Singapore’s airport offers an experience akin to a fun getaway, featuring numerous attractions, most of which don’t cost a dime!
Commonly referred to as Changi Airport, it frequently tops global rankings, boasting a massive indoor waterfall, a butterfly garden, a rooftop pool, the Jewel mall, and other exciting attractions.
Changi plays a key role in global travel, accommodating nearly 70 million passengers annually and linking Southeast Asia to over 400 cities across 100 different countries.
If you travel internationally, it’s likely you’ll find yourself at this airport at some point.
With a myriad of enjoyable activities available in Changi Airport (far more than you could experience in a single layover), we’ve crafted this travel guide to assist you!
Where To Stay In Singapore
Top Things To Do In Singapore Airport (Changi)
1. Visit The Rain Vortex Waterfall (Jewel)
One must-see attraction at the Singapore airport is this spectacular artificial waterfall! The HSBC Rain Vortex holds the title for the tallest indoor waterfall worldwide, plunging 40 meters across seven levels.
Access to the waterfall is free, and it offers stunning photo opportunities any time of the day. It is situated in a picturesque jungle environment known as the Shiseido Forest Valley, adorned with lush plants, trees, and walking paths. At night, there’s even a complimentary show featuring lights and sounds.
The HSBC Rain Vortex is found within the Changi Jewel and is accessible to the public (not restricted to passengers), so you will need to clear immigration to explore it. It’s linked to Terminal 1, and you can also reach it from other areas of the Singapore airport using the Skytrain, shuttle bus, or by walking.
The forest area is accessible around the clock, although the waterfall is only operational during the day. More details can be found on the official website. This is certainly one of the top activities to enjoy on a layover at Changi airport!
HOURS OF OPERATION
- Mon – Thu: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Fri – Sun, Eve of PH & PH: 10 AM – 10 PM
Admiring the Rain Vortex — one of the most exciting experiences at Singapore airport!
2. Enjoy The Sound & Light Show (Jewel)
Witnessing the Changi airport’s massive waterfall during the day is impressive, but seeing it come alive with lights at night for the sound and light show is even better!
This lively performance is projected onto the waterfall, with lights flashing in various colors and accompanied by gripping music. It’s an entertaining and mesmerizing experience.
The sound and light show typically occurs multiple times each evening, although showtimes may differ monthly. You can check the current schedule on the Jewel Changi website.
This is undoubtedly among the top attractions at Singapore airport!
Experiencing the Sound & Light Show at night
3. Stroll Across The Canopy Bridge (Jewel)
Once you’ve marveled at the Rain Vortex waterfall from ground level, head to the canopy bridge for an aerial view!
This transparent glass bridge is suspended 23 meters above ground. If you’ve never stepped on a glass bridge before, this is the perfect chance! Suitable for children, it’s not daunting even for those who aren’t keen on heights.
You can purchase your tickets online ahead of your visit. While tickets usually don’t sell out, buying them in advance can streamline the process and reduce any stress while you’re there.
Get Tickets: Canopy Bridge
4. Enjoy Activities At The Canopy Park (Jewel)
The top level of Changi Jewel (Level 5) features a large recreational area called the Canopy Park, spread over 14,000 square meters and filled with exciting family-friendly activities. This makes it one of the top spots for families visiting the airport.
The Hedge Maze here is the biggest in Singapore, while the Mirror Maze will definitely entertain kids. Additionally, there’s a net area where visitors can walk and bounce on nets suspended in the air.
As with the other attractions listed, Canopy Park is situated within the Changi Jewel, which is open to the public (not airside), meaning you’ll need to go through immigration to access it. It’s easily reached from Terminal 1 and connected to other areas of Singapore airport via the Skytrain, shuttle bus, or by foot.
Get Tickets: Canopy Park & Hedge Maze / Mirror Maze / Sky Nets
5. Indulge in Shopping (Jewel)
Singapore is a shopper’s paradise, and Changi Airport is no exception.
There’s a wide array of shops scattered throughout Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the airport, but the finest shopping experience is arguably found within the Changi Jewel mall, boasting nearly 300 outlets for food and retail therapy.
You can find a wide range of items here, including high-end products, jewelry, watches, clothing, footwear, gadgets, toys, gifts, souvenirs, chocolates, wine, and much more!
The Changi website provides a complete shopping directory for Singapore airport along with the operating hours for each store.
Shop until you drop
Singapore airport offers excellent shopping options
6. Watch The Planes Go By (Terminals 1/2/3)
If you’re passionate about aviation or love plane spotting, you’ll appreciate the viewing areas at Singapore airport, where you can relax and watch the aircraft take off and land. It’s a great way to spend your waiting time.
Viewing areas are available in Terminals 1, 2, and 3 of Changi. These sections are in the public area of the airport (before security), so you’ll find them before passing through immigration and “exiting” Singapore for your flight.
7. Indulge At The Spa (Terminals 1/2/3)
If you want to rejuvenate between flights, consider visiting a day spa for a massage, foot reflexology, manicure, and other pampering services.
Changi airport has spa locations in Terminals 1, 2, and 3 on the airside. You can find a full list of their locations and hours on their website.
