Ruth Haines
Singapore Changi Airport is one of the best places to be stranded during a long layover. The airport has been in operation since 1981 and has grown massively over the years. It is now one of the largest transport hubs in Asia, the third busiest airport on the continent, and the 18th busiest in the world. The airport features four main terminals, each with its own unique attractions. From rock climbing and bouldering facilities to the world's tallest indoor waterfall, a Skytrain, and a plethora of shopping and dining options, there's something for everyone at Singapore Changi Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of terminals | 4 main terminals |
| Transport between terminals | Skytrain monorail |
| Transport hub ranking in Asia | Third busiest airport |
| Transport hub ranking in the world | 18th busiest airport |
| Entertainment/retail complex | Jewel Changi Airport |
| World's tallest indoor waterfall | HSBC Rain Vortex |
| Rock climbing facility | Climb@T3 |
| Slide | World's tallest slide inside an airport |
| Yoga and fitness | Yoga, pilates, and Barre-less Barre classes |
| Tour | Free tours of Singapore's iconic attractions |
| Relaxation | Snooze Lounges with fully reclining chairs and massage chairs |
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What You'll Learn
Take a free tour of Singapore's iconic attractions
If you're a transit or transfer passenger at Singapore Changi Airport with a layover of between 5.5 and 24 hours, you can take a free 2.5-hour guided tour of Singapore's iconic attractions.
There are four unique tour itineraries to choose from, each offering a curated sightseeing route with two brief photo stops at iconic landmarks.
One of the tours takes in the Singapore River and Marina Bay Sands. On this tour, you'll stroll through the historic Civic District, soak in panoramic views at Marina Bay, and capture memorable photos with the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, and the iconic skyline. You'll also explore the Gardens by the Bay and see the towering Supertrees, vertical gardens that stand as high as 50m and play a role in the park's sustainability efforts.
Another tour explores the vibrant ethnic enclaves of Chinatown and Kampong Gelam, where you'll discover Singapore's cultural diversity. In Chinatown, you'll find a mix of pre-war shop houses and iconic places of worship, as well as street murals painted by local artists.
A third option is the City Sights Tour, which offers a breathtaking overview of Singapore's impressive city skyline and its journey from a humble fishing village to a bustling global metropolis.
The fourth tour is the Heritage and Culture Tour, which allows you to witness the growth and progress of Singapore by contrasting old national monuments such as the National Gallery and the Victoria Concert Hall with modern skyscrapers in the Central Business District.
To join a tour, make your way to the nearest Free Singapore Tour booth in the Transit Area at least 90 minutes before your scheduled tour timing. You'll need your passport, boarding pass, valid entry visa (if required), and tour booking confirmation for registration. Please note that these tours are not suitable for wheelchair or stroller users.
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$3.78 $12.01
Visit the HSBC Rain Vortex and the world's largest indoor waterfall
Singapore's Changi Airport is celebrated for its world-class facilities and luxurious amenities. One of its most remarkable features is the HSBC Rain Vortex, which has become a must-see attraction for both tourists and locals. The Rain Vortex is located in Terminal 1, in the Heart of Shiseido Forest Valley. It is easily accessible for travellers with layovers or those arriving/departing from Singapore, and it's free to visit.
The Rain Vortex is an architectural wonder that seamlessly combines natural elements with modern design. It is the world's tallest indoor waterfall, standing at 40 metres high and cascading down 7 stories. The waterfall recirculates rainwater, creating a mesmerising visual spectacle. The surrounding Shiseido Forest Valley adds to the biophilic experience with its lush greenery, tropical plants and terraced walkways. There is plenty of seating throughout the area, inviting visitors to relax and enjoy the view.
At night, the Rain Vortex transforms into a spectacular light and sound show, with special lighting effects and music. The shows occur multiple times each evening, typically lasting a few minutes, and combine lights, music and mist to create a captivating sensory experience.
Whether you're a transit passenger with a few hours to spare or a local resident, the Rain Vortex promises to leave you spellbound, offering a unique blend of nature and innovation in the midst of a bustling airport. It is a rare opportunity to witness a breathtaking spectacle without any admission fees.
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Relax in snooze lounges and enjoy free leg massages
If you're looking to relax and unwind during your time at Singapore Changi Airport, the airport's free snooze lounges are the perfect spot. These rest areas are designed to provide a tranquil and comfortable space for passengers to relax or catch a quick nap before their next flight. The snooze lounges are accessible 24/7 and feature ample seating options and charging stations for your electronic devices. This makes them ideal for passengers with late-night layovers or those arriving from different time zones who need a place to rest and recharge.
