Singapore’s Changi Airport isn’t just a place to change planes – it’s a whole destination in itself.
And at the heart of it all is Jewel, a nature-filled shopping and dining complex that’s become one of Singapore’s most photographed attractions – yes, I’ve taken my fair share too.
Even if you’ve only got a few hours on a stopover, Jewel is a great place to stretch your legs, grab something to eat, and get a taste of Singapore before you fly out again.
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What Is Jewel?
Just in case you’ve missed it, Jewel was opened in 2019 and connects Terminals 1, 2 and 3 of Changi Airport through walkways and bridges.
It’s home to more than 300 shops and restaurants, attractions like the Canopy Park and Hedge Maze, and of course, the stunning HSBC Rain Vortex – the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, plunging 40 metres through an indoor forest.
Unlike most airports, Jewel isn’t just for passengers coming or going.
Locals visit Jewel for shopping, dining, or a family day out, while travellers love the chance to see something so unique before or after their flight.
Getting to Jewel
Jewel sits landside, meaning it’s outside the secure transit area of Changi Airport.
- From Terminal 1, you can walk straight in.
- From Terminals 2 or 3, it’s a short 10-minute walk or Skytrain ride across the link bridges.
- From Terminal 4, you’ll need to take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 2 first.
If you’re coming from central Singapore, simply take the MRT to Changi Airport station and follow the signs – it’s all clearly marked and easy to navigate.
Stopover Visitors: What You Need to Know
If you’re only in Singapore for a stopover, you can still visit Jewel – but there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- You must clear immigration to access Jewel, as it’s outside the transit area. Check your visa requirements before travelling. You will need to fill in the SGAC.
- Allow enough time to go through immigration, enjoy Jewel, and return through security before your next flight. Three to four hours is ideal.
- Baggage storage is available on Level 1, and many airlines offer early check-in counters right inside Jewel if your flight is later in the day.
If your stopover is too short or your nationality requires a visa, you can still get a glimpse of Jewel’s waterfall by catching the Skytrain between Terminals 2 and 3.
The Rain Vortex
The HSBC Rain Vortex is the showstopper, and the reason most people want to visit. It’s an impressive waterfall cascading through the centre of Jewel’s glass dome.
It’s surrounded by the Shiseido Forest Valley, a multi-level garden filled with tropical plants and walking trails that feel a world away from the airport hustle.
The waterfall operates from 10am to 10pm daily.
After dark, it transforms into a light and sound show at 8pm and 9pm (plus 10pm on Friday, Saturday and public holidays).
For the best view, head to the upper floors where the waterfall can be seen from above, or grab a seat in one of the nearby cafes and enjoy the show with a drink in hand.
Things to Do at Jewel
Jewel isn’t just about the waterfall – there’s plenty to keep you entertained if you have a few hours to spare.
If you’re short on time, you can still enjoy Forest Valley for free, taking a stroll among the greenery or catching different angles of the waterfall from multiple levels.
Canopy Park (Level 5)
This top-level attraction is where the fun really begins. Highlights include:
- Hedge Maze – Singapore’s largest hedge maze, great for kids and adults alike.
- Mirror Maze – A fun (and photo-worthy) maze made entirely of mirrors.
- Sky Nets – Giant suspended nets where you can bounce or walk high above the gardens.
- Discovery Slides – A playground-meets-art installation.
Entry fees vary depending on which attractions you choose, or you can buy a combination ticket through Klook to save a few dollars.
Kiztopia Playground
Travelling with kids? Kiztopia at Jewel is a huge indoor playground designed for children aged 12 and under.
It’s full of slides, ball pits, climbing areas and role-play zones, so it’s perfect for burning off energy during a long layover.
There’s even a café where parents can relax with a coffee while keeping an eye on the fun.
If you’re spending a few hours between flights or staying nearby overnight, it’s a great way to keep the little ones happy and active in a safe, air-conditioned space.
Changi Experience Studio
This is one of Jewel’s most underrated attractions.
The Changi Experience Studio is an interactive museum-meets-digital playground that tells the story of Changi Airport through games, projections and immersive displays.
