at the Music Bar, nature trails and gardens (including a cactus garden and an orchid garden), napping areas and the Rainforest Lounge, showers, fitness and spa services, and aswimming pool.

The airport hosts a number of passenger services including baby care rooms, convenience stores, hotel reservation counters, baggage services, banking, medical services, post office, prayer room and more. Here is the full list of Changi services (click into each for more information). The airport also has many free and paid options Internet services available, as well as Business Centers in Terminal 1, 2, and 3.
The airport offers free Singapore sight-seeing tours. If you have at least five hours to spare before your connecting flight, you can register for a free 2-hour sightseeing tour of Singapore.

If you arrive at night or are looking for a place to rest, the Changi airport has Transit Hotels (where you do not have to clear immigration to get to) in Terminals 1, 2, and 3. If you’re looking for hotels nearby in change, click here for a full list of hotels of varying price points.

If you’re looking to ditch your bags while you explore Singapore during your Changi layover, the airport has a Left Luggage counters in Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Click here for more info on pricing.

To travel into the city center, you can purchase a MRT train and transit passes from the airport terminal. It takes roughly 30 minutes by train to get into the city. Additional options include taxis, airport shuttle, bus, limo or car rental.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On A Singapore Layover:

River Tour

A 30-minute “bumboat” Singapore River Cruise takes you down the Singapore river with guided commentaries on the skyline and architecture. It’s a great way to get a quick feel for the city as you drift down the river, learning about the history of Singapore. Check the site for schedules.

Singapore Zoo Night Safari

At Singapore’s one-of-a-kind zoo and national wildlife park, you can take part is the Night/Morning Safari and see over 100 exotic rare and endangered species. You can watch over a thousand animals during the night, or morning, depending on the tour you book (which you should do in advance online).

Singapore’s Botanical Gardens

Singapore’s Botanical Gardens are the world’s largest botanical gardens, with over 600,000 plant specimens. The gardens exhibits the plants in their natural settings – including lawns and
orchids, as well as jungles.

Foot Massage

With over 200 foot and reflexology centers on the island, foot massages is a staple activity in Singapore. The practice massages the nerve endings, or reflex zones, of the foot to help regulate internal organs. You won’t stray far without coming across a place to relax your feet.

Night Shopping

Mustafa is a 24-hour six story shopping center that holds everything from diamonds to cars. The center promises some amazing deals, so if your layover is overnight and you’ve got the shopping bug, this is your place.

Have a suggestion for a Singapore layover? Leave a comment below!

Stuck on an Indonesia layover at the Juanda International Airport (SUB) near Surabaya, East Java? The airport is second largest to Indonesia, next to Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The Juanda airport is located roughly 7 miles (approximately 30 minutes) from Surabaya which makes the city an accessible destination for those stuck on long layovers. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your Surabaya layover, click here for useful tips.

For the Layover Guide To Jakarta, CLICK HERE

If you’re stuck inside the Juanda airport during your Surabaya Indonesia layover, there’s plenty to do. The airport has financial facilities including banking, currency exchange and ATMs. There’s also places to buy snacks, public telephones, a post office, medical facilities and a tourist office. The airport has a mosque on the ground floor plaza and terminals, and mother care in both domestic and international terminals.

If you arrive at night or are looking for a place to rest, there are a number of hotels near the airport in Surabaya. For a comprehensive list of hotels in Surabaya, click here.

If you’re planning on leaving the airport and traveling into Surabaya during your layover, there are taxis available at the airport, bus service and rental cars. Click here for more transportation information.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions For Things To Do On A Surabaya Indonesia Layover:

The Old City, Surabaya

With period architecture, busy markets and historic temples, Old City Surabaya in East Java is a great stop for a layover. The area’s main attraction is the House of Sampoerna, a Dutch complex that serves as a museum and café.

Ijen Crater

The Ijen Crater is located on Mount Bromo, one of Indonesia’s active volcanoes. There are a bunch of two-day tours from Surabaya to Ijen. The sights of Ijen Crater are pretty spectacular and if you have the time, it is a recommended trip.

Kayumanis Spa

Looking for some rest and relaxation on your Surabaya layover? Check out the Kayumanis Spa where you can get an assortment of treatments including massages, facials, and foot reflexology.

