Owais Crawford
Singapore Changi Airport is one of the largest transport hubs in Asia, with four main terminals, three runways, and the Jewel Changi Airport entertainment/retail complex. The airport offers a wide range of amenities and attractions for travellers with long layovers, including dining, shopping, nature-related exhibits, hotels, and free tours of Singapore.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ranking | Third busiest airport in Asia, 18th busiest in the world |
| Number of terminals | 4 main terminals |
| Number of runways | 3 |
| Entertainment/Retail complex | Jewel Changi Airport |
| Natural attractions | Cactus Garden, sunflower field, Enchanted Garden, butterfly garden, world's tallest indoor waterfall |
| Dining options | 80 restaurants and eateries, including Ippudo Express and 24Hr Food Gallery |
| Amenities for families | Movie theatres, playgrounds, Sky Net |
| Amenities for relaxation | Swimming pool, jacuzzi, foot massage chairs, yoga and pilates classes |
| Amenities for rest | Free-to-use rest areas, transit hotels (e.g. Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel, Ambassador Transit Hotel, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport Hotel) |
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What You'll Learn
Take a free tour of Singapore's iconic attractions
Singapore Changi Airport has been operational since 1981 and has grown to become one of the largest transport hubs in Asia. It is well known for its beautiful terminals, with plenty to see and do during a layover. If you have a layover of between 5.5 and 24 hours, you can take a free 2.5-hour guided tour of Singapore's iconic attractions, departing from the airport.
The Free Singapore Tour is exclusively available for transit and transfer passengers of Changi Airport. There are three unique tour itineraries to choose from, each featuring curated sightseeing routes with two brief photo stops at iconic landmarks.
On the City Sights Tour, you can snap a picture with the iconic Merlion at Merlion Park, take in the city's breathtaking skyline, and marvel at the dazzling Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay. You can also explore the award-winning garden in the heart of the city, featuring more than 500,000 plants across more than 2,200 species.
The Heritage and Cultural Tour takes you to Chinatown and Kampong Gelam, where you can explore Singapore's rich cultural heritage and discover the city's true cultural diversity.
On the Singapore River and Marina Bay Sands Tour, you can soak in panoramic skyline views along the Singapore River and admire the striking architecture of Marine Bay Sands. As you approach Marina Bay, you'll see impressive structures like the ArtScience Museum and the soaring skyscrapers of the Central Business District.
To join the tour, you must remain in the transit area of the airport and refrain from clearing immigration, as the Free Singapore Tour booths are located within this area. You will need to present your passport, boarding passes, and valid entry visa (if required) for registration. It is recommended to book in advance as places are limited.
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Visit the world's tallest indoor waterfall in the airport
Singapore Changi Airport has been named the "best airport in the world" for its beautiful terminals and the abundance of things to see and do during a layover. One of its most notable attractions is the Rain Vortex, which is the world's tallest indoor waterfall, standing at 40 metres (approximately 130 feet) tall. The waterfall is located inside the Jewel Changi Airport, a mixed-use development that spans a gross floor area of 134,000 to 135,700 square metres.
The Rain Vortex is an impressive engineering feat, designed by the renowned architect Moshe Safdie and his firm, Safdie Architects. The waterfall pours down seven storeys from an oculus in the glass domed roof of the building. The dome-like structure incorporates a puncture at the top, allowing rainwater to gush down and be recirculated and reused within the building for irrigation and passive cooling. Singapore experiences frequent thunderstorms, so the Rain Vortex is designed to funnel rainwater at a rate of 10,000 gallons per minute.
The waterfall is not just a standalone feature but an integral part of the building's design. As WET Design Director, Peter Kopik, explained, "It's a continuation of the building. It's like the roof is pouring in and the building is getting completed in a liquid form." WET is the company behind other famous water features such as the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas.
The Jewel Changi Airport is more than just a transit hub; it offers a unique experience for both locals and travellers. In addition to the breathtaking waterfall, Jewel boasts a lush, climate-controlled indoor forest called the Forest Valley, featuring over 900 trees and palms and more than 100,000 shrubs sourced from around the world. Terraces filled with 200 plant species surround the waterfall in an area called the Forest Canopy, with trails for visitors to explore.
The development also includes a range of dining and retail options, with five storeys dedicated to shops and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy cuisines from Asian to Western, including dishes made with the strong-smelling durian fruit and Singapore's first Shake Shack. There are also cafes offering "outdoor" dining with a view of the forest and waterfall. For those seeking entertainment, Jewel houses a multi-screen IMAX theatre and a light and sound projection show that illuminates the Rain Vortex at night.
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Explore the Cactus Garden
Singapore Changi Airport is a great place to spend a long layover, with plenty to see and do. One such attraction is the Cactus Garden, located in Terminal 1. This unique garden is home to over 100 species of cacti and arid plants from Asia, Africa, and America. Visitors can wander through a landscape of succulents, taking in the stunning diversity of these plants, which include the Golden Barrel Cactus, Old Man Cactus, and giant Ponytail Palm Trees. Various forms of Cycads, dating back to the dinosaur era, can also be found here, along with edible cacti like the Apple Cactus and Prickly Pear Cactus.
The Cactus Garden is not just a collection of plants but also an artistic showcase. Cactus sculptures by American artists Richard Turner and Eric Carroll adorn the garden, their rust formations evoking the texture of fibre encrustation on cacti. The garden also features Sago Palms, primitive plants native to Southern Japan, some of which are over 50 years old. Century Plants, with their distinctive sword-shaped and spiny-margined leaves, are another highlight. These plants, native to dry regions of America, commercially produce tequila from their cores.