Visitors can try their hand at guiding planes, race trolleys on a virtual runway, and see what goes on behind the scenes at one of the world’s busiest airports.
It’s surprisingly fun for adults too, especially if you’re curious about aviation or love clever tech. Plan around 60–90 minutes to see it all.
Take a Tour of Jewel
If you’d like to learn more about how Jewel was created – from the design of the glass dome to the technology behind the Rain Vortex – you can join a guided tour.
It’s a great choice if you enjoy a bit of structure and want insider stories that most visitors miss.
Several options are available, including one the turns the tour into a game:
Do a Reformer Pilates Class
Yes, you can even fit in a workout between flights!
Jewel has a reformer pilates studio offering drop-in classes for all levels. It’s a refreshing way to stretch out after a long flight or get your body moving before the next one.
Bookings can be made online, and classes usually last around 50 minutes.
Afterwards, you can cool down with a smoothie or coffee before heading back to the terminal.
Shopping and Dining
Jewel houses more than 300 stores, ranging from international brands to Singaporean favourites.
There’s everything from Apple and Nike to Muji, Tokyu Hands, and Uniqlo – perfect if you need a last-minute travel item or souvenir.
Food lovers are spoilt for choice too. You’ll find well-known names like Shake Shack, A&W, Din Tai Fung, and Tiger Street Lab, plus plenty of local options in the food court on Level B2.
It’s a great spot to try Singaporean favourites like laksa, chicken rice, and nasi lemak in air-conditioned comfort.
Hotels at Jewel
If you’re stopping over overnight, you can even stay right inside the complex at YOTELAIR Singapore Changi Airport.
It’s ideal for short stays, offering compact rooms that can be booked by the hour or overnight. Perfect if you want to rest between flights but still enjoy everything Jewel has to offer.
Practical Tips for Visiting Jewel
- Plan your timing. Aim to visit when the waterfall is running (10am–10pm).
- Leave your luggage. Use the baggage storage counters or early check-in to make exploring easier.
- Bring a jacket. It’s air-conditioned throughout, and some areas can feel cool after a while.
- Keep your boarding pass handy. You’ll need it when re-entering the secure area.
- Watch your timing. If you’re transiting, allow plenty of time to clear security for your next flight.
Is Jewel Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Jewel at Changi Airport is one of those rare places where you’ll forget you’re even at an airport.
Whether you’re stopping over for a few hours or visiting as part of a longer trip, it’s an easy, memorable way to experience a little slice of Singapore’s creativity and nature.
If you’ve been through Singapore before, you’ll know how efficient Changi Airport already is – Jewel takes that to the next level.
Have you visited Jewel yet? Let me know what you thought – and if you’re planning a stopover, join my Singapore Stopovers Facebook group for more tips to make the most of your time in the city.
TRAVEL PLANNING ESSENTIALS
Find flights – I always use Skyscanner as my starting point when searching for flights. One search will give many options including airlines I may not have thought of. This means I can find the best possible flights to suit my needs
Book accommodation – my go to is always Booking.com for the best places to stay. It’s not just hotels anymore, but hostels, apartments, B&Bs and more. I love that the bookings are usually cancellable, and that I can book now and pay later.
Hire a rental car – RentalCars.com is my go to here. It allows me to do just one search and it finds cars from many of the different supplies, so no checking multiple websites to compare.
Get travel insurance – you would have heard by now that saying “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel”. If we’ve learnt anything from the last couple of years it should be how essential travel insurance is. I use CoverMore for my insurance.
Pick up an eSIM – I tried an eSIM on my last trip and it was fantastic. I set it up before I went so it was ready as soon as I landed, and I still had access to my home number for emergencies. Get your own eSIM at Airalo.
Book activities, tours & attractions – I use a few different websites for this. Viator and Get Your Guide tend to be the first places I look. In Asia, Klook often has more options, and in Australia it’s Experience Oz.
Manage your money – the best way to manage your different currencies is with an account from Wise. You can hold money in many different currencies, and use them with the ATM card or from your phone.
