10 (Mostly) Free Things to Do at Changi Airport
- Viaan Raj
- Jun 5, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 11, 2024
Changi Airport in Singapore isn't just an airport; it's a destination in itself. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities, Changi offers a plethora of activities and attractions that can make even the longest layovers enjoyable.
Whether you're a transit passenger or just visiting the airport, there are numerous free (and mostly free) things to do that will keep you entertained and relaxed.
10 free things to do at Changi Airport
1. Rain Vortex/ Shiseido Forest Valley at Jewel
Opening Hours
Mon - Thu: 11:00AM - 10:00PM
Fri - Sun, including PH: 10:00AM - 10:00PM
Location
Heart of Shiseido Forest Valley
Jewel is a stunning entertainment & retail complex in Changi Airport that connects to Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Its centerpiece is the HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall with a stunning display of water cascading down 7 storeys at the heart of Jewel!
At night, the waterfall transforms into a stunning visual masterpiece with a light and sound show that enchants viewers with its vibrant colors and rhythmic music.
Rain Vortex show times are as under:
Mon - Thu: 8.00pm & 9.00pm; Fri - Sun, PH & Eve of PH: 8.00pm, 9.00pm & 10.00pm
Surrounding the Rain Vortex is the Shiseido Forest Valley, a lush, indoor garden featuring over 2,000 trees and palms and around 100,000 shrubs.
This verdant oasis provides a tranquil escape from the bustling airport environment, offering walking trails, seating areas, and vantage points for appreciating the waterfall from various angles.
Both the Rain Vortex and the Forest Valley are free to visit and offer a peaceful retreat.
2. Relax at the Sunflower Garden
Timing: Open 24 hours
Location: Terminal 2
The Sunflower Garden at Changi Airport in Singapore is a vibrant, open-air sanctuary located on the rooftop of Terminal 2.
This unique attraction features over 500 sunflowers, offering travelers a cheerful and calming retreat amidst the hustle and bustle of one of the world's busiest airports.
This is a perfect spot to relax, take some photos, and enjoy the fresh air. The garden is open 24 hours and offers a unique viewing experience of the airport’s runway.
3. Wander through the Butterfly Garden
Timing: Open 24 hours
Location: Terminal 3
One of the most unique attractions at Changi Airport is the Butterfly Garden in Terminal 3. This two-level garden is home to over 1,000 tropical butterflies from 40 species.
You can wander among the lush greenery and enjoy the beauty of these colorful creatures. The garden also features a six-meter grotto waterfall and educational corners for learning more about butterflies.
4. Visit the Enchanted Garden
The Enchanted Garden in Terminal 2 (Level 2) is a magical space that combines nature with technology. As you walk through the garden, motion sensors trigger sounds of nature and blooming flowers.
The garden is adorned with glass sculptures and a koi pond, creating a tranquil and enchanting atmosphere perfect for a leisurely stroll.
5. Take a Dip in the Swimming Pool
Location: T1, Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel, Level 3, Departure Transit Hall (near D Gates)
Cost per person: S$25 per adult (complimentary for hotel guests)
Operating hours: 12:00 PM–10:00 PM, daily
For a small fee, you can access the rooftop swimming pool in Terminal 1. This pool offers a refreshing break with a fantastic view of the airport runway.
It’s an ideal spot to relax, swim, or soak in the Jacuzzi. Adjacent to the pool is the Aerobar, where you can enjoy a drink while taking in the view.
6. Enjoy the Art Installations
Changi Airport is filled with impressive art installations that are worth exploring. From the kinetic rain sculptures in Terminal 1 (Level 2) to the colorful glass sculptures and interactive installations in other terminals, there’s plenty of art to admire.
These installations not only beautify the airport but also provide a fascinating insight into contemporary art.
7. Discover the Interactive Play Areas
If you’re traveling with children, Changi Airport has several interactive play areas that will keep them entertained.
The Family Zone in Terminal 2 features a playground, nursing rooms, and TV lounges.
