53 Things to Do in Changi Airport, Singapore

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If you are that last-minute guy/gal who always arrive at the airport just in time before the check-in counter closes, I recommend that you arrive much earlier if you’re flying out from Changi Airport Singapore. I’ll tell you why.

There are SO many things to do in Changi Airport! And don’t worry if you’re on a tight budget, the most awesome places are free anyway. No wonder it’s the world’s best airport according to Skytrax in 2019!

Because I’m an ambitious traveller, I did what I should do. I spent a lot of time at the airport, trying to compile an enormous list of things to do in Changi Airport. The list is divided into 5 main categories according to their location: Jewel, Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3 and Terminal 4.

The list includes FREE things to do as well as things that require money. It also includes both Transit Area (i.e. inside departure gate where only flying passengers are allowed to enter) and Public Area (i.e. area where everyone can access, regardless whether they’re flying or not).

Not many people know how awesome Changi Airport is, including me two years ago. You don’t want to be the last person to know that there are cinemas, swimming pool and sunflower garden in Changi Airport!

A. Things to do in Jewel

Jewel is the latest addition to Changi Airport. This incredible building is open for public, so everyone can visits even if they’re not flying. I highly recommend everyone to visit Jewel when they’re passing by Changi Airport. Here are ways to get to Jewel:

• From MRT: Either go to T2 or T3 and follow the steps mentioned in T2 / T3 below.
• From T1: Go to Arrival Hall (Level 1) and Jewel will be right there in front of you.
• From T2: Go to Departure Hall (level 2) Row 1, walk through the link bridge to Jewel.
• From T3: Go to Departure Hall (level 2) Row 11, walk through the link bridge to Jewel.
• From T4: Take shuttle bus to T2, and follow the steps mentioned in T2 above.

Jewel is a separate building from airport terminals, everyone can access it regardless of whether they’re flying or not. If you’re flying out of Changi, you can visit Jewel BEFORE going into departure gate. If you’ve already entered departure gate, you can’t enter Jewel anymore.

1. Rain Vortex (Every floor) – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED – FREE

At 40m high, Rain Vortex is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall! If you visit during the day, you’ll get the dreamy tropical waterfall look. On the other hand, if you visit at night, you’ll enjoy the spectacular light and sound show (the show is displayed every hour from 8.30pm to midnight)

You can see the Rain Vortex at every floor of Jewel, including basement. But, the best views are those from Level 1 and above. I suggest that you start your journey from the topmost floor (Level 6) and make your way down by foot.

2. Forest Valley (Every floor) – FREE

Forest Valley is a huge multi-storey garden surrounding Rain Vortex. It has various trails with thousands of trees, shrubs and flowers. Forest Valley can be accessed at every floor and it’s open for 24 hours daily.

3. Canopy Park (Level 5) – RECOMMENDED – PAID

Located at the topmost level of Jewel, Canopy Park is said to be the wonderland for all. I have to completely agree.

The admission ticket which costs SGD 5 include the admission for these attractions:

• Discovery Slide – a playground which is also an art and a viewing deck
• Topiary Walk – life-sized animal topiary made from colourful flowers and plants
• Foggy Bowls – a lawn with mystical fog and artificial grass
• Petal Garden – the name says it all: a garden full of colourful petals

Read my detailed guide for visiting Canopy Park, which also includes Canopy Bridge, Sky Nets, Hedge Maze and Mirror Maze.

4. Canopy Bridge (Level 5) – PAID

The Canopy Bridge is probably the best place to see the Rain Vortex and Forest Valley from the top. It’s 50m long and 23m above ground. At the center portion, the floor is see-through glass panels, so if you’re an adrenaline-seeker, it’s a great place for you to feel like you’re walking among the clouds. Ticket costs SGD 8.

