Your Guide to Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore (SIN)
Changi Airport is unlike any other airport in the world. During your trip to Singapore, the Jewel, the most extraordinary part of the Changi Airport ecosystem, is a must-see destination in its own right. Featuring the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, stunning architecture, lush greenery, and an array of attractions like mazes and gardens, Singapore’s innovations are redefining the airport experience.
Singapore Changi Airport has earned hundreds of awards since opening in 1981, including 12 'World's Best Airport' awards from Skytrax. This busy airport, hosting nearly 32 million travellers last year, has long been an innovator and celebrates many 'firsts' and unique aspects in the world of travel. For example:
The Jewel is home to the world's tallest indoor waterfall, the HSBC Rain Vortex, which cascades 40 meters down from a glass roof, surrounded by Shiseido Forest Valley, an indoor forest with thousands of trees and shrubs.
The Jewel features several other attractions, including a Hedge Maze, Canopy Park, Mirror Maze, Canopy Bridge, Bouncing Net, slides & a Light and Sound Show!
Customers consistently rate Changi Airport highly for leisure, shopping, check-in, arrivals, transfers, security and immigration.
Changi Airport has ambitious environmental goals, including the aim to achieve zero carbon growth by 2030.
Let me help you navigate all that Jewel Changi Airport has to offer and let's see if we can transform your next layover into a fun adventure!
The Jewel Changi Airport is a mall unlike any other, directly connected to Singapore’s Airport. It’s home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall - the HSBC Rain Vortex - among many other unique attractions.
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Don't Make These Mistakes: What You Need To Know About the Jewel
THE 'JEWEL' IS NOT THE NAME OF SINGAPORE'S AIRPORT.
Singapore's airport is called 'Changi Airport' and the airport code is ‘SIN’. The 'Jewel' or 'Jewel Changi' refers to the iconic shopping and entertainment complex where the famous indoor waterfall is the centrepiece. The most famous Jewel Changi attractions are in this complex.
THE JEWEL IS NOT LOCATED INSIDE CHANGI AIRPORT.
The Jewel is directly connected to Changi Airport, right across the street from Terminal 1. The Jewel is very easily accessible from all terminals, but is distinct from the airport's operational areas. If you're on a layover, you will have to exit the gates to access it. Make sure you leave enough time to go back through immigration and security again afterwards.
THE WATERFALL IS CALLED THE HSBC RAIN VORTEX.
This is the official name you will see in the airport and online. In the airport, follow signs to the 'Jewel' and you won't be able to miss the 7-story-tall waterfall when you arrive.
THE HSBC RAIN VORTEX IS SOMETIMES CLOSED.
In fact, it said online that the waterfall would be closed the day we went, but it turned out to be off for only a short time during maintenance. Lucky us! The Jewel usually posts a notice on their website if there are plans to close the waterfall for maintenance.
The regular operating hours for the HSBC Rain Vortex are:
Monday - Thursday from 11 AM - 10 PM
Friday - Sunday from 10 AM - 10 PM (same on public holidays)
THE JEWEL IS AN ENGINEERING MARVEL.
I highly recommend taking some time to check out this interactive page about just how ingenious the architecture and engineering behind the Jewel truly are. It will help you appreciate it even more when you visit!
It was designed by Moshe Safdie, the same architect responsible for Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, Ottawa’s National Gallery of Canada, Montreal’s Habitat 67, and more.
THERE IS A LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW
While I believe the Jewel and its waterfall are best enjoyed during the day, if you're visiting at night, you can catch the HSBC Light and Sound Show:
Monday - Thursday at 8 PM and 9 PM
Friday - Sunday at 8 PM, 9 PM and 10 PM (same on public holidays)
Insider Tips: Making the Most of Your Changi Airport Experience
Based on my experience visiting, here are my top tips for visitors to the Jewel Changi Airport:
Check or store your bag before your flight so that you aren't lugging your bags around while you explore mazes, gardens and bridges in The Jewel. If you are catching a flight from Singapore, try checking your bag early and you may be pleasantly surprised at how accommodating airlines are here (AirAsia was for us at Terminal 1!). Alternatively, luggage storage is available at each Changi Airport terminal for a fee.
