5 Fun Things To Do in Changi Airport for Indians
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Changi Airport redefines layovers with unparalleled, amazing experiences, where each moment transforms into a special adventure, and invites you to explore the most beautiful airport you can land at!
Here are a few things to do in Changi Airport:
- Immerse in nature at Jewel’s Rain Vortex, Sunflower Garden, and Butterfly Garden.
- Indulge in cinematic bliss at the high-tech Cinema at Jewel and thrilling slides at Slide@T.
- Savour Singaporean culinary delights from hawker-style vendors to Peranakan-inspired restaurants.
- Engage in retail therapy at duty-free stores and utilise Changi Recommends for a seamless journey. Dive into interactive experiences at The Social Tree, offering digital connectivity.
- Opt for free city tours to explore Singapore’s top attractions. Changi Airport transcends the ordinary, ensuring your layover is an extraordinary adventure.
Changi Airport, which has been rated the best in the World multiple times, is like visiting a large adventure park from which you can also catch a flight. And, no, we’re not exaggerating.
Singapore, with its traveller-friendly laws, promises a seamless experience, much like the airport. Clear regulations prioritise safety, ensuring you can explore stress-free. The city-state’s efficient and straightforward travel rules make it an ideal destination for hassle-free journeys.
You can undoubtedly pick Changi Airport to have a ten-hour stopover. The airport features many entertainment alternatives, art exhibitions, gaming opportunities, and shopping outlets spread across 70,000 square meters and three terminals.
Here’s a list of the most exciting things you can do.
1. Nature and Relaxation at Changi Airport
Escape the bustling airport environment and step into a realm of natural beauty and top attractions of Changi Airport’s Jewel, Rain Vortex, Canopy Park, and Shiseido Forest Valley to enjoy panoramic views while relaxing.
The Jewel Changi Airport
One of the most intriguing things to do in Changi Airport, Singapore, is to go to the Jewel, which has a variety of shopping and leisure options. In this nature-themed zone, you may buy at premium brands or simply wander around the man-made natural settings. If you’re seeking a unique blend of recreation and nature, you’ll find it right here.
Location: Arrival Hall of Terminal 1
Timings: Open 24 Hours
Rain Vortex
The Rain Vortex, one of Changi Airport’s attractions and architectural marvels, is the World’s highest indoor waterfall. It stands at a height of 40 meters (130 ft) and is a truly magnificent sight. The Rain Vortex is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a truly breathtaking sight.
At night, the waterfall comes alive with a stunning light and sound show, making it an even more magical experience, a must-see if you’re there in time. You can enjoy the view of the Rain Vortex from several vantage points, including from restaurants and shops located around the waterfall.
Location: Jewel Changi Airport
Timings: 8 am to 11:30 pm, daily
Canopy Park
The Canopy Park is an indoor nature-themed park located on the topmost level (Level 5) of Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore.
Canopy Park is divided into several sections, each offering unique experiences like Discovery Slides, Foggy Bowls, Petal Garden, Topiary Walk, Manulife Sky Nets, Hedge Maze, and Mastercard® Canopy Bridge.
Location: On the highest level of Jewel Changi Airport (Level 5). You can access Canopy Park easily from any terminal at the airport through connecting walkways or the free shuttle service.
Timings:
Weekdays (Monday to Thursday): 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (last entry at 9:30 PM)
Weekends and Public Holidays: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM (last entry at 10:30 PM)
Shiseido Forest Valley
The Shiseido Forest Valley, sponsored by the cosmetics company Shiseido, is a massive indoor garden located at the heart of Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore. It’s one of Singapore’s largest indoor gardens, sprawling over four stories and boasting over 2,000 trees and 100,000 shrubs.
Location: Jewel Changi Airport, Levels 1 to 5 (surrounding the Rain Vortex)
Timings: 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Sunflower Garden
The Sunflower Garden, a calm retreat surrounded by brilliant blossoms, is nestled inside Changi Airport’s hectic atmosphere. This tranquil hideaway is a welcome reprieve for tired travellers looking for leisure and a touch of nature. It’s one of the top things to see at the Changi Airport where you can relax in the peaceful ambience, surrounded by bright sunflowers that add a splash of colour to the landscape.
The Sunflower Garden presents several photo opportunities, with its vibrant blooms serving as the perfect backdrop. Amidst the airport’s hustle and bustle, this tranquil oasis provides a peaceful escape for those seeking refuge or simply craving a visual feast.
Location: Terminal 2 of Changi Airport’s transit area
Timings: Open 24 hours
You can also read about how to apply for visas to Singapore or Singapore’s travel guidelines to be well prepared and planned for your travels.