While the snooze lounges are free and open to all passengers, including those with wheelchairs, it's important to note that they are more suitable for short-term rest due to their public nature. Passengers are expected to keep noise levels low, maintain cleanliness, and keep their personal belongings with them at all times.
For those seeking a more comprehensive relaxation experience, Changi Airport also offers a variety of spa treatments and massage services. BeRelax Spa, for instance, offers massages, nail care, showers, and facials ranging from 15 to 60 minutes. The airport's shower and spa facilities are also equipped with towels, soap, shampoo, and hairdryers, ensuring you have everything you need to refresh and rejuvenate.
Foot reflexology and traditional massage therapies are also available at selected airline lounges and pay-per-use lounges, providing the perfect opportunity to soothe your legs, shoulders, and any aches you may have. These lounges are open 24/7 as well, so you can enjoy a relaxing break at any time of the day or night. Reservations are recommended for spa facilities and massage therapies to ensure availability, although walk-ins are also welcome.
Whether you choose to relax in the snooze lounges or indulge in a massage, Singapore Changi Airport offers a range of options to help you unwind and enhance your overall travel experience.
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Explore the Jewel Changi Airport entertainment complex
Jewel Changi Airport is an entertainment and retail complex linked to one of Changi Airport's passenger terminals. It is nature-themed and features the world's tallest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex, which is surrounded by a terraced forest setting.
The Forest Valley is an indoor garden that spans five storeys and covers approximately 22,000 square metres. It houses around 3,000 trees and 60,000 shrubs of 120 species found in high-altitude tropical forests worldwide. The Rain Vortex recirculates rainwater, pumping it up to the roof to freefall through a round hole at up to 37,850 litres per minute to a basement-level pool.
The Canopy Park, located at the topmost level, features gardens and leisure facilities. Jewel also includes the Changi Experience Studio, a 3,000-square-metre space with interactive games and displays relating to the airport's history, allowing visitors a behind-the-scenes look at its operations.
In addition to its natural attractions, Jewel offers a wide range of shopping and dining options, including well-known international brands such as the first Apple Store located 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.
Jewel Changi Airport provides a unique blend of nature, entertainment, and retail therapy, offering visitors a memorable and enjoyable experience.
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Enjoy dining, shopping, art installations and a rooftop pool
Singapore Changi Airport is not just about flights and layovers. It offers a multitude of experiences, from dining and shopping to art installations and a rooftop pool.
The airport boasts a variety of dining options to satisfy any craving. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, you'll be able to find something to suit your taste buds.
For those with a passion for art, Changi Airport delivers an immersive experience with its many stunning art installations. One of the most notable pieces is Les Oiseaux (The Birds) by French artist Cedric Le Borgne, which features two birds soaring in mid-air above the plants in T4's Arrival Hall, with a third bird sitting forlornly at level one. The Green Wall in T3's Departure Check-in Hall is another impressive installation, featuring over 100,000 plants curated to resemble a bird's-eye view of a tropical rainforest canopy. The giant Daisy art installation in T3 is also a must-see. Painted in Singapore's national colours of red and white, this propeller-turned-art-piece gracefully moves when it detects your movements via built-in sensors.
If you're looking to relax and unwind, the airport's exclusive rooftop pool is the perfect spot. Take a dip in the pool, enjoy the jacuzzi, and savour the stunning runway views. It's a serene retreat reserved for travellers passing through, offering a unique opportunity to transition from poolside leisure back to your travels with ease.
For shopaholics, Changi Airport won't disappoint. With tax and duty-free prices, online-exclusive offers, and rewards for Changi Rewards members, you can indulge in some retail therapy before your flight.
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Frequently asked questions
Singapore Changi Airport is one of the best places to be during a long layover. The airport is huge, with four main terminals that are so large and spread out that there's a Skytrain monorail to travel between them. You can take a yoga class, pilates, or a Barre-less Barre class during your layover in the beautifully designed Canopy Park. There are endless shopping and dining options, a free slide in T3, the world's tallest slide inside an airport, and the world's largest indoor waterfall.
Kids will love the fun slides and playgrounds, including the 12-metre-tall slide in T3 and the Play Area. There's also a rock climbing and bouldering facility in Basement 3 of Terminal 3, with an eight-metre-high wall and a 12-metre-long, 2.5-metre-high Boulder Wall.
There are plenty of free things to do at Singapore Changi Airport, including the Skytrain monorail, which offers great views of the airport and Jewel. You can also walk between the terminals via covered overpass walkways. There are free movies, art installations, and tranquil lounges. Changi also has Snooze Lounges with comfortable, fully reclining chairs throughout T1, T2, and T3's transit area, as well as free massage chairs in T3.