G-Walk

If you arrive on your Surabaya layover at night or are looking for an evening activity, check out the G-Walk night bazaar at Citraland on the western side of town for shops, stalls and souvenirs.

Have a suggestion for a layover in Surabaya, East Java in Indonesia? Leave a comment below!

Stuck on an Indonesia layover at Bali-Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali? The airport is located in Tuban on the island of Bali, only a couple of miles from the resort area of Kuta, which makes the region a great stop for long layovers. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your Bali layover, click here for useful tips.

If you’re stuck inside the Bali airport during your layover, there’s plenty to do. The airport offers a number of shops and restaurants, as well as services including banking, ATMs and currency exchange, spa and massage services at the CV. Putra Jaya Abadi in the International Terminal 1 and the Pt. Nu Prasada in the International Terminal 2. There is also VIP services, a drug store, post office and prayer rooms.

The airport also hosts a number of lounges. Click on the terminal to find corresponding lounges in Domestic Terminal 1, Domestic Terminal 2, International Terminal 1, and International Terminal 2.

If you arrive at night or are looking for a place to rest during your Bali layover, there are a number of hotels near the airport. For a full list of Bali hotels of varying price points, click here.

If you’re planning on leaving the airport and traveling into Bali during your stopover, pre-paid taxis are available outside of arrivals. You can also take a shared taxi (bernos), and buses run regularly from the airport to Tegal.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions of Things To Do On A Bali Layover:

Bali Tours

There’s a ton of tours in Bali which is a great way to use a short period of time to do exactly what you enjoy. There’s dozens of tours and activities to choose from including cooking classes, bike tours, water sports, surf school, and tons more.

Bali Kintamani Volcano

With magnificent views of Batur Lake, Bali Kintamani Volcano is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bali. The volcano is active and visitors come up and have lunch at the volcano, enjoying the surrounding views.

Bali Safari and Marine Park

The Bali Safari and Marine Park is home to over 50 species including the Sumatran elephant, white tiger and komodo dragon. For rates and packages, click here.

Bali Pura Luhur Batukaru Temple

The Bali Pura Luhur Batukaru Temple (known as the Garden Temple) is located out of Tabanan along the volcanic slopes and was originally built to protect Bali from evil spirits from the west.

Karma Spa

Tired from your flights, and need a little rest and relaxation? The Karma Spas in Bali are a great way to relax with an assortment of services including yoga, massage, facials and more.

None of these interest you for your Bali layover? For a list of other activities, click here!

Have a suggestion for a Bali layover? Leave a comment below!

Stuck on a China layover at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) in the Guangzhou? The airport is a main hub of China Southern Airlines and is located roughly 18 miles from downtown Guangzhou, which makes the city an accessible destination for those on long layovers. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your China layover, click here for useful tips.

As of 2007, passengers who are in Guangzhou for less than 24 hours, do not need a visa as long as they have a booked seat on a connecting flight. For additional visa inquiries, you can check the widget on the right side of the site to check visa requirements.

The airport offers free Internet access as long as you have a laptop and a Wireless LAN card.

If you’re stuck in the airport during your Guangzhou layover, the airport has many facilities and services including business centers in both the A and B Departure areas. In addition, there is shopping and restaurants (Food Street is located by Gates 17 and 18 in the Departure Hall), a medical service, a post office, as well as banking facilities and currency exchange. There are also childcare rooms in the departure areas on the third floor.

If you’re looking to drop off your bags while you explore during your China layover, there are Left Luggage facilities open from 6:00am to 10:00pm.

If you arrive at night or are looking for a place to rest, the Pullman Baiyun Airport Guangzhou is located inside the airport and offers restaurants, bars, tennis courts, a fitness center and spa, and more. In addition if you are looking for a comprehensive list of hotels nearby in Guangzhou of varying price points, click here.

There are many transportation options from the airport into Guangzhou. If you don’t speak Chinese, taxis are recommended and it suggested that you have someone write the destination on a piece of paper to prevent mix-ups. Taxis charge CNY7 for the first 2.3 kilometers (1.4 miles), and CNY2.6 for additional kilometers. Additional transportation options include subway, bus, train, water bus, shuttles and even ship. For additional transportation information, click here.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On A Guangzhou, China Layover:

Xiangjiang Safari Park

The Guangzhou Xiangjiang Safari Park is the largest animal park in Asia with more 400 species of wild animals including more than 70 white tigers (1/3 the population of these animals).