The Jewel is a rainforest climate, meaning it is hot and humid inside! While it's beautiful, I do suggest you be considerate of your seat mates and your own comfort by bringing deodorant and a clean shirt to change into before your flight, especially if travelling long-haul.
Changi Airport is interconnected by a free and efficient train and bus system - which I explain below - making it simple to move between terminals and attractions like The Jewel.
Be mindful that Singapore, in general, can be quite pricey, and airports typically amplify these costs. Changi Airport is known for its premium experiences and their accompanying prices. Most of the attractions in the airport and The Jewel require a ticket (see pricing below), which can add up.
For a meal or a drink, consider dining on the top floor of The Jewel to enjoy the ambience and the view of the stunning Rain Vortex. While it isn’t cheap, some of the restaurants inside the Jewel are actually around the same price, and sometimes less, than many of those we saw after security at Terminal 4.
Iconic Attractions at the Jewel Changi Airport
Here are some of the top attractions to check out in the Jewel at Changi Airport. Besides the waterfall, forest and shopping, nearly all Jewel attractions are ticketed. You can save money by purchasing one of their bundle deals if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
HSBC Rain Vortex
The HSBC Rain Vortex is the world's tallest indoor waterfall, cascading as much as 37,850 litres of water per minute from an oculus 40 meters high. It is the centrepiece of Jewel Changi, surrounded by the Shiseido Forest Valley and offering an awe-inspiring display of water cascading down to the basement. You can check their website to see if any maintenance closures are expected.
Appeal: The Rain Vortex is a visual spectacle, descending from a stunning doughnut-shaped dome and surrounded by a lush man-made rainforest.
Cost: Free
Shiseido Forest Valley
Shiseido is an indoor forest spanning four stories (levels 1-4 of the Jewel) full of lush greenery, walking trails and spots to relax. It is one of Asia's largest indoor gardens, forming a large part of the 2,000 trees and palms and 100,000 shrubs from all around the world that you'll find in the Jewel. It is the surrounding area of the HSBC Rain Vortex, with numerous vantage points to take in the beauty of the waterfall while stretching your legs before your flight.
Appeal: It's a tranquil oasis that provides a refreshing contrast to the usual airport environment. The trails on levels 2-4 offer great vantage points for photos of the Rain Vortex.
Cost: Free
The Shiseido Forest Valley walking paths in the Jewel Changi Airport offer great views of the HSBC Rain Vortex.
Free Jewel Tour
Your boarding pass gets you more than a flight at Changi Airport, it also gets you a free 2.5-hour walking tour of the Jewel’s key features and attractions. All you need to do is book it online and then show up at a service counter BEFORE immigration. Find the service counter at Terminal 2, Level 2, Transit Area (near Gate F50) or at Terminal 3, Level 2, Transit Area (near Gate A1-A8). Currently, they are running free Jewel tours daily at 6 PM.
NOTE: There are also free Singapore city tours available at various other times, including a Heritage Tour with stops in Singapore’s beautiful Chinatown and Kampong Glam, the City Sights Tour with stops at the stunning Marina Bay Sands and the Supertrees, as well as the more residential Changi Precinct Tour.
All free tours from Changi Airport are 2.5 hours long. Just be sure to check closely the requirements for when you arrive and depart from SIN, because you will only qualify for the free tour if the timing is right, and you wouldn't want to risk missing your flight anyhow.
Appeal: The Jewel really is an engineering marvel, and it could be great to have a guide to explain things you might miss otherwise. Plus, it’s a unique use of a longer layover or extra time before your flight, and it comes with free Canopy Park entrance, free food samples and discounts on other attractions.
Cost: Free
Canopy Park
Spanning over 14,000 square meters at the top level of the Jewel, the Canopy Park includes a Petal Garden and Topiary Walk, slides, foggy bowls in the grass and other places to rest and take in the beauty of the Rain Vortex. Access to the Canopy Park is included with most attraction tickets at the Jewel. We enjoyed walking through these beautiful gardens, although the Foggy Bowls were not operating when we went.