8. Watch a Film at Movie Theatre
Location: T3 Transit, Level 3, Departure Transit Hall North (near the Ambassador Transit Lounge)
Timings: 24 hours
If you have some time before your flight, consider visiting the movie theater in Terminal 3. You can enjoy the latest films across various genres in comfort. Best of all, screenings are free of charge!
9. Explore The Wonderfall
Location: Terminal 2 Departure Hall
Timings: 24 hours
Travellers can immerse themselves in a towering multimedia digital waterfall display that is four storeys high and a landscaped garden at the Terminal 2 (T2).
The centrepiece of the departure hall – digital waterfall display The Wonderfall – stands at 14m high and 17m wide.
Nestled in a vertical garden, the large multimedia wall features a “waterfall” cascading over large boulders.
10. Experience the Heritage Zone
Located in Terminal 4, the Heritage Zone showcases Singapore’s rich cultural heritage. The area is designed to resemble shophouses from the 1880s to the 1950s, offering a glimpse into the city’s past.
The digital wall in the Heritage Zone also features Peranakan Love Story, an immersive multimedia show that brings the shophouses to life with stories of romance and tradition.
Paid attractions at Jewel Changi Airport
Jewel also offers numerous paid attractions that captivate visitors of all ages.
1. Canopy Park
Located on the top level of Jewel, Canopy Park is a sprawling recreational wonderland that offers a variety of paid attractions:
Canopy Bridge: Visitors can traverse the 50-meter long bridge, which is suspended 23 meters above the ground. The glass-bottomed sections of the bridge provide a thrilling perspective of the Rain Vortex and the lush greenery below.
Sky Nets: The Sky Nets comprise two main attractions – the Walking Net and the Bouncing Net. The Walking Net offers a unique experience of walking above the canopy at a height of 25 meters, while the Bouncing Net provides an energetic, trampoline-like adventure.
Hedge Maze: The Hedge Maze is Singapore’s largest, featuring intricate pathways and a watchtower that provides a panoramic view of the maze and its surroundings.
Mirror Maze: The Mirror Maze offers a surreal experience with its endless reflections and cleverly placed mirrors. This attraction is not only visually stunning but also mentally stimulating, as visitors navigate their way through the optical illusions.
Discovery Slides: The Discovery Slides are a unique combination of art and play. This sculptural playground offers four slides of varying heights and angles, providing a delightful experience for children and adults alike.
3. Changi Experience Studio
The Changi Experience Studio is an interactive digital attraction that offers an engaging exploration of the airport's history, culture, and innovations. With a paid entry, visitors can enjoy a series of immersive experiences:
Time Tunnel: The Time Tunnel takes visitors on a journey through Changi Airport's evolution, showcasing its milestones and achievements through multimedia displays.
Sky Deck: The Sky Deck provides a panoramic view of the airport, with interactive screens offering information about the planes and their destinations.
Singapore Stories: This section celebrates Singapore's rich culture and heritage through interactive exhibits and games.
Immersive Shows: The studio features captivating shows that blend storytelling with cutting-edge technology, offering an engaging experience for all ages.
4. Manulife Sky Nets
The Manulife Sky Nets are divided into two distinct experiences:
Walking Sky Net: This net, suspended high above the ground, allows visitors to walk among the treetops, providing a bird's-eye view of the attractions below. The gentle sway of the net adds an element of thrill to the experience.
Bouncing Sky Net: The Bouncing Sky Net is perfect for those seeking a more active adventure. Visitors can jump and bounce on this expansive net, enjoying a unique blend of exercise and entertainment. Both experiences require a paid ticket.
5. Foggy Bowls
The Foggy Bowls are a whimsical playground for children, featuring mist-filled bowls that create an otherworldly experience. Kids can frolic in the cool mist, enjoying the tactile and visual sensations.
6. Petal Garden
The Petal Garden is a horticultural showcase that features seasonal floral displays. This attraction offers a tranquil and visually stunning experience, with different themes and flower species throughout the year. While the garden itself is free to view, guided tours and special exhibits may require an additional fee.