5. Sky Nets (Level 5) – PAID – Public Area

There are 2 nets here, bouncing nets and walking nets. Both require different tickets; if you want to visit both nets, you can consider getting a bundle. The sky nets are surely fun but you need to be very careful because the gaps are quite large for young kids. Make sure your kids are supervised while having fun on the nets.

6. Hedge Maze (Level 5) – PAID

The hedge maze is the largest foliage maze in Singapore. The foliage is 1.8m tall and there is a lookout tower, from which you can see the entire maze and spot your family and friends.

7. Mirror Maze (Level 5) – PAID

Mirror Maze is not for the claustrophobics, unless they love Instagrammable spots. The maze has foliage canopy so it’s nothing like your usual indoor maze.

8. Changi Experience Studio (Level 4) – PAID

At Changi Experience Studio, you get to explore Changi Airport’s past, present and future through a virtual journey of interactive games, and immersive shows.

Several must-do things in the studio are: Amazing Runway (bike race), Garden of Harmony (projection show) and smile challenge (photoshoot challenge).

B. Things to do in Terminal 1

9. Cactus Garden – RECOMMENDED (T1, Transit Area, Level 3) – FREE

Cactus Garden is an outdoor rooftop garden that features more than 100 species of cactus! I love being surrounded by cactus. Since this garden is not sheltered, you might want to use sunscreen to protect you from sunlight.

10. Scuptural Tree Garden – RECOMMENDED (T1, Transit Area, Level 2 and 3) – FREE

I just fell in love with this garden when I first saw it. How could I not? It’s the perfect place for Instagram shots, it’s out-of-the-world, it’s just not something that you expect to find in an airport.

Basically, you can enter the garden from Level 2 or 3. It’s quite hidden and I often past by the garden without noticing it. When I visited, I was the only person at the garden, so it’s really a hidden gem in Changi Airport.

11. The Social Tree (T1, Transit Area, Level 2) – FREE

Now, this is probably the most known structure in Terminal 1. After passing the immigration, you’ll find a huge atrium where this tree is located. You can take a photo at the machine and decorate the photo before sending it to your email. You can also directly post the photo to your Facebook. Then, your photo will appear on the Social Tree for some time.

12. Water Lily Garden (T1, Transit Area, Level 2) – FREE

At Water Lily Garden, you can find several ponds whether beautiful lilies grow in the freshwater aquatic environment.

13. Piazza Garden (T1, Transit Area, Level 2) – FREE

Located at Central Piazza right after immigration, Piazza Garden features seasonal flowers and plants that are important in Singapore’s culture.

14. Snooze Lounge (T1, Transit Area, Level 2 and 3) – FREE

Need a nap? Or just need a quiet alone time to think, while staring at the planes? Enter Snooze Lounge. It’s available at Level 2 and 3 but seats are limited.

15. Playground (T1, Transit Area, Level 2) – FREE

Let your kiddos (age 1 to 12) have fun at this simple playground while waiting for boarding gate to open.

16. Viewing Mall (T1, Public Area, Level 3) – FREE

Viewing Mall is the place for you to see the planes even if you’re not flying. Located at Level 3 of public area, it can be quite challenging to find.

17. Playground (T1, Public Area, Level 3) – FREE

Located nearby the Viewing Mall, there’s a mini playground with slides and car rides.

18. Kinetic Rain (T1, Public Area, Level 2) – FREE

Watch 1,216 bronze droplets dance at Departure Check-In Hall. The Kinetic Rain is mesmerizing, therapeutic, inspiring, and addictive at the same time!

19. Swimming Pool with Jacuzzi – RECOMMENDED (T1, Transit Area, Level 3) – PAID

I don’t think there’s a free shower in Changi Airport. So, if you really need a shower, I recommend that you go for a swim at this gorgeous swimming pool instead. Even though this rooftop pool is part of Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel, it is open for public as well. It costs SGD 17 per person for access to this swimming pool, jacuzzi and its shower facilities. There’s also a poolside bar!