8. Book An Airport Hotel (Terminals 1/2/3)
If your layover at Singapore airport is lengthy, you may want to consider staying at one of the comfortable airport hotels.
Transit hotels can be found in Terminals 1, 2, and 3 of Changi airport. Here’s a concise overview of your options:
- YOTELAIR Singapore Changi: Located in the public area of Changi Jewel (not airside), within walking distance to Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Small but cozy double rooms.
- Aerotel Transit Hotel: Situated on the airside of Terminal 1. Offers solo or double rooms, plus an outdoor swimming pool and fitness center.
- Ambassador Transit Hotel: Found on the airside of Terminals 2 and 3. Offers clean and comfortable rooms, although a bit pricey for the amenities.
- Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel: Located near Terminal 3. A luxurious option with runway views, swimming pool, fitness center, and more. The top choice if your budget allows.
Cozy room at the Crowne Plaza Hotel
9. Explore The Flower Gardens (Terminals 1/2)
Small gardens can be found throughout the transit zones of Singapore airport, allowing travelers to step outside, enjoy some fresh air, and admire the flowers.
Terminal 1 features the Water Lily Garden, while Terminal 2 has the Sunflower Garden with its cheerful sunflowers, and the Orchid Garden that showcases over 700 orchids from 30 different varieties, arranged by color and shape.
All three gardens are located on the airside of Changi airport and are free for visitors!
Water Lily Garden
10. Unwind In A Premium Lounge (Terminals 1/4)
Singapore airport features independent lounges with comfortable seating, charging ports, WiFi, international TV options, and complimentary food and drinks. For an additional fee, they also provide massage and shower facilities.
These lounges require payment but are accessible to travelers flying any airline or class. Membership is not necessary, and online bookings can be made.
in advance.
The Plaza Premium Lounge is situated in Terminal 1 of the airport, while the Blossom Lounge is found in Terminal 4. Both lounges are located within the transit area (airside).
Book Now: Premium Lounge Access
11. Swim In The Rooftop Pool (Terminal 1)
Did you know there’s a rooftop swimming pool and jacuzzi at Singapore airport that offers day passes? It’s among the top experiences at Changi airport!
The pool is part of the Aerotel Transit Hotel, located airside in Terminal 1, and typically operates daily from 12 PM (noon) until 9 PM.
You can purchase a day pass for $20 Singapore Dollars per person, which grants access to the pool, jacuzzi, and poolside bar, along with complimentary towels and shower facilities.
If you prefer to enjoy the pool for a longer period, consider making an overnight reservation at the Aerotel for free pool access.
You can swim in the rooftop pool at Singapore airport with a day pass or an overnight stay at Aerotel Transit Hotel
12. Enjoy The Free Movie Theaters (Terminal 2/3)
If you have some extra time, be sure to check out the complimentary movie theaters at Singapore airport!
These airside theaters in Terminals 2 and 3 screen a variety of great films for both adults and children. Just set a reminder on your phone so you don’t miss your boarding time!
Changi’s movie theaters are generally open 24/7, with the exception of occasional maintenance. You can find detailed information about their location and operating hours on their website.
13. Visit The Butterfly Garden (Terminal 3)
Changi airport is distinctive for being home to the world’s first butterfly garden within an airport! It features a lovely tropical environment with a grotto waterfall and over 1,000 tropical butterflies from around 40 species.
Walking through the two-story garden and getting up close with the butterflies was an enjoyable experience; sometimes, a butterfly may even land on you. It’s truly one of the must-see attractions at Singapore airport!
The Butterfly Garden is free to enter and is open 24/7. It is located airside in Terminal 3, and if you’re transiting, you can easily reach it from other areas of Singapore airport via the Skytrain or on foot.
Butterfly Garden — a highlight at Singapore airport!
14. Go Down The Slide (Terminal 3)
Last but certainly not least, Changi boasts Singapore’s tallest slide, which is also the tallest slide found in any airport globally!
This curved slide stands 12 meters high (four stories) and is sure to be enjoyable for both kids and the young at heart. The Slide operates daily from 12 PM (noon) until 10:30 PM. More information is available on the Changi website.
The Slide is located in the public area of Changi (not airside), so you’ll need to clear immigration to access it. It can be found in Terminal 3, and it’s easily reachable from other terminals via the Skytrain, shuttle bus, or on foot.
15. Visit The Country Of Singapore
Once you’ve experienced all the amazing activities at Singapore airport, it’s time to head outside and explore the country!
If your layover in Singapore lasts 5 or 6 hours or more, this is generally ample time to exit the airport and see some attractions in the city. Just make sure to keep an eye on your watch!
Even better, if you have a lot of free time in Southeast Asia, consider booking a hotel and spending a few days in Singapore to visit famous spots like Chinatown, Little India, and Gardens by the Bay.
For day tours in Singapore, we recommend GetYourGuide. We have utilized their services for many tours and activities globally, and they do an excellent job!
This service lets you pre-book entrance tickets to popular attractions in Singapore and offers private tours to some of the best sights. Highly recommended!
Singapore Hotels
More Things To Do In Singapore
Thanks for reading! I hope you found this guide helpful for discovering the best things to do during a layover at Changi airport.
We will have more travel guides for Singapore available soon, so be sure to check back!
Wishing you happy travels!