Cost (Non-Singaporean): SGD 8 (same for adults or children) and includes admission to Discovery Slides, Foggy Bowls, Petal Garden and Topiary Walk
Tip: Get free access by taking one of the free Jewel Walking Tours or with the purchase of a ticket to the Canopy Bridge, Mirror Maze or Hedge Maze.
My mom having fun in the Canopy Park. The topiary garden is filled with beautiful plants and artistic displays!
Discovery Slides
My favourite part of Canopy Park is the Discovery Slides. Not only are they a work of art, but they are fun for kids and adults alike! Plus, from the top of the slides, you get a superb view of the waterfall.
Cost (Non-Singaporean): Included with Canopy Park access (see above)
The Discovery Slides are open to both kids and adults, and it’s a lot of fun!
Glass Canopy Bridge
The Mastercard Canopy Bridge is suspended 23 meters above the ground, this 50-meter-long glass bridge offers a panoramic view of the Rain Vortex and Forest Valley. The bridge features a glass-bottom section in the middle, with views of the waterfall and forest valley.
I didn't find this vantage point to be much better than others in the Shiseido Forest, so personally I would take a pass on this and buy a ticket for another attraction, like the Walking Net or Hedge Maze, and then hit up the Canopy Park instead.
Cost (Non-Singaporean): SGD 13.90 per adult / SGD 11.90 per child (includes admission to Canopy Park)
My parents were much braver than me walking over the glass canopy bridge over the Shiseido Forest Valley in the Jewel.
Walking Net
The Walking Net, located in Canopy Park at the top level of Jewel, is a fun attraction suspended high above the ground. If you plan to do this, make sure you're wearing pants or shorts, as there will be people going under the walking net beneath you.
Kids and adults alike can walk or bounce on this giant walking net, enjoying unique views and perspectives of the Jewel's interior. While it's one of the pricier attractions, the bouncing net does look like fun and I regretted not going for it.
Cost (Non-Singaporean): SGD 18.90 per adult / SGD 13.90 per child (includes admission to Canopy Park)
Hedge Maze
Singapore's largest Hedge Maze is located here in the Jewel and includes twists, turns, and a lookout tower. It takes 15-20 minutes to complete the maze and is playful and fun for all ages. Reaching the tower in the centre can give you a great view for photos.
Cost (Non-Singaporean): SGD 13.90 per adult / SGD 11.90 per child (includes admission to Canopy Park)
Mirror Maze
Set within a garden, the Mirror Maze is a labyrinth of mirrors, creating a unique and disorienting experience. The ceiling is filled with foliage, reflecting in the mirrors and creating a unique immersive environment.
Cost (Non-Singaporean): SGD 18.90 per adult / SGD 13.90 per child (includes admission to Canopy Park)
Changi Experience Studio
The Changi Experience Studio is a technology-driven interactive space located on the fourth floor of Jewel Changi Airport. This attraction offers a virtual journey through the history and behind-the-scenes workings of Changi Airport, utilizing interactive games, multimedia displays, and immersive exhibits.
The studio provides an interactive perspective on airport and aviation operations, so if you have any travel or aviation enthusiasts in your group, you won't want to miss this. That said, it looks like good fun for all, with a 4.7-star rating on Google reviews.
It's recommended to allocate 1-2 hours to enjoy the various interactive exhibits, so I'll check this out the next time I have a long enough layover to allow it.
The entrance of the Jewel is directly across from Terminal 1 and easily accessed from all terminals at Changi Airport.
Shopping
I'm not much of a shopper personally, however, if you are, Changi Airport won't disappoint with its wide range of retail outlets to shop and explore. In the transit areas, duty-free shops offer a variety of products including cosmetics, fragrances, electronics, and liquor, some at competitive prices.
For those interested in fashion, Changi houses numerous international designer stores and high-street brands. You can also find unique local Singaporean brands, lifestyle products, and even experiential retail spaces.
