The Jewel Changi Airport is arguably one of the city’s trademarks and the gateway to Singapore. It has been rated the world’s best airport time and time again. So if you are on an extended layover but do not want to make the trip into the city centre, there is no shortage of activities and attractions at Jewel Changi Airport.
If you are on an extended layover, and wish to leave the transit zone, be sure to fill out your Singapore Arrival Card here (or via the MyICA Mobile App). If you are staying in town and want to experience the airport on your trip home, consider showing up extra early to the airport in order to check out what Jewel Changi has to offer.
Learn more about Jewel Changi Airport luggage storage, early luggage/flight check in, lounges, spas, as well as shopping/taxes here. “PHs” refers to the Public Holidays in Singapore.
Learn all about the bicycle bath/joggling trail here, as it is one of the newest attractions at Jewel Changi Airport.
Transiting between terminals can be done by walking, taking a bus, taxi, or a Grab, as well as taking the SkyTrain inside the airport (public and private side trains are available). Please note: you cannot walk or take a SkyTrain to Terminal 4 (many Singapore buses won’t stop here either). You will have to take the free public or private shuttle at Jewel Changi Airport.
Feel free to use this table of contents:
Dining at Jewel Changi Airport
Getting Around/To-From Jewel Changi Airport
The Jewel
The Jewel is the public access “terminal” that is best known for the giant waterfall in the center. Although not a true terminal, this shopping hub offers most of the major attractions at Jewel Changi Airport as well as a plethora of dining options.
I’ll start by laying out with which attractions can be found at the Jewel. For a store directory at Jewel Changi Airport, click here. PS, you can also receive promo codes/special rates at the Jewel if you pay with your Mastercard (at Jewel Changi Airport attractions). Please note that all rates are standard non-local prices listed in Singaporean Dollars.
HSBC Rain Vortex: This is the real name of the waterfall inside the Jewel! But note that this waterfall does take a break. It is active during the weekdays from 11am-10pm, and on weekends/PHs (to include Fridays) it’s active from 10am-10pm. As you can see in the picture, the rain vortex was not flowing! That’s because of its annual maintenance for about five days in early January when the first photo was taken.
Catch the free nightly Sound & Light Shows at the Vortex: Monday-Thursday 8pm & 9pm/Friday-Sunday/PHs/Eve of PHs 8pm, 9pm & 10pm.
The Shiseido Forest Walk is a series of trails that surround the many floors around the Vortex. It’s walkways and staircases are adorned with foliage, streams, and small waterfalls. It is not wheelchair/stroller friendly and luggage is not permitted. Yes, this Jewel Changi Airport attraction is free!
The Changi Experience Studio, located on Level 4, is an interactive multi-media hub regarding all things Jewel Changi Airport. They are open daily from 11am-8pm on weekdays, 10am-8pm on weekends/PHs, with the last admission at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased online with a date reservation, and visitors will pay S$25 for adults and S$17 for children/seniors, though family bundles are offered.
The Canopy Park is a series of attractions located on Level 5. Purchasing tickets to this set of attractions will also include the following highlights. Visitor tickets are S$24.90 for adults and S$19.90 for children under 13. Height requirement of 1.1m/3’6″.
Open daily from 10am-9pm on weekdays and 10am-10pm on Fridays, PHs/Eve of PHs; each individual attraction below closes about half an hour before the entire park shuts down for the night. A la carte prices are also listed below, though bundle packages will likely be your best option; prices vary from S$39-S$71 for adults and S$29-S$50 for children.
Please note that purchasing tickets online requires a date and time slot. Although Level 5 is accessible via elevator, most attractions are not accessible for those in wheelchairs.
- The Bouncing Net is a suspended array of nets 8m/26 ft above the ground at the highest level. Online, tickets can only be purchased at the Canopy Park rate as listed above.
- The Walking Net is colocated with the Bouncing Net, and is suspended at 25m/82 ft above the ground. Visitor tickets are S$13.90 for adults/$S13.90 for kids.
- The Discovery Slides is a viewing deck and series of slides for adults and kids. Visitor tickets are S$8 regardless of age.
- Foggy Bowls is more of a landscape for kids to run around a grassy patch of fog filled pockets. Visitor tickets are also S$8 regardless of age.
- The Hedge Maze is a hedge maze but located at the top floor of the Jewel. It also features a lookout tower in the centre. Visitor tickets are S$13.90 for adults/S$11.90 for kids.
- The Mirror Maze is an experience of illusion that most Americans will remember as a popular attraction at the county fair. Visitor tickets are S$18.90 for adults/$13.90 for kids.
