Have you ever been on a long layover in an airport and felt like you were going stir-crazy? Well, that’s not the case when your layover is in Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore. In fact, you might even enjoy your layover so much that you’ll want to extend it! Trust us, a layover in Jewel Changi Airport is like a mini vacation.
With its lush greenery, incredible rainforest walks, and stunning waterfall, it’s easy to forget that you’re even in an airport. And with over 280 shops and restaurants, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Whether you’re looking for some duty-free shopping or just want to grab a bite, Jewel has it all. And if you need some entertainment, be sure to check out the Canopy Park on Level 5 or go on an adventure with Jewel-rassic Quest: An augmented reality experience with dinosaurs.
Recommended time spent at Jewel-rassic Quest: 1.5 hour
Here’s how to make the most of your layover at Jewel Changi Airport!
Rejuvenate Your Senses
After spending so much time up in the air, soothe your eyes and rejuvenate your sense with a stroll at the Shiseido Forest Valley. This indoor garden is one of the largest in Singapore, and it’s easy to see why. With over 2000 trees and palms, as well as 100,000 shrubs, the Shiseido Forest Valley is an oasis in a bustling air hub. The two walking trails wind their way through the Forest Valley from level 1 all the way to level 4, offering idyllic views of the garden and plenty of photo opportunities. The serene setting and calming scent of the trees will ease your mind and body.
And without any doubt, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall HSBC Rain Vortex is the absolute centerpiece of Jewel. It’s an amazing sight to behold, and you’ll definitely want to spend some time taking it all in.
Recommended time spent: 30 minutes
Indoor Activities That Are Perfect for Outdoors Lovers
If you’re feeling adventurous, head up to Canopy Park (Level 5) and take in the stunning views of the Rain Vortex and Forest Valley at the Canopy Bridge! It’s a great way to get some fresh air and take in the amazing views of Jewel.
The Canopy Park also has a bunch of other activities available such as the Discovery Slides, Foggy Bowls, Petal Garden, Mirror Maze and more. With its plethora of attractions and activities, it’s easy to while away an hour or two in this oasis.
If you’re in for a thrill, check out Jewel’s bouncing net. Suspended 25 metres off the ground, it’s the perfect place to get your adrenaline pumping. You can bounce around to your heart’s content and enjoy the view. For those who prefer to take things at a slower pace, there’s the walking net, which offers a more laid-back way to experience Canopy Park.
Recommended time spent: 1 hour
Flex your mini vacation on the ‘gram
The Hedge Maze is Singapore’s largest English-styled hedge maze with walls at 1.8m high and it turns out to be a popular spot for the ‘gram. That’s not the only maze here in Jewel, enter the Mirror Maze which is set in a garden featuring an open ceiling covered with greenery, so when the sunlight hits the mirror, it creates an illusion of being underwater.
Recommended time spent: 30 minutes
Freshen up at the Shower cabins by Yotelair (walk-in only)
Located on the fourth floor of Jewel Changi Airport, YOTELAIR, part of the innovative global hospitality brand YOTEL, provides a place to rest, relax and rejuvenate in smartly-designed cabins, whether for a few hours or overnight. Take advantage of day rates with cabins available to book for a minimum of four hours or spend the night and wake up close to Jewel’s indoor forest and rain vortex. There are also private shower cabins available for travellers that just need a place to freshen up. Each shower cabin has a rain shower, toiletries by Urban Jungle, fresh fluffy towels and a hairdryer.
Recommended time spent: 30 minutes to 4 hours
Savour Local Cuisines
What’s a trip to Singapore without a taste of its local flavours? If you’re hankering for authentic Singapore flavours, there are Soup Restaurant, Song Fa Ba Kut The, Jumbo, Rich & Good, and Birds of Paradise, just to name a few.
Shop to Your Heart’s Content
Jewel is a popular shopping destination for both locals and tourists alike, and with good reason – there are over 280 shops, ranging from high-end retailers to local boutiques. There are 11 flagship stores of well-known brands such as the largest Nike retail store in Southeast Asia, which offers shoe customisation services. You’ll also find the only permanent Pokemon store outside of Japan.
And if you’re looking for a unique and delicious souvenir to take back home, there are plenty of options available in Jewel, ranging from barbequed meat (locally known as Bakkwa), to traditional pastries, and gifts.
Bakkwa is a popular snack made of grilled marinated meat, and it’s a must-try for anyone visiting Singapore. You can find this popular snack at Bee Cheng Hiang in Jewel. For those with a sweet tooth, you can find an array of traditional pastries from Bengawan Solo such as Kueh Lapis Sagu (Steamed Layer Cake) and Pandan Chiffon Cakes. There is also a dedicated Gift by Changi Airport store that sells souvenirs. With so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect souvenir to take home with you.
Pro-tip for tourists: The Jewel Privileges Program (JPP) entitles you to redeem a $5 retail voucher. Simply present your passport at the L2 concierge counter (near the main entrance of Jewel).
How to Get There
Layover visitors can access Jewel from walkways directly connected to T1, T2 and T3.
General Facilities in Jewel Changi Airport include:
Early check-in
- There are 8 fast check-in counters and 4 manned counters
- Available for FITs (foreign independent travel), single booking with 7 persons and below.
- For guests who are eligible for early check-in, they can drop their baggage at this counter from 3hours to 24hours before departure.
- Available for travellers flying with Malaysia Airlines, Qantas and Singapore Airlines* (selected destinations)
*Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Paris, Rome, Zurich
Baggage Storage
- For guests who are unable to do an early check-in, they can choose to drop their luggage at the baggage storage facility at $5 to $18 per 24 hours based on baggage size.
- Under the Jewel Privilege Program, guests can enjoy 20% off the published rate on luggage storage and bag wrapping of all sizes. The discount is only applicable for storage for up to 6 hours. An overdue bag is subject to full rate. Rate includes 7% GST.
GST Refund
Jewel retail outlets are not in the transit area, all items come with GST. Guests are reminded to have their GST refunded before boarding the plane.
Looking for a tranquil environment to finish some work before your next flight? Head over to Changi Lounge.
Located within Jewel Changi Airport, Changi Lounge provides an exclusive and comfortable environment where both arriving and departing passengers can rest and relax – with Jewel’s range of exciting attractions and lifestyle offerings right at the doorstep for their exploration.
Enjoy drinks and tea snacks, as one rejuvenates before or in between flights. The lounge also provides high-speed internet connectivity, ample charging, and power points for devices, making it convenient for those who want to catch up on their work or their favourite shows on their personal devices. Private meeting rooms are also available for a fee.
Lounge package is inclusive of refreshments, with Priority Pass (including LoungeKey and LoungeKey Pass) and Dragon Pass programmes accepted with valid boarding pass.
