I recently figured that I have a then hidden fascination for airports. I love watching people rushing to their connecting flights and seeing nervous faces check their ticket and passports frantically wishing those last-minute clothing items won’t cost them extra payment for overweight luggage. Despite the expensive coffee and clubhouse sandwiches at airport stalls, I love waiting for boarding time by walking around and appreciating the bright and clean ambiance. I find comfort in watching strangers and imagining their life stories and making guesses to where their destinations will be. Of course, a huge part of the fun is spotting foreign cuties.

Because of this realization, I had an idea to research the best airports in the world and one day go to them and make some airport-lovin. I just feel disappointed that the one in my country, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, is hailed as the world’s worst. Thus it justifies my desire to visit the best airports in the world. Who could blame me? I want a hospitable, hassle-free, and comfortable airport experience. It should be one of the most important aspects of love for travel.

I have only been to 9 airports my whole life. Three of them are inside the Philippines, 4 of them are in the States, and 2 are in Japan. So far, I love the Detroit Metro in Michigan and Narita International in Japan. I know I haven’t seen the best yet, but I will, someday.

Here are the 5 best airports in the world according to the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2011. You can access the complete list here.

1. Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) — World’s Best Airport

“To provide passengers with an excellent airport experience”

(Photos via HongKongAirport.com)

• Free Wi-fi
• 24-hour pay-in lounges
• 24-hour food and drink
• Nearby 9-hole golf course
• Interactive movie studio
• Biggest 4D Movie Theatre in Asia

2. Singapore Changi Airport

“At Changi, the feeling is first class”

(Photos via AsiaTravelTips)

• Free wi-fi and internet cafes
• Good food stalls
• Snooze chairs and napping areas in transit
• 24 hour massage and spa facilities
• Free movies
• 4-storey slide in Terminal 3

3. Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, Korea

“More than an airport, beyond expectation”

(Photos via globalphotos)

• 24-hour food and drink
• Wi-fi
• Baby care lounges
• Korean cultural museum
• Observation deck
• Gardens

4. Munich Airport (MUC) in Munich, Germany

“Calm and relaxed”

(Photos via munich-airport)

• Wi-fi
• 24-hour food and drink
• Mini golf
• Airport tours
• 172-climb to the viewing platform
• Free aviation themed movies and show

5. Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA) in China

“Advance the Chinese Service, Develop an International Hub”

(Photos via thechinaguide)

*This has to be my favorite

• Airport service ambassadors
• 1 minute away from the first lifestyle airport hotel, Hilton Beijing Capital
• Performances every Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Appreciating scenery and feeding fish
• Banks
• Dressing rooms

It’s amazing how four of the best are found in Asia. The only depressing thing is the worst is also in Asia — in the Philippines, to make it worse. I just wish the government makes steps to change this. If we want to attract more tourists, we have to improve the first area of territory they step on, our airports.