Airports these days are (thankfully) rarely still. They are once again a whirlwind of organised chaos and clamour, where travellers brace themselves for security checks and long lines before the reward of sitting for hours in a plane. But there’s a reprieve for those lucky enough to access Singapore Airlines’ SilverKris Lounge at Sydney Airport.
It’s a busy morning at Sydney Airport. Duty Free is bustling, the security lines are long and the lines for coffee are longer. I’ve not checked a bag so wheel my way amid a throng of travellers who are either ambling through the airport before boarding or running in a panic to their gates. But I’ve got the golden ticket: a pass to Singapore Airlines’ SilverKris Lounge.
LOCATION
An easy way to break down departure gates at Sydney Airport’s Terminal 1 is via its piers. Pier B is home to gates 8-37. You’ll usually find Qantas and OneWorld airlines using these gates. Pier C with gates 50-63 is at the farther end of the terminal. Most Star Alliance, Virgin Australia and Emirates usually use these gates.
The SilverKris Lounge is thus in Pier C. It’s pretty easy to find, with signs for airport lounges placed directly under the signs for the gates. But if you get turned around, you’ll want to head for the 50 and up gates. Go up the escalator (there’s an elevator too) and you’ll be greeted by a lovely glass screen that marks the entry to the SilverKris Lounge.
The famed Singapore Airlines sarong kebaya is apparently the inspiration for this screen. Step through and you’re transported into Singapore. In Sydney.
WHAT’S INSIDE
After reception and to the left is The Gallery. And if I had to liken it to anything, I’d say it’s kind of like the room I had in my childhood home that I wasn’t allowed to use. You know the one. It’s the ‘formal lounge room’ that is only used for special occasions. Despite the rest of the lounge being quite busy, this area was completely empty.
And that’s the thing of about the SilverKris Lounge. It does very much have sections like a home. There’s a rest area, a main dining hall, a living room area with armchairs and even an open concept courtyard-style area. I’m still working so I opt for one of the high-backed ‘productivity pods’ which are not only very comfortable but also come equipped with power outlets and a little desk. They also offer a little more privacy from the rest of the lounge and are reminiscent of Singapore Airlines’ business- and first-class cabins.
The footprint of the lounge has grown by 20% but when full it looks very busy.
Toilet and shower facilities are also available, but given how full the lounge is, I did find I had to wait for the loo both times I went. Men didn’t seem to have this problem.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Let’s be real, when travelling you want an airport lounge for two things: the food and the drink. Sure, some nice toiletries would go down well and WiFi is always good, but when I’m faced with sitting for an extended period of time on a long flight the last thing I want is to sit still. That means I’m a notorious eat and run lounge visitor. And what better place to do that than in the SilverKris Lounge?
There’s some kind of culinary heaven when Singapore’s cuisine meets Australian produce. And they meet in Sydney Airport’s SilverKris Lounge. I breakfast on beehon noodles and vegetables with some fresh fruit for dessert. But for carnivores, there’s an array of choices. From chicken congee to all the fixings for nasi lemak, the lounge has you covered.
And while the bar is amply stocked (remember, morning drinking is excused in an airport lounge), the most popular beverage by far is the barista-made coffee.
THE HIDDEN LOUNGE IN A LOUNGE
Where’s the Singapore laksa? Hidden! One of the lovely hosts presses a button at the lounge’s entrance and the glass panel behind her opens to reveal another lounge.
Singapore Airlines’ SilverKris First Lounge Class Lounge is hidden away like an exclusive club. There are the same distinctive spaces as the Business Class Lounge here, but there’s obviously less need for as many seats and pods so it feels far roomier.
The kitchen looks to contain much of the same dishes as the Business Class Lounge, but there is an à la carte menu that features my much-desired Singapore laksa.
TIPS AND TRICKS
If travelling with children, be sure to nab an activity pack. The ones here differ from those handed out on the plane. Just save it for the plane so that you can keep them busy for another ten minutes.
There is also a water filtration system here so you can refill your water bottles.
The writer visited the lounge as a guest of Singapore Airlines.
The Traditional Custodians of the land on which today’s airport sits identify themselves in a number of ways including Gamayngal, Bideagal, Gweagal, Gadigal and Gadhungal.