- The Mastercard Canopy Bridge will get you the highest view of the HSBC Rain Vortex, and ideal for the nightly light and sound show. It is a show stopping view at 23m/75 ft above ground with a glass floor! Visitor tickets are also S$13.90 for adults/S$11.90 for kids.
- The Petal Garden is an enchanting flower garden filled with vibrant colors. Visitor tickets are $S8 for adults/S$6 for kids.
- The Topiary Walk features picture-worthy animal statues made of flowers. Visitor tickets are also $S8 for adults/S$6 for kids.
- The Jewel-Rassic Quest is an alternate reality dinosaur challenge that requires the use of an audio device and the provided tablet. This Jewel Changi Airport attraction is brand new! The TimeLens device (tablet) is used during your quest around the Canopy Park and can be shared with one adult. Tickets are S$20 with an additional S$50 refundable deposit for 90 minutes of game play. Located at the Level 1 Concierge Counter, this activity is available daily between 10:30am-5:30pm.
Terminal 1
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Terminal 1 at Jewel Changi Airport is best known for it’s pool and it’s many gardens, inside and out!
On the Public Side:
- The Arrival Garden: features the “dragonfly habitat”
- Kinetic Rain: over 1000 copper raindrops that move
Inside the Transit Area:
- Aerobar Pool/Jacuzzi and Bar
- The Piazza Garden: features plants native to Singapore as well as a maze of ponds
- The Discovery Garden: small outdoor winding trail with SuperTree Grove inspired structures
- The Waterlily Garden: has adorable ponds full of lily pads
- Tropical Rainforest Vivarium: terrarium displaying over 60 species of plant life
- The Cactus Garden: outdoor desert scape with over 100 species of cacti
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 at Jewel Changi Airport is all about large LED displays blended with a natural element.
On the Public Side:
- The Wonderwall giant LED display of a waterfall
Inside the Transit Area:
- Entertainment Deck on Level 3: movies and video games
- Sunflower Garden: outdoor sunflower nursery
- The Enchanted Garden: Breathtaking indoor garden
- Dreamscape: A garden that comes to life with LED lights
- 2 Bears Hideout: a children’s playground
- Gourmet Garden: an indoor dining experience amongst lush foliage
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Terminal 3
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Terminal 3 at Jewel Changi Airport features a lot of cultural heritage, art displays, koi ponds as well as playgrounds!
On the Public Side:
- Four Story Slide of 12m/39 ft in height, open daily 12pm-11:30pm; height range requirements from 1.3m-2m; website says that entry requires Changi Rewards Membership and can be done online.
- Climb@T3: indoor rock climbing gym for adults and kids! Learn more here.
- Daisy: giant 13m/42 ft daisy that resembles a wind turbine
Inside the Transit Area:
- The Crystal Garden: features spherical and floral displays
- Butterfly Garden: houses over a thousand butterflies!
Terminal 4
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Terminal 4 at Jewel Changi Airport also features an array of sculptures; you will have to take a public/transient bus to reach T4 (not accessible by foot nor by SkyTrain).
On the Public Side:
- Singapore Rojak: 37m/121 ft long mural
Inside the Transit Area:
- Heritage Zone: features Peranakan shophouses
- The Chandelier: climbing net for adults and kids; minimum height requirement of 1.1m/3’6″
- The Entertainment Corner (games)
Dining at Jewel Changi Airport
Dining at Jewel Changi is just about limitless. With nearly 240 places to dine, there is no shortage of variety and budget friendly options. Fast food, cafes, and fine dining are all available at this top Singapore attraction. Please view a directory of dining here.
You will find everything here at Jewel Changi Airport: cafes, bakeries, boba, kaya toast stands, sushi, hot pot, Korean BBQ, Fast Food, chocolate and candy stores, juice bars, ice cream, dim sum, Indian food, Thai food, Hard Rock Cafe, tea shops, ramen, donuts, and the list goes on and on.
Getting around Jewel Changi Airport
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- The Skytrain connects Terminal 1, 2, and 3 in public and transit areas (free of charge). It also drives through (does not stop) at the Jewel. It is closed nightly from 1:30am-4:30am.
- Walking will definitely get you your steps in. All terminals are connected via walkways and ramps, to include to/from the Jewel; the exception is Terminal 4.
- A shuttle bus (public and transit) can take you to/from Terminal 4.
Learn more about getting around Changi Airport here
How to go to/from Jewel Changi Airport using the Singapore MRT/bus system; learn more here. Cars, taxis, and Grabs are also a great option, just be mindful of drop-off/pickup locations and parking. Learn more here.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Thank you for scrolling through my list of attractions and things to do at Singapore’s Jewel Changi International Airport. We ended up arriving 13 hours early to our flight to then check our luggage in early and enjoy what the airport has to offer. This is a fun day trip and a great way to make use of a layover.