Shamian Island

For a nice afternoon stopping in shops, eating, colonial architecture and people watching, head out to Shamian Island.

Bright Filial Piety Temple

The Bright Filial Piety Temple is considered to be one of China’s grandest temples, dating back over 17000 years. In addition to the Temple, make sure to check out the grounds where you’ll find additional stunning buildings and relics.

White Cloud Mountain

About 10 miles from Ghangzhou you’ll find the beautiful natural setting of White Cloud Mountain. At about 382 meters high, White Cloud Mountain is 10 square miles of over 30 peaks. It’s a great place to get some air, do some hiking, and check out some gardens and natural scenery.

Liurong Temple

The Liurong Temple or Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is a well known Buddhist site in Guangzhou. Check out the three large Buddha statues at the pagoda.

Have a suggestion for a Guangzhou, China layover? Leave a comment below!

Stuck on an Uzbekistan layover at Tashkent International Airport (TAS)? The airport is the largest in Central Asia and the hub of Uzbekistan Airways. It’s located roughly 8 miles from Tashkent city center, which makes the city an accessible destination to those stuck on long layovers.

Please note: All travelers, even those simply on a layover for less than 72 hours, must obtain an Uzbek visa before traveling to Uzbekistan. If you plan an overnight stay or have a long layover, you will need a visa to exit the transit lounge of the airport. For more information on obtaining a Uzbekistan visa,  including times, countries and rates, click here.

In addition to obtaining a visa, if you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your Uzbekistan layover, click here for useful tips.

If you’re stuck in the airport during your Uzbekistan layover, you can find a number of services within the airport including banks, ATMs and currency exchange, left luggage in case you’d like to drop off your bags while you explore, shopping, restaurants, bars, and airline lounges. There is also a CIP Hall for passengers of all airlines on the left wing  of the first floor, and right wing of second floor in the International terminal.

If you arrive at night or are looking for a place to rest, there are a number of hotels near the airport, and in Tashkent. For a comprehensive list of nearby hotels of varying price points, click here.

If you’re planning on leaving the airport during your Uzbekistan layover, taxis are located outside of arrivals. Travelers are advised that if you don’t speak Russian, to have your address written down and handed to the driver. Some taxis are a fixed rate – if not, select a price before getting inside the taxi. Express buses also travel from the airport to the metro station roughly every 10 minutes.

For layover packages available in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, click here.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions Of Things To Do In Tashkent, Uzbekistan:

TV Tower

The Tashkent TV Tower is 220 meters high and has an observation deck that looks out over the city. There are restaurants and a platform that revolves around the tower.

Kukeldash Madrassah

Built in 1570, the Kukeldash Madrassah is located in the historic, religios section of Tashkent. Originally used a fortress, it is now a place where students live and train.

Navoi Opera Theater

The Navoi Opera Theater is the largest theater in Central Asia where you’ll find international and Uzbek musical culture including operas, ballet and orchestras.

Mustakillik Independence Square

You can stretch your legs in Tashkent’s Mustakillik Independence Square where you can check out monuments of independence, and see where the Cabinet of Ministers and Senate is located.

Barak Khan Madrasa

Barak Khan Madrasa is a complex located in Khast Imom, the religious center of Uzbekistan. Decorated ornately with mosaics, calligraphy and intricate carvings, it is unique to Tashkent. For photos, click here.

Have a suggestion for an Uzbekistan layover? Leave a comment below!

Stuck on a Jakarta layover at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Indonesia? Located on the island of Java, the airport is roughly 20 km (12.5 miles) from Jakarta city center which makes the city an accessible destination for those stuck on long layovers. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your Jakarta layover, click here for useful tips.

If you’re stuck in the airport during your Jakarta layover, there’s a number of services available. To help you get situated, here is a map of the airport.

Shopping and restaurants are located in all terminals (including Duty Free in terminal 2), and there is also banking and currency exchange, a post office, a pharmacy, baby facilities and interfaith prayer rooms. In addition, business lounges and airline lounges are available.