7. Topiary Walk
The Topiary Walk is a delightful pathway adorned with animal-shaped topiaries and vibrant plant displays. Visitors can stroll through this enchanting garden, taking in the artistry and creativity of the topiaries. As with other sections of Canopy Park, access to the Topiary Walk is included in the park's admission fee.
8. Jewel’s Discovery Slides
The Discovery Slides are a combination of art and play. This sculptural play area features four slides of different heights and gradients, providing a fun and dynamic experience for visitors of all ages. Access to the Discovery Slides is part of the Canopy Park ticket.
A combo package including following attractions costs SGD 54 for Adults & SGD 39 for Children: Canopy Park (Incl. Discovery Slides, Foggy Bowls, Petal Garden, Topiary Walk), Mastercard® Canopy Bridge, Hedge Maze, Mirror Maze, Walking Net, Bouncing Net
Getting to Jewel Changi Airport
Jewel is situated at the heart of Changi Airport and easily accessible to all terminals of the airport.
For Arriving Passengers
Terminal 1
Direct Connection: Jewel is directly connected to Terminal 1. Once you have collected your baggage and cleared customs, follow the signs to Jewel. The access point is located near the Arrival Hall (Level 1).
Terminal 2
Link Bridge: From the Arrival Hall, follow the signs to Jewel. You will walk through a link bridge that connects Terminal 2 (Level 2) to Jewel. This bridge is accessible and features travelators for added convenience.
Terminal 3:
Link Bridge: Similar to Terminal 2, Terminal 3 is connected to Jewel via a link bridge. Follow the signs from the Arrival Hall to Jewel, which will guide you through the bridge equipped with travelators.
Skytrain: Another option is to take the Skytrain from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2, and then walk to Jewel via the link bridge.
Terminal 4:
Shuttle Bus: Terminal 4 is not directly connected to Jewel. Take the free shuttle bus from Terminal 4 Arrival Lounge to Jewel/ Terminal 1.
For Departing Passengers
Departing passengers can directly go to Jewel as it is located on the landside and accessible to everyone, including local residents and travellers.
For Transit Passengers
Transit passengers should keep at least 5 hours of transit time to comfortably visit and experience Jewel.
Baggage storage at Jewel Changi Airport
If you have luggage, Jewel offers baggage storage services for a fee, allowing you to explore without the burden of carrying your bags.
The baggage counter is located at Level 1 of Jewel (near the Early Check-In Lounge). For storage fee details, pl check the official site.
Early check-in at Jewel Changi Airport
If you don't want to pay for baggage storage, you make use of the early check-in facilities at L1 of Jewel.
There, you can check-in your baggage and enjoy a hands-free experience at Jewel before it is time to catch your flight.
This facility is available to passengers of a few select airlines like AirAsia, Singapore Airlines etc. Pl find details of all participating airline in the official site.
Transit Hotels at Changi Airport
Feeling exhausted after a long flight? Book a comfortable room at a transit hotel and relax without having to go through immigration.
Please do not clear immigration if you wish to stay at a transit hotel.
Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel
Terminal 1
Location: Level 3, Departure Transit Hall (above Gate D41)
Operating Hours: 24 hours daily
Ambassador Transit Hotel
Terminal 2
Location: Level 3, Departure Transit Hall South
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Terminal 3
Location: Level 3, Departure Transit Hall (next to the Movie Theatre)
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Pl click here for more detailed information on transit hotels at Changi Airport.
Conclusion
Changi Airport truly goes above and beyond to ensure that passengers have an unforgettable experience.
From stunning gardens and art installations to interactive play areas and free movie theaters, there’s no shortage of things to do at Changi Airport. Whether you’re on a layover or starting your journey, make sure to explore these fantastic (mostly free) attractions.
Ready to experience the best that Changi Airport has to offer? Start planning your visit today and discover why it’s consistently rated as one of the best airports in the world.
For more travel tips and guides, do check out our Singapore travel posts below. Safe travels!