20. Plaza Premium Lounge (T1, Transit Area, Level 3, above Gate C-1) – PAID

Plaza Premier Lounge is a pay per use lounge where you can choose to enjoy just the shower facility or the full lounge facilities. For shower facility, it costs SGD 16 and it comes with shower amenities and welcome drink.

For Lounge use, guests can enjoy signature dishes, shower facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi, charging stations, TV channels, newspapers and magazines for leisure reading.

You can book the lounge access tickets online. There are also private resting suites that require additional fees.

21. Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel (T1, Transit Area, Level 3, above Gate D41) – PAID

If you need a room for a comfortable overnight sleep or nap at Terminal 1, head to Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel. Prices start from SGD 55 onwards. Guests of Aerotel have complimentary access to the swimming pool! Full detail of Changi Airport’s transit hotels here.

22. Airport Wellness Oasis (T1, Transit Area, Level 3, Near D Gates) – PAID

Whether it’s fish spa, foot reflexology, or full body massage, the folks at Airport Wellness Oasis are ready to serve their guests 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

C. Things to do in Terminal 2

23. Sunflower Garden – RECOMMENDED (T2, Transit Area, Level 3) – FREE

A bright sunflower always brightens up my mood. And when there are hundreds, if not thousands, of sunflowers smiling at me, I feel like I’m in paradise! This Sunflower Garden is just SO beautiful, you don’t want to miss it when you’re in Changi Airport!

24. Free Singapore Tour – RECOMMENDED (T2, Transit Area, Level 2) – FREE

If you’re a transit passenger, and you have at least 6 hours layover period till your connecting flight, why not join one of the free 2.5 hours guided tours?

The Heritage Tour runs 4 times daily and the City Sights Tour runs 2 times daily. This option is perfect for people who have never explored Singapore, or who want to explore Singapore’s major sights without hassle.

25. Enchanted Garden (T2, Transit Area, Level 2) – FREE

Enjoy the sound of nature amidst freshly-cut flowers and soft ferns at The Enchanted Garden.

26. Orchid Garden (T2, Transit Area, Level 2) – FREE

Admire more than 700 orchids of 30 species and various colours at the Orchid Garden.

27. Movie Theatre (T2, Transit Area, Level 3) – FREE

Free movie for 24 hours? Yes, in fact, there are 2 movie theaters in Changi Airport. The first one is at Terminal 2, Level 3, just beside Sunflower Garden and Entertainment Deck.

It’s so popular that most seats are always taken. But you can sit on the floor or stand at the back of the theatre to enjoy the movie!

28. Entertainment Deck (T2, Transit Area, Level 3) – FREE

The Entertainment Deck is the place for you to lose the sense of time while waiting for your flight. There are Xbox 360 / PlayStation 3, Xbox Kinect room (it wasn’t working when we visited, though), MTV booth and cafeteria.

29. Family Zone & Play Area (T2, Transit Area, Level 2) – FREE

Let your kids be entertained with the colourful slides at the playground or cartoons in the Family Zone. There are also diaper changing room and nursing room in the Family Zone.

30. Snooze Lounge (T2, Transit Area, Level 2) – FREE

There are a few places in Terminal 2 where you can sleep or take a nap for free. First, it’s Oasis Lounge located at the opposite of Gate E11. It’s quite a huge place and seats are limited at night. Then, there’s Sanctuary Lounge located at the opposite of Gate E5.

31. Interactive Art (T2, Transit Area, Level 2) – FREE

This Art Rubbing Station at Terminal 2 is located just beside Orchid Garden.

32. Xperience Zone (T2, Transit Area, Level 2) – FREE

Enjoy comfortable seats while watching sports events or catching up with financial news on large screens.

33. Viewing Mall (T2, Public Area, Level 3) – FREE

If you’re not flying but would like to see planes, head to Viewing Mall at Level 3 of the public area.