2. Entertainment and Attractions
During a layover at Changi Airport, you may visit numerous leisure venues such as the Cinema at Jewel and the beautiful butterfly garden. Changi Airport’s activities include entertainment zones that have you covered whether you’re a gaming fanatic or looking for a quiet, relaxing spot.
At the Xbox and PlayStation game stations, you may compete in friendly rivalry or immerse yourself in a world of melodies at the music corners. Families travelling with children may take advantage of designated play spaces equipped with interactive toys and exciting activities.
Cinema at Jewel
One of the must-do things in the Changi Airport is to experience the cinema at Jewel which takes entertainment to new heights. With cutting-edge technology, this cinematic sanctuary offers an immersive experience. You can enjoy a variety of movie screenings with a comprehensive selection of films appealing to a wide range of likes and preferences. Jewel offers unique products that distinguish it from standard movie experiences.
Butterfly Garden
Among the many things to do in Changi Airport is to observe breeding and feeding sessions of butterflies in the exotic butterfly garden. This is a nature lover’s heaven, with a stunningly gorgeous garden and a variety of different entertainment areas. While the 40 kinds of butterflies flit from one plant to another, the tropical blooming plants refresh the surroundings. From the Indian Holy to the unique Egyptian Star cluster, there are plenty of things for everyone to see in Changi Airport.
3. Culinary Delights
Hainanese chicken rice, nasi lemak, Laksa, kaya toast, and Kopi – if you missed any of Singapore’s must-try foods during your trip, try them in Changi Airport. Eighty restaurants and cafés are spread throughout the airport terminals and cater to almost everyone.
Hawker-Style Dining
One of the most delightful things to do at Changi Airport is to explore the local hawker-style food vendors to get to the core of Singaporean culinary culture. These busy culinary havens are a treasure trove of varied flavours, displaying Singapore’s gastronomic scene. The hawker booths provide a wide range of must-try foods, from savoury Hainanese Chicken Rice to fragrant Laksa and more. Dive into the dynamic environment, where the whiff of sizzling woks and a symphony of various flavours create a genuine Singaporean dining experience. Explore the spirit of Singapore via its famed hawker-style food.
Must-try dishes:
- Hainanese Chicken Rice
- Laksa
- Char Kway Teow
- Satay
- Chili Crab
Peranakan Love
At Peranakan-inspired restaurants, you may immerse yourself in a unique blend of flavours. From Nonya Laksa to Ayam Buah Keluak, these eateries exhibit the nuanced and delectable Peranakan passion for food. Enjoy the wonderful blend of flavours and traditions with each dish telling a narrative about the Straits Chinese community. Peranakan cuisine is a delectable symphony of flavours that pays respect to a rich cultural heritage.
Must-try dishes:
- Nonya Laksa
- Ayam Buah Keluak
- Peranakan Kueh
- Babi Pongteh
- Itek Sio (Nyonya Duck Stew)
4. Interactive Experiences
Looking for something to see in Changi Airport? Everyone has something to engage in, regardless of their age. The Play Area is one of the most popular Singapore Airport facilities. Kids 12 years and below can genuinely enjoy the various slides at the air-conditioned ground in Terminal 3.
Slide@T
Ride one of the World’s longest and tallest slides from which you may rocket down to the bottom. Adults and children have varying slide speeds and heights. This is a fun place for kids and adults, and if you’re looking for something to do in Changi Airport, this should be one of your top choices. Ensure you don’t overeat because this is a long slide, and you may have a great time here. This copper-coloured slide is a one-of-a-kind item that should be noticed!
5. Retail Therapy
Duty-Free Shopping
Discover tax-free delights at Changi’s renowned duty-free shops and explore exciting things to do at Changi Airport. These busy shopping havens cater to discriminating customers with a curated selection of unique brands and various retail possibilities. Duty-free shopping at Changi Airport offers a premium and tax-free experience, with everything from high-end fashion shops to cutting-edge technology outlets. Discover the fascination of fine products and different offers, transforming your shopping trip into a vital part of your holiday experience with this zero forex card.
Payments, transactions, and currency conversions are among the most significant concerns when you move abroad from India. A Forex card is a prepaid card that lets you convert your home country’s currency into any currency worldwide, and its usage is very similar to that of a credit or debit card
Shop globally in over 180 countries without the burden of extra currency exchange fees.
Changi Recommends
Changi Recommends, an innovative service developed to enhance your journey, can help you have a more smooth and enriching travel experience. This service is a travel companion, providing a thorough overview of numerous activities and places.
Furthermore, Changi Recommends makes it easier to arrange your schedule by allowing you to pre-book excursions, attractions, and transportation options.