The Cactus Garden offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the airport. It is a place to relax and enjoy nature, with paths winding through the cacti and a bar nearby for refreshments. The garden provides a unique experience, combining the beauty of nature with the convenience of an airport location. It is a great way to pass the time during a layover, offering a glimpse into the diverse world of cacti and arid plants.
For those seeking a break from traditional airport activities, the Cactus Garden provides a tranquil escape. It is a place to connect with nature, admire the resilience of these arid plants, and perhaps even learn about their economic importance. The garden showcases the beauty that can be found in dry regions around the world and offers a unique perspective on the natural world, all within the convenient setting of an international airport. So, whether you're a plant enthusiast or simply looking for a quiet place to relax, the Cactus Garden is worth exploring during your time at Singapore Changi Airport.
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Relax in a rooftop pool
Singapore Changi Airport is a great place to relax and unwind during a layover. One of the best ways to do this is to take advantage of the airport's rooftop pool. Here are some reasons why you should consider relaxing in the rooftop pool during your next layover in Singapore Changi Airport:
Unwind and Relax: The rooftop pool offers a serene and tranquil experience for travellers. You can take a dip, swim a few laps, and enjoy the stunning views of the runway while you relax and unwind. It's the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport and rejuvenate before your next flight.
Stunning Views: The rooftop pool provides breathtaking views of the airport runway. You can watch planes landing and taking off while you swim or relax by the poolside. It's a unique perspective that adds to the excitement and charm of your layover experience.
Poolside Amenities: The rooftop pool area features a range of amenities to enhance your comfort and enjoyment. The Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel, located in Terminal 1, offers a poolside bar and spa, allowing you to indulge in a refreshing drink or treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment.
Convenience and Accessibility: The rooftop pool is exclusively reserved for travellers passing through the airport, offering convenience and accessibility. You don't need to venture outside the airport to find a swimming pool; instead, you can enjoy this oasis within the airport itself. The pool operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and guests of Aerotel enjoy complimentary access.
Enhance Your Layover Experience: Singapore Changi Airport is known for its extensive offerings during layovers. By taking advantage of the rooftop pool, you add another dimension to your layover experience. You can explore the airport's incredible garden and pond sections, cafes and restaurants, shops, and other attractions while also enjoying a relaxing swim during your downtime.
So, the next time you have a layover at Singapore Changi Airport, don't forget to pack your swimsuit in your hand luggage. The rooftop pool awaits you, offering a unique and relaxing experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated for the next leg of your journey.
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Shop in the Jewel Changi Airport complex
Jewel Changi Airport is a nature-themed entertainment and retail complex linked to one of the passenger terminals of Changi Airport in Singapore. It houses more than 2,000 trees and palms, and over 10,000 shrubs covering a total area of more than 21,000 sqm. It features the Shiseido Forest Valley, an indoor garden spanning five storeys, and the Canopy Park at the topmost level, featuring gardens and leisure facilities.
Jewel Changi Airport offers a world-class shopping experience with about 300 retail and dining outlets. It houses both local and international brands, including the first Apple Store inside an airport complex and the first permanent Pokémon Center in Asia outside of Japan. Other stores include Muji, Zara, Uniqlo, Don Don Donki, and Massimo Dutti. There is also a Shaw Theatres cinema with an IMAX theatre, a FairPrice Finest supermarket, and a food court. For those interested in athleisure brands, Jewel has you covered with options such as Nike, Adidas, and New Balance.
In addition to shopping, Jewel provides a mix of local and international restaurant chains. Indulge in some delicious food at A&W Restaurants, Jumbo Seafood, Shake Shack, or Bee Cheng Hiang. You can also find familiar options like Shake Shack and Starbucks. If you're looking for Singaporean delicacies, the 24Hr Food Gallery offers a variety of local dishes at any time of day.
The complex is located at the eastern end of Singapore, approximately 20 km (12 mi) northeast of the country's Downtown Core. It was designed to maintain Changi Airport's status as a major aviation hub in the Asia-Pacific region and has certainly added to the airport's appeal, attracting numerous visitors.
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Frequently asked questions
Singapore Changi Airport has plenty to keep you entertained during a layover. You can take a free tour of the island's iconic attractions, including natural wonders, colonial history, and modern monuments. Within the airport, you can find cafes, restaurants, and shops. The airport also has free-to-use rest areas, foot massage chairs, movie theatres, and an in-house butterfly garden.
Singapore Changi Airport has four main terminals, plus the Jewel Changi Airport entertainment/retail complex, with three runways. The terminals are so large and spread out that there is a Skytrain to travel between them. The airport also has hotels, including the Ambassador Transit Hotel and the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport Hotel, which has an outdoor pool.
There are 80 restaurants and eateries located in the various airport terminals, catering to just about everyone. You can find local dishes such as Hainanese chicken, nasi lemak, laksa, kaya toast, and kopi. There are also international options, including Ippudo Express, which serves world-class ramen, and 24Hr Food Gallery, which offers Singaporean delicacies around the clock.
Singapore Changi Airport is known for its nature-related exhibits, including the world's tallest indoor waterfall, a Cactus Garden with succulents from the Americas, Africa, and Asia, and the Enchanted Garden, which comes alive with lighting displays, sounds, and giant glass sculptures filled with fresh flowers and ferns. The airport also has an in-house butterfly garden and an outdoor rooftop pool with a view of the planes taking off and landing.
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