34. Ambassador Transit Lounge (T2, Transit Area, Level 3, above Orchid Garden) – PAID

Ambassador Transit Lounge is a pay per use lounge that offers various services and facilities. The rate for 5 hours usage is SGD 58.85/adult. Children between age 6 to 12 enjoy 50% discount, while children under 5 years old enjoy complimentary entry.

Included are the buffet and non-alcoholic drinks, shower, wifi, osim massage chairs, newspaper, magazines, and computer stations. For 3 hours usage, the rate is SGD 40/adult.

Shower only costs SGD 16. Gym access is available with additional charges. Nap suites cost SGD 41.2/person for 3 hours. The lounge also has printing and photocopying services. You can book your ticket in advance.

35. Spa Express (T2, Transit Area, Level 3) – PAID

Open from 6am to 1am daily, Spa Express offers massage, body scrub, facial and even shower and sauna facility. Their services range from 20 minutes to as long as 90 minutes. The price starts from SGD 45 for a 20-min massage and SGD 15 for a 30-min shower.

D. Things to do in Terminal 3

36. Butterfly Garden – RECOMMENDED (T3, Transit Area, Level 2 and 3) – FREE

Oh my, this adorable 2-storey Butterfly Garden is FREE for every passenger to visit!

There are so many beautiful butterflies, flowers and pineapples in the garden. It’s so surreal, I spent like 30 minutes there and it wasn’t nearly enough!

You ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO visit this awesome place when you’re flying to/from/through Changi Airport.

37. Free Singapore Tour – RECOMMENDED (T3, Transit Area, Level 2) – FREE

This is similar to the one at Terminal 2. There are 2 types of tours offered: The Heritage Tour that runs 4 times daily and the City Sights Tour that runs 2 times daily.

To be eligible, you need to be a transit passenger and have at least 6 hours layover period till your connecting flight. Each guided tour lasts 2.5 hours. Check the full requirement here.

Here in terminal 3, the booth is located at Level 2, near Transfer Lounge A and Gate A1-A8.

38. Movie Theatre (T3, Transit Area, Level 3) – FREE

Similar to the one in Terminal 2, this Movie Theatre plays movie for 24 hours every day, except during the weekly maintenance.

39. Snooze Lounge (T3, Transit Area, Level 2 and 3) – FREE

At terminal 3, there are 2 small snooze lounges at Level 2 where you can take a nap or sleep on a reclined bed (one is located near Playground, the other is near GST refund); both are facing the runway. The is also rest area at Level 3, near Singapore Food Street.

40. Interactive Art (T3, Public and Transit Area) – FREE

There are 2 interactive art stations in Terminal 3. One is located in Transit Area, Level 2 near gate A16 – A20. The other one is located in Public Area, Basement 2.

Both stations allow your children to create imprints from rubbing surfaces of Singapore and Changi Airport’s iconic landmarks.

41. Play Area (T3, Transit Area, Level 2 and 3) – FREE

It seems like Terminal 3 has abundant facilities. There are 2 play areas here, one at Level 2 near gate A16 – A20; the other one at Level 3, near Singapore Food Street.

42. TV Lounge (T3, Transit Area, Level 2) – FREE

After all the exploration, you need a place to sit down, unwind and watch TV? Head to TV Lounge to watch TV shows while resting on plush seats.

43. Massage Chairs (T3, Transit Area, Level 2) – FREE

Actually, there are so many massage chairs scattered around all the terminals in Changi Airport. However, my personal favourite has to be the OSIM massage chairs at Terminal 3, Level 2, near Snooze Lounge.

It’s a whole-body massage chair, not only foot massage chair. However, not all chairs were working when we visited.

44. Viewing Mall (T3, Public Area, Level 4) – FREE

Similar to Terminal 1 and 2, there’s also a Viewing Mall for everyone to see the planes and runway regardless whether they’re flying or not.

However, the viewing area is quite set back and rather far from the runway, so the view isn’t as spectacular as those in T1 and T2.

