Jan 17, 2023
There’s a reason that Changi Airport is consistently voted one of the world’s most favourite airports – it is efficient, clean, easy to navigate and, with the recent opening of Jewel, it is filled with exciting activities to keep you busy until your next flight.
Here are our top picks of things to do the next time you’re at Changi Airport.
Time to spare: 1-3 hours
After years of anticipation, the Jewel, a nature-themed entertainment and retail complex, opened at the centre of Changi Airport. Linked to three passenger terminals, the Jewel houses the world's tallest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex, surrounded by a terraced forest setting with awesome light and
sound shows. With over 280 shops and restaurants, this is a great location to spend your spare time. We’ve heard the queues for Shake Shack are worth it!
Time to spare: 1 hour
Changi's giant slide is the world's tallest slide inside an airport.
Yes, you do have to pay (spend $10 in a single same day receipt for one ride) but the 12 meters (four storeys!) metallic slide in T3 is guaranteed to start – or end – your holiday on a high note.
Pssst! Have little ones? Take a ride down the one-and-a-half storey slide at Basement 2 for free. Kids need to be at least 1.1 meters tall to have a go.
Time to spare: 2 hours
Singapore is the Garden City, and this extends into Changi Airport with five themed gardens throughout the terminals. The Butterfly Garden (T3) is one not to miss with a plethora of beautiful butterflies and even a waterfall. Just don’t get so enthralled while visiting this spot that you miss your flight! Also check out: the rooftop Cactus Garden (T1) with its open-air bar and occasional live music at night, the outdoor Sunflower Garden (T2) (kids will love the view of the runway and aircraft parking bays) plus two indoor gardens: Enchanted Garden (T2) with bird sounds and the Orchid Garden
(T2) for a glimpse of Singapore’s famed orchids.
Time to spare: 3 hours
Yes, absolutely free! This full-blown cinema in Terminal 3, complete with plush cinema seating, shows box-office hits while you wait for your flight. In Terminal 2, the latest Fox Movies Premium Channel is shown on a regular-sized TV screen. Both theatres are open 24 hours daily.
Time to spare: 3 hours
Missing the water? Changi Airport has a swimming pool and a jacuzzi on the rooftop of T1. You’ll need to fork out $17 but extending that holiday feeling – which is even easier with a pina colada from the 24-hour pool bar – is pretty priceless! Just make sure to pack your swimmers in your hand luggage. The entry price includes access to shower facilities, a towel and a complimentary non-alcoholic drink.
Time to spare: 2 hours
As they say in Singapore, selamat makan! Roughly translated, that means “let’s chow down”. Changi Airport offers something for every palate but if you want to try local food, head to Singapore Food Street (T3) or the Food Emporium (T4) – the latter is designed to recreate the atmosphere of
heartland Singapore. This is a fab chance to try the island’s famous hawker fare, so order hor fun noodles, chicken rice, kaya toast or a plate of prata. If you fancy trying bak kut teh, try Old Street Bak Kut Teh (T4) or some refreshing mango pomelo sago at Hong Kong Sheng Kee Desserts (T2).
Also try the Jewel for iconic fast food eateries such as Shake Shack or Burger and Lobster.
Time to spare: 3 hours
Head to the new Terminal 4 (opened in 2017) where the Heritage Zone pays tribute to the evolution of Peranakan heritage from the 1880s to the 1950s. Catch a glimpse of the colourful Peranakan shophouse facades that are found around Singapore. A huge LED screen projects onto the three-storey façade showing a six-minute theatrical performance called Peranakan Love Story, set in 1930s. Then browse for souvenirs at the shops housed within.
Time to spare: 2 hours
Unlike many other airports where getting some kip involves checking in to a hotel or finding some floor space, Changi offers Snooze Lounges! The fully reclining chairs are available at T1, T2 and T3 transit areas. If you fancy a relax, but not full shuteye, look out for the leg massage chairs that dot the
terminals (yup, free again). Or pony up for a full body massage at one of the spas at the airport.
Time to spare: 5.5 hours
Once you’ve checked in and are luggage free, it may seem counter intuitive to head back into the city. But then again, it’s only a 20-minute ride. Officially you’ll need five hours to spare (transit passengers can take advantage of this too). The 2.5-hour tour is free – just sign up with your passport and boarding pass at the Free Singapore Tours booths at least 1 hour before a tour starts, and you’ll be whisked into town for an informative guided tour. Choose between two bus tours – a Heritage Tour or a City Sights Tour – or one walking tour of the Jewel.
Time to spare: 2 hours
If you are travelling with kids, look out for the wood block rubbing stations (Public & Transit Hall) where kids can use crayons to make their own art memento of Singapore icons. There are also four playgrounds in each terminal, where kids can get the wiggles out before their flight while mum and
dad watch with a coffee nearby. Have a play at the Social Tree (T1), a nine- meter tall interactive installation, with eight touchscreen photo booths where you can launch your own photos or videos onto the big screen and share them on social media. There are also free arcade games and computer stations including Xbox and Playstation 3 games, in the Xperience Zone (T2).
Please do also check out http://www.changiairport.com/en/airport-guide.html for more information
Images sourced from Changi Airport.
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