You can find the location and names of specific shops, restaurants and services, here for Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3.

If you arrive at night or are looking for a place to rest, the airport has a hotel located in the terminal building on the second floor in Terminal 2E. The Jakarta International Hotel has a restaurant, bar, spa and meeting room, as well as 82 rooms with full baths. For an additional list of hotels nearby in Jakarta of varying price points, click here.

Left Luggage facilities are located in Hall D of Terminal 2 for those looking to ditch your bags while you explore on your Indonesia layover.

As for transportation, metered taxis can be booked at the taxi counter in the arrival area of each terminal (the Official Airport Taxi company is Blue Bird : 021 7941234), and rental car facilities are also located in the Arrivals Area. Buses are also available, operating from 6am to 7pm.

If you did not get a visa before arriving and are in need of one (check the widget to the right for visa requirements from your departing country), there are visa counters near the arrival gates, for roughly $10USD for 7 days. You need to buy a visa before going through immigration.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On A Jakarta Layover:

Fatahillah Square

In the Old Jakarta Kota area, Fatahillah Square is a picturesque square that is home to three museums – the history Museum, the Puppet Museum and the Fine Arts Museum.

Indonesia In Miniature Park

If you’re limited for time during your Jakarta layover, the Indonesia In Miniature Park is a fun way to see the very different provinces and architecture of the country. There is also a museum of Indonesian fauna, a swimming pool and restaurants.

Istiqlal Mosque

Considered Indonesia’s largest mosque (and the largest in Southeast Asia), the Istiqlal Mosque is covered by a huge dome supported by 12 columns. More than 120,000 can pray in the mosque at the same time.

Sunda Kelapa

This fish market is located at the old port of Jakarta along the Ciliwung River. Check out the stalls and shops selling all sorts of seafood from lobsters to dehydrated turtles.

None of these interest you? Here’s an additional list of additional things to do on your Jakarta layover!

Stuck on a layover at Tokyo-Haneda International Airport (HND) in Japan? Along with the Narita Airport (click here to see the Layover Guide to Narita), Tokyo-Haneda International Airport serves to Tokyo area and is the hub for All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines. Located in Ota, Tokyo, the airport is roughly 9 miles from downtown Tokyo, which makes the city an accessible destination for those stuck on long layovers. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your Tokyo layover, click here for useful tips.

If you’re stuck in the airport during your Tokyo layover, there are many services available. The airport has a number of information desks, and banks, post office, and currency exchange. In addition, there’s a health and dental clinic, duty free shopping, and banquet halls.

Want to relax, or get pampered? The airport has a number of relaxation service including a barber, hair salon, massage, and an oxygen bar. Click here for the relaxation options available. In addition, there are a number of Pay Lounges available at the airport in both terminals. Here is a full list of the airport lounges that you can visit during your Tokyo layover.

Looking for a place to store your luggage while you explore? The airport offers temporary baggage storage in both terminal 1 & 2 – click here for more information.

If you arrive at night or are looking for a place to rest, you can find the Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu inside the airport in Terminal 2, 2F. If you’d like to book a place nearby in Tokyo, click here for a comprehensive list with varying price points.

If you’re planning on leaving the airport to travel into Tokyo during your layover, there are many transportation options. Taxis are available outside the airport, and there is also trains, buses, and rental cars at the airport. Click here for more transportation information.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions For Things To Do On A Tokyo Layover:

Tokyo Tour

If you’re limited to time during your Tokyo layover, a tour might be your best best. There’s tons to choose from depending on your interest, from cycling tours to haunted tours and tons more!

Tokyo Tower

Want to catch a good view of the city? From the Tokyo Tower Observation Deck you can lookout at a panoramic view of the city. Check out the view from the lookout deck here!

Asakusa

This Tokyo neighborhood is located in the north-eastern part of the city. Here you can find a bunch of souvenir shops, restaurants and the neighborhood’s most famous attraction, the Sensoji Temple.

Ginza

A well known shopping and dining district, Ginza is where you can find it all. On the weekend the central street is closed and becomes a pedestrian only area from 2pm to 5pm on Saturdays and noon to 5pm on Sundays.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo life. Here you can relax in a large park with the famous cherry blossoms, and wander through the greenhouses and gardens.