45. The Slide @ T3 – RECOMMENDED (T3, Public Area, Level 1) – FREE if you spend the required amount

The Slide@T3 is Singapore’s tallest slide and also the world’s tallest slide in an airport! The total height is 12m (4 storeys).

There are 2 slides, the tall one and the short one. The tall slide starts at Level 1 and ends at Basement 3. Meanwhile, the short slide starts at Basement 2 and ends at Basement 3.

You’ll get 10 free rides if you are a Changi Rewards Member (if you aren’t, just register for an account for free). To redeem the ticket, go to the Customer Service Counter at Basement 2 and show your e-card.

The slide is open for adults as well, as long as you’re above 1.3m and below 2m height. If you’re under 1.3m but over 1.1m high, you can enjoy the preview slide of only 1.5-storey at Basement 2.

46. Ambassador Transit Lounge (T3, Transit Area, Level 3, next to Movie Theatre) – PAID

Similar to the one in Terminal 2, the rates for Ambassador Transit Lounge is SGD 58.85/adult for 5 hours usage, and SGD 40/adult for 3 hours usage.

Lounge access includes the buffet and non-alcoholic drinks, shower, wifi, osim massage chairs, newspaper, magazines, and computer stations. Children aged 6 to 12 can enjoy 50% discount, and children under 5 enter for free.

If you’re not taking the lounge package and just want a shower only, it costs SGD 16. There is no gym at Terminal 3, instead, there’s a meeting room. There are also Nap Suites; they cost SGD 41.2/person for 3 hours.

47. The Haven by JetQuay (T3, Public Area, Level 1) – PAID [closed]

The Haven by JetQuay is the only pay per use lounge at Changi Airport that is located in the public area.

The rate of the lounge package starts from SGD 35.31 for 2 hours usage. It includes light refreshment, drinks, shower, wifi, cable TV, newspapers, magazines, kids’ corner, a business centre with internet workstations, photocopier machine and complimentary wireless internet service.

Shower-only facility costs SGD 16.48. Nap rooms start from S$82.39 for 3 hours. Meeting rooms are available for booking at additional charges.

E. Things to do in Terminal 4

48. Peranakan Gallery – RECOMMENDED (T4, Transit Area) – FREE

The Peranakan Gallery at Terminal 4 is like a mini version of Peranakan Museum.

Here, you can find old Peranakan photographs, traditional furniture including wedding bed and crockery, sarong kebayas that inspire Singapore Airlines’ uniform, a miniature of the traditional Peranakan shophouse, and many other Peranakan-related exhibitions.

49. Peranakan Love Story – RECOMMENDED (T4, Transit Area, Level 2) – FREE

Peranakan Love Story is a 6-minute long video that’s played on the Heritage shophouses’ façade, located at Heritage Zone at Level 2.

The story is set in the 1930s era in Singapore. It’s a non-conversational musical performance about the romance of two young adults who are neighbours.

50. Entertainment Corner (T4, Transit Area, Level 2) – FREE

Located near gate G18, the Entertainment Corner offers Xbox Kinect and Arcade Games for you to enjoy before your flight.

51. TV Lounge (T4, Transit Area, Level 2) – FREE

The TV Lounge allows you to catch some TV shows while relaxing in the comfy seats.

52. Snooze Lounge (T4, Transit Area, Level 2 and 2M) – FREE

Yep you can sleep or nap in Changi Airport Terminal 4. Head to Level 2 and 2M to restore your energy tank!

53. Play Area (T4, Transit Area, Level 2) – FREE

Every terminal in Changi Airport has a playground. At Terminal 4, it’s located at Level 2, next to Heritage Zone.

NOTE:

This list don’t include airport hotels, F&B, retail shops, convenient stores, common airport services & facilities (such as money changer, baggage deposit, prayer room, ATM, clinic & pharmacy, post office, wheelchair rental, etc).

First published: 28 Dec 2017. Last updated: 7 Jul 2019

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