6. Free Tours to the City
Arrive at the terminal 5.5 hours before your flight to make the most of Changi Airport’s fun activities. Explore various excursions, including historical or city tours, that will whisk you away to the key sites of the city.
This complimentary tour is the finest and quickest way to visit Lion City because it is free for all transport users, and all you have to do is book ahead of time. This trip may include visits to iconic landmarks like the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, the Esplanade, the Merlion Tower, and other sights.
About the tour and the duration
Changi Airport’s attractions provide a one-of-a-kind chance for travellers with extended layovers to see Singapore with complimentary city excursions. These guided excursions offer an insight into the city’s lively culture, prominent sites, and local attractions. The excursions typically take 2.5 to 3 hours and provide a condensed yet enriching view of Singapore’s beauty.
When in the country, don’t miss out on places to visit in Singapore
Requirements to Avail A Free Singapore Tour:
Layover Duration: You must have a minimum layover of 5.5 hours and a maximum of 24 hours in Changi Airport.
Flight Schedule: Your flight timings must be compatible with the tour schedule. This means your arrival and departure times should allow enough time to participate in the entire tour.
Transit Passenger: You must be a transit passenger traveling through Singapore to another destination.
Availability: Free tours operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so there’s no guarantee of a spot.
Here are some additional points to consider:
Pre-booking: While pre-booking isn’t currently available (as of March 25, 2024), you can register for the tour upon arrival at the airport.
Registration Booths: Registration booths for the Free Singapore Tour are located in:
- Terminal 2 Transit Area: Near Skytrain to Terminal 3, Gate F50
- Terminal 3 Transit Area: Near Transfer Lounge A, Gate A1-A8
Tour Duration: The Free Singapore Tour is approximately 2.5 hours long.
Top tourist spots that you might cover
- Merlion Tower: Admire the renowned Merlion statue while taking panoramic views of Marina Bay.
- Marina Bay Gardens: Take in the sights of futuristic Supertrees and the Cloud Forest Dome.
- Marina Bay Sands: It is an architectural wonder that is a symbol of luxury. This integrated resort has a breathtaking rooftop SkyPark with an infinity pool and an unrivalled cityscape view.
- Chinatown: Enjoy the rich heritage, lively streets, and delicious cuisine.
- Little India: Enjoy the vibrant ambience, streets, and ethnic variety.
- Kampong Glam: Visit the historic quarter, which includes sites such as Sultan Mosque and Arab Street.
- The Esplanade: Also known as “The Durian” due to its unusual spiky façade, is a famous cultural centre. It has music halls, theatres, and a library, and it hosts a wide spectrum of acts, from classical to modern.
- Singapore Flyer: It is the World’s biggest observation wheel. The Flyer offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and a unique viewpoint of Singapore’s skyline.
These excursions are an excellent way to make the most of your stopover by seeing Singapore’s beauty and diversity.
Key Takeaways
- Changi Airport is more than a transportation hub. It’s a destination in itself, with many attractions enticing travellers to arrive early or arrange longer layovers. Beyond the regularity of boarding gates and departure lounges, a world is waiting to be discovered, turning each moment into an adventure.
- From the moment you enter, you will have many things to do in Changi Airport. You can immerse in unparalleled leisure and entertainment. The Rain Vortex, the World’s highest indoor waterfall, welcomes you with its hypnotic flow in Jewel Changi Airport, setting the tone for a truly magical experience. With its lush vegetation and interactive activities, the Canopy Park allows you to relax and make unforgettable memories.
- Your Changi Airport’s stopover can turn into a cinematic sanctuary with a cutting-edge movie-watching experience. The Social Tree, a digital art piece that converts visitors’ collective trip memories into a dynamic and shared story, continues the immersive journey.
- Changi Airport introduces a new level of duty-free shopping with unique brands and different retail alternatives. You can enjoy tax-free treats and a wide range of high-end clothing, accessories, cutting-edge technology, and other items.
- For those looking for culinary experiences, hawker-style eating and Peranakan-inspired alternatives highlight Singapore’s rich gastronomic scene. Each dish is a flavour fest that tells the tale of the region’s unique culinary traditions.
- Changi Recommends enhances the trip experience further by providing a streamlined platform for booking excursions, attractions, and transportation options. For travellers with long layovers, complimentary city excursions offer a compelling view of Singapore’s main tourist attractions.
In essence, Changi Airport is a destination in itself, not merely a gateway to it. Consider coming early or arranging a longer layover at Changi Airport, whether you’re a solo traveller, a family on vacation, or a business professional with a layover. Immerse yourself in the different offerings, make memories, and convert your journey into an amazing, out-of-the-ordinary experience.
