Rarely is an airport a destination unto itself. But, not every airport is the Changi Airport in Singapore. Boasting countless activities, record-breaking sights, numerous boutiques, and airport food more aptly labeled Michelin-star dining, Changi is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.

So, if you travel to the Lion City, here are just a few things to do at Changi Airport when you arrive.

Things To Do At Changi Airport

Singapore’s Changi Airport is one of the busiest transportation hubs in Asia, serving over 100 airlines to over 100 destinations around the world. It’s so busy, in fact, that a flight takes off from one of its runways every 80 seconds! And, if you’re lucky enough to be among the roughly 68.3 million passengers the airport serves each year, you’re in for a treat!

For eight years running, Changi Airport has been voted the best airport in the world by Skytrax. A well-deserved designation for its many amenities and attractions, some of which include:

World-class shopping (throughout)
Movie theaters (T2, T3)
Shower and spa services (T1, T2, T3)
Swimming pool with jacuzzi (T1)
Living art along a treetop trail (T1)
A water lily garden (T1)
A tropical rainforest vivarium (T1)
A cactus garden (T1)
An enchanted garden (T2)
A sunflower garden (T2)
An orchid garden (T2)
A butterfly garden (T3)
The world’s tallest airport slide (T3)
An interactive arcade (T4)
A colorful showcase of Peranakan shophouses (T4)
Multiple art installations (including my favorite – Kinetic Rain, found in T1)

The Jewel at Changi Airport

But, despite Changi Airport’s countless amenities, the Jewel is by far it’s most alluring. Opening in April 2019, it spans 1.4 million square feet and cost about $1.25 billion to build. The glass-domed indoor rainforest connects three terminals and has the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at its center – the Rain Vortex. Plunging 130-feet, it’s a jaw-dropping sight to behold!

The Jewel also features gardens, a hotel, 300 retail and dining outlets, and numerous activities. Some of the best include:

Canopy Park

If you do nothing else while visiting Changi’s Jewel, make sure to visit Canopy Park. Located on the Jewel’s top floor (L5), this nearly 46,000 sqft recreational area has everything you could possibly want to keep you entertained. An admission ticket includes access to the discovery slides, foggy bowls, petal garden, and topiary walk. It’s a perfect way to pass the time on a layover for the young or young at heart.

· Admission: SGD 5 (SGD 4.50 for residents)

Other Ticketable Activities

There are a number of other activities within Changi’s Jewel that are appropriate for all ages! And, except for the Canopy Bridge, admission to these attractions also gains you access to the Canopy Park. Bonus! A few of these other activities include:

Hedge Maze

Located on L5, you can wander through Singapore’s largest hedge maze which offers a bird’s eye view of the labyrinth’s intricate twists and turns from the tower at its end.

· Admission: SGD 12 for adults, SGD 8 for children/seniors (discounted for residents)

Mirror Maze

Located on L5, this unique mirror maze features a canopy of greenery overhead. The greenery becomes a kaleidoscope above you and makes you feel as if you’ve stepped through the looking glass into Alice’s Wonderland.

· Admission: SGD 15 for adults, SGD 10 for children/seniors (discounted for residents)

Sky Nets

Whether you’re in the mood to get your bounce on or simply walk along the netted treetops, the Manulife Sky Nets have you covered! With two separate areas designed for either bounding or leisure, the nets offer visitors a true sky-high experience.

· Walking Nets Admission: SGD 15 for adults, SGD 10 for children (discounted for residents)
· Bouncing Nets Admission: SGD 22 for adults, SGD 16 for children (discounted for residents)

Canopy Bridge

Towering 75-feet above the Jewel floor, this glass-bottomed bridge is a hair-raising way to see the Rain Vortex like never before. And, with the waterfall’s mist rising from the pool below, it gives you the sensation you’re walking through the clouds.

· Admission: SGD 8 (discounted for residents)

Where To Stay

Whether you’re looking for a convenient hotel to stay at in the airport or simply need a place to call home base during a long layover, the Yotel Air in Changi’s Jewel has you covered!

I had the pleasure of staying there for a few hours on my way to Nepal and it was absolutely delightful. The room was cozy and well-appointed with everything I needed during my stay (including a signature purple toothbrush, which was great to have on my next flight!) And, the bed was blissfully comfortable after my long 18-hour flight from Los Angeles.

Plus, check-in and check-out were a breeze, so there was no delay in getting to my room or heading back through security after my stay. I’d give my brief visit to the hotel two thumbs way up!

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do at Changi Airport to keep you entertained on your next layover in the Lion City. So, if you find yourself in Singapore, make sure to check it out!

Have you been to Changi Airport before? Comment below, I’d love to hear what you thought of it!

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