Singapore Airport: Insider Guide to Jewel Changi Airport
Forget everything you thought you knew about airports—Singapore’s Changi is different. Despite handling 67.7 million passengers last year and earning over 650 awards (including 12 ‘World’s Best Airport’ titles from Skytrax), it feels spacious, calm, and remarkably efficient.
Its crown jewel (literally) is Jewel Changi Airport, a stunning nature-meets-retail experience directly across from Terminal 1. Opened in 2019, the Jewel is home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall—the 40-meter Rain Vortex—surrounded by the lush, multi-level Shiseido Forest Valley.
With immersive attractions like a mirror maze, bouncing nets, canopy bridge, and giant slides, it’s part rainforest, part theme park, part luxury mall—and all proof that layovers don’t have to be boring.
Best of all? It’s in the public (landside) area, so no boarding pass or immigration needed. Whether you’re flying in, out, or just passing through, you’re welcome to explore.
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.
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!
📍 Jewel Changi Quick Facts
Can be visited during a layover of 3+ hours, since you’ll need to exit and re-enter through immigration and security
Opened in 2019 next to Changi Terminal 1 (landside, public access)
Free to enter (note: most attractions require separate tickets)
Home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall: the 40m Rain Vortex
Enveloped by the Shiseido Forest Valley, with 2,000+ trees and 100,000+ shrubs
Access the Canopy Park daytime, with mazes, mirror garden, slides, shopping & more
Nightly Light & Musical Showcase at the Rain Vortex (7:30 PM to 10 PM, with extra shows on weekends and holidays) — check the schedule!
Watch as we test the slides, trains & views in the Jewel:
Watch as we test the slides, marvel at waterfalls and ride the trains in Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport!
Know Before You Go: 10 Common Mistakes at the Jewel
The Jewel is not the airport itself
Singapore’s airport is called Changi Airport (code: SIN). The Jewel is a public shopping, dining, and entertainment complex connected to Terminal 1—but it’s not part of the transit area. If you’re on a layover, you’ll need to exit immigration to visit.
Layovers: You’ll Need to Exit Immigration to Visit the Jewel
You’ll need to clear immigration to leave the transit area, and go through security again before your next flight, so be sure to leave yourself enough time to return to your gate without stress.
If you’re only on a layover, I recommend visiting the Jewel only if you have 3–4 hours or more!
Departures: Drop Your Bags Before Visiting
If you’re departing from Changi Airport and want to explore the Jewel, plan to arrive 1–2 hours earlier than usual. Drop your luggage at your airline’s check-in or bag drop counter (ours opened 4 hours before departure—many are flexible!), and then enjoy the Jewel before passing through immigration.
⏱️ If you're just here to walk around, see the waterfall, and enjoy the gardens, an extra hour should do.
🛍️ If you plan to shop, dine, or visit paid attractions, give yourself 2–3 hours, depending on your interests.
If, for any reason, you’re unable to check your luggage early, you can access paid luggage storage in every terminal + the Jewel.
Luggage Storage is Available
The waterfall is called the Rain Vortex
You’ll see this name on signs and maps. It's the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and hard to miss—it tumbles from a donut-shaped glass oculus in the roof, creating a mesmerizing centerpiece.
The waterfall is sometimes off
It undergoes maintenance periodically. We were lucky—it was on during our visit despite a closure notice. If it’s high on your list, check the Jewel website ahead of time. The regular operating hours are daily from 10 AM to 10 PM.
It's Hot & Humid Inside—Pack Accordingly
The Jewel mimics a rainforest climate. While stunning, it’s also warm and humid inside. If you’re flying long-haul, do yourself (and your seatmate) a favour: pack deodorant and bring a clean shirt to change into before your flight.
The architecture is worth geeking out on
Designed by Moshe Safdie (of Marina Bay Sands fame, but also behind Canadian gems like Ottawa’s National Gallery of Canada, Montreal’s Habitat 67), Jewel is a true feat of design. If you’re curious, this interactive site goes behind the scenes on its engineering brilliance. It will help you appreciate it even more when you visit!
Budget & Costs: Know What to Expect
Singapore isn’t cheap, and Changi Airport leans premium. Many of the Jewel’s attractions are ticketed—and prices can add up fast, especially for families.
Want to save? Bundle passes offer better value if you plan to visit more than one attraction. Otherwise, you can stick to free highlights like the Shiseido Forest Valley, the Rain Vortex, and the light shows.
Dining with a View
The top floor of the Jewel is a great place for a final Singapore meal or drink. It’s not cheap—but surprisingly, some restaurants here were as affordable (or more so) than post-security options in Terminal 4.
You’ll also get an amazing view of the waterfall while you eat.
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.
Rain Vortex
The 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 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 in crossing 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 more 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 detailed information about accessing special assistance here on the Changi Airport website, which outlines the accessibility services provided to ensure a comfortable experience for all travelers.
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. Integrating a lush environment with charming sites, a majestic indoor waterfall, the serene Shiseido Forest Valley, and loads of interactive experiences like the Hedge Maze, Mirror Maze, and Changi Experience Studio.
Besides the Jewel, Changi Airport itself is a world of leisure, boasting unique activities such as a rooftop pool, a 24-hour butterfly garden, and the world’s tallest slide in an airport. It's an above-par layover or take-off spot, with so many entertainment options and a higher level of comfort and cleanliness than the vast majority.
I hope this helps make your visit to Singapore Changi Airport as smooth as possible, and wish you a great time on your adventures!
Was this helpful? Did I miss something or get something wrong? Let me know in the comments or send me a message!
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