Finally, for last-minute gifts or souvenirs, there are several stores offering Singaporean snacks, chocolates, and other mementoes.
NOTE: While I do my best to keep this page updated, information is subject to change, such as operation hours and ticket prices, so you can also check the Jewel Changi Airport website for updates.
Navigating Jewel Changi Airport
Surprisingly, navigating Jewel Changi Airport is a breeze! Thanks to its thoughtful design and user-friendly layout, clear signage and maps guide you through this vibrant airport ecosystem.
For those short on time, there are quick access points to major attractions, while visitors with a lot of time to spare can enjoy the scenic routes winding through indoor gardens and attractions.
Changi Airport Skytrain & Bus System
Changi Airport has four passenger terminals and the Jewel shopping centre, which are connected by a super efficient and easy-to-use train, bus and pedestrian bridge system.
Source: Jewel Changi Airport Transit Map
Getting to The Jewel by Skytrain
There is no train stop inside the Jewel, however, you can take the train from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3 (or vice versa) and it will go through the Jewel, giving you a short but unique view as you pass right by the cascading water of the Rain Vortex.
Getting to The Jewel from Changi Airport's Terminals
From Terminal 1: Simply cross the street from the main entrance of Terminal 1 to the main entrance of the Jewel, from level 1 (North Entrance).
From Terminal 2: Access the Jewel via a pedestrian link bridge by walking to the Departure Hall on level 2 (row 1) and taking the escalator to level 3.
From Terminal 3: Access the Jewel via a pedestrian link bridge from the Departure Hall on level 2 (near Crowne Plaza).
From Terminal 4: Take the free Airport Shuttle Bus to Terminal 2 and follow the walking instructions for Terminal 2 (above).
Changi Airport is very well connected, from Sky Trains to shuttle busses and link bridges. Terminal 3 (pictured here) is connected to the Jewel via a link bridge for pedestrian access.
Taking the Skytrain between Terminals 1, 2 and 3
Changi Airport's Skytrain is efficient and easy to navigate. It can take you between terminals 1, 2 and 3 from 5 AM until 2:30 AM daily, departing every few minutes and making it very easy to get around this airport.
Follow the signage in the airport and you'll have no trouble finding the train stops.
Accessing Terminal 4
Having opened in 2017, Terminal 4 is the newest one at Changi Airport and is not connected to the others via the Skytrain.
There is a complimentary shuttle bus that can get you to Terminal 4 every ~13 minutes from the following points:
Terminal 1: T1 Departure (Curbside)
Terminal 2: T2 Arrival Pick-up (Door 1)
The route goes from Terminal 1 (Gate C21) → Terminal 3 (Arrival Immigration Hall A) → Terminal 4 (Transfer Lounge). Depending on where you are coming/going from, it will take about 10-20 minutes to get between these stops by bus.
We caught our bus to Terminal 4 from Terminal 1, right across from the Jewel main entrance. It was easy to spot the shuttle service inside the terminal, and the departure location and time were clearly indicated.
The purple shuttle busses to and from Terminal 4 at Changi Airport are reliable and easy to spot.
Taking the Shuttle Bus from Terminals 1, 2 and 3
This only applies to the short time when the trains aren't operating, from 2:30 AM - 5 AM daily. During these hours, a free public bus connects Terminals 1 and 2 and Terminals 1 and 3. Here are the Shuttle Stops (2:30 AM - 5 AM):
Terminal 1: Departure Hall, Door 5
Terminal 2: Departure Hall, Door 1
Terminal 3: Departure Hall, Door 8
Terminals 2 and 3 are easily accessed on foot using the link bridge above the MRT station.
This information is subject to change. You can consult the latest Changi Airport Skytrain, shuttle and walking routes here.
Dining Outlets at the Jewel and Changi Airport
Changi Airport and the Jewel boast numerous restaurants, cafes and bars to choose from.
Dine With a View of the Rain Vortex
There are several restaurants in the Jewel where you can dine with a view of the Rain Vortex. They include:
Jack's Place is one of several restaurants in the Jewel Changi Airport with a view of the Shiseido Forest Valley and HSBC Rain Vortex.
