Discover Changi Airport (SIN)

Content

Terminals overview
Navigating
Where to eat
Jewel Changi Airport: The Crown Jewel
FAQ

«At this airport, you’ll want your flight to be delayed»

Since its opening in 1981, Changi Airport has evolved into more than just an air travel facility; it’s an integral part of Singapore’s identity and a benchmark for global airport standards. With over 70 million passengers Changi has demonstrated immense growth and a strong capacity to connect people around the world.

It’s not just the volume of passengers that sets Changi apart; the airport has garnered over 600 awards, including the prestigious Skytrax World’s Best Airport award, which it has won for 8 consecutive years. These accolades recognize Changi’s commitment to providing exceptional service, its eco-friendly and passenger-friendly design, and its continuous innovation in customer experience.

The centerpiece of the airport is the HSBC Rain Vortex, which holds the title of the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. The Rain Vortex cascades down 40 meters (about 130 feet) from the roof of the dome, through an oculus in the center of the building, and into a basement pool. It was designed by architect Moshe Safdie and a consortium of consultants.

Terminals overview

Changi Airport, known for its unparalleled service, efficiency, and beauty, consists of four operational terminals, each with its unique charm and facilities

Terminal 1

T1 is known for its tropical-themed rooftop garden, which includes a cactus garden, water lily garden, and the world’s first airport rooftop swimming pool.

Key Features:

Kinetic Rain: A stunning moving sculpture that has become synonymous with the airport’s identity.
Rooftop Swimming Pool: Located in the Aerotel Airport Hotel, offering travelers a refreshing dip with a view of the runway. Access is priced at S$25, including towel service and a non-alcoholic drink, open from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Cactus Garden: A rooftop garden featuring over 100 species of cacti and arid plants from the deserts and dry areas of Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Terminal 2: The Cultural Gateway

Opened in 1990 and currently undergoing extensive upgrading to further enhance passenger experience, T2 showcases Singapore’s rich heritage through its design and offerings. It houses the Enchanted Garden, which reacts to visitor movement with sounds and light, creating an interactive experience.

Key Features:

Enchanted Garden: An interactive space that blends nature with technology, offering a tranquil spot for passengers.
Orchid Garden: Features a display of Singapore’s national flower, with more than 700 orchids of 30 species grouped by their various colors and shapes.
Food Street: Styled after Singapore’s famous hawker centers, offering a taste of local cuisine to travelers.

Terminal 3: The Green Sanctuary

Opened in 2007, T3 is known for its natural lighting, vast spaces, and indoor greenery, including a butterfly garden. It seamlessly combines nature with airport functionality, creating a calming and inviting atmosphere for travelers.

Key Features:

Butterfly Garden: The world’s first butterfly garden in an airport, housing over 1,000 butterflies from 40 species in a tropical setting.
Ambient Luxe: An art installation that merges natural light with artistic design to create a serene and inviting environment.
Movie Theatre: Free 24/7 movie theatre for passengers to catch the latest films while waiting for their flights.

Terminal 4: The Boutique Experience

Opened in 2017, T4 is Changi’s newest terminal, offering a boutique experience with its fast and seamless travel processes through automation and self-service options. Its design and artworks reflect the themes of nature and Singaporean culture.

Key Features:

Heritage Zone: Showcases the evolution of Singaporean shophouse architecture from the 1880s to the 1950s, including a Peranakan-inspired façade.
Petals Cloud: A dynamic art installation that combines art, technology, and natural light, creating mesmerizing patterns reminiscent of clouds.
Self-service Options: Offers automated check-in, bag drop, immigration clearance, and boarding processes for a smoother and faster passenger experience.

Jewel Changi Airport: The Crown Jewel

A mixed-use development that merges nature with retail, Jewel is the iconic centerpiece located at the heart of Changi, easily accessible from Terminal 1’s arrival hall and via linked bridges from Terminals 2 and 3.

Shiseido Forest Valley

Encircling the Rain Vortex is the Shiseido Forest Valley, an indoor forest spread across four stories. It features walking trails amidst more than 900 trees and 60,000 shrubs, imported from countries around the world. The Forest Valley is an escape into nature, offering a tranquil environment for relaxation and exploration. Visitors can meander through the trails, find hidden nooks for rest, and enjoy the cooling mist from the waterfall.

Canopy Park

Located at the top level of Jewel, the Canopy Park is a playground for the young and the young at heart. Spanning over 14,000 square meters, it includes unique attractions such as the Sky Nets, Canopy Bridges, Discovery Slides, and Foggy Bowls. The Sky Nets, for instance, allow visitors to bounce and walk on nets suspended high above the ground, offering thrilling views of the level below. The Canopy Bridges provide a bird’s-eye view of the Rain Vortex, and the Foggy Bowls create an ethereal landscape for children to play in. There’s also a