Budget Dining in Changi Airport Terminals
Just as you need to do in Singapore to find affordable eats, keep your eyes peeled for food courts, also known as Hawker Stall in Singapore. In Terminal 4, we found a food court on a mezzanine level which had numerous self-order options for foods like noodles, soups and fast food at a much cheaper price than the rest of the terminal.
Highly-Rated Dining in Changi Airport Terminals
While you can find more reasonably priced food at the food courts, Changi Airport also has many highly-rated restaurants, so you may want to treat yourself to something nice. There are many restaurant options to choose from in each terminal, and I'll share a few here which have ratings over 4 stars on Google Reviews, along with their Google Maps links. Note - just because they are highly rated doesn’t mean they are necessarily expensive! Many of these serve simple yet delicious local foods like noodles and rice dishes.
Restaurants in Terminal 1:
WOKE Ramen @ Changi (Asian)
TGM Root98 Singapore (Singaporean)
Andes By Astons @ T1(Western)
Restaurants in Terminal 2:
GO Noodle House Changi Airport (Chinese)
XW Western Grill - Changi Airport (Western)
Kopitiam @ T3 Public (Malaysian/Singaporean)
If you want to eat or have a drink al fresco, there is one restaurant with outdoor seating at Changi Airport: Hub & Spoke Cafe
Restaurants in Terminal 3:
Paradise Dynasty at Changi Airport (Chinese)
Le Shrimp Ramen @ T3 Public Changi Airport (Chinese/Japanese)
Restaurants in Terminal 4:
AJI ICHI Sushi Bar (Japanese)
Kopitiam @ Changi Airport Terminal 4 (Malaysian/Singaporean)
Old Chang Kee @ Changi Airport T4 (Singaporean)
There are several restaurant options available throughout Changi Airport’s terminals.
Staying at Jewel: Yotelair Singapore Changi Airport
Yotelair Singapore Changi Airport offers a unique and convenient stay right within the Jewel Changi retail complex, blending futuristic design with functionality and convenience. Catering to both transit passengers and visitors, Yotelair's cosy cabins are ideal for short stays or layovers.
Amenities for guests include rainfall showers, adjustable SmartBeds, free Wi-Fi and 24/7 gym access. Plus, since Yotelair is on the 4th floor of the Jewel, guests can easily explore the myriad of attractions, shops, and dining options available here.
If you have an extended layover or an early flight, this could be a great option in Singapore. Conveniently, you can even book a stay as short as 4 hours to help you get some rest during long travel days.
Click here to book your stay at Yotelair on Booking.com while supporting Travelynne - at no extra cost to you!
There are also other hotels located near the airport, which you can check out here:
Accessibility at Changi Airport
Singapore's Changi Airport and Singapore as a city actually fare well in terms of accessibility, especially compared to other Southeast Asian countries. If you are travelling with a wheelchair or other disability, check out this guide on Changi Airport's accessibility by Have Wheelchair Will Travel. You can also find information about accessing special assistance here on the Changi Airport website.
My parents and I were happy to arrive at the Jewel and discover that the Rain Vortex waterfall was on despite scheduled maintenance! While you can see the waterfall from the mall floors (such as this one), the best views are from the forest trails and the canopy park.
Enjoy Your Visit to Singapore's Jewel and Changi Airport
The Jewel at Changi Airport is definitely a beacon of innovation, engineering and entertainment in the world of travel. From the majestic indoor waterfall to the serene Shiseido Forest Valley and the myriad of interactive attractions like the Hedge Maze, Mirror Maze and Changi Experience Studio, Jewel Changi is an experience unlike any other.
Besides the Jewel, Changi Airport itself is a world of leisure, boasting unique attractions such as a rooftop pool, a 24-hour butterfly garden, and the world's tallest slide in an airport. This guide has walked you through the marvels of the Jewel and the convenience of navigating Changi Airport, highlighting the best in dining, shopping, and lodging options. I hope this helps make your visit to Singapore Changi Airport as smooth as possible, and wish you a great time on your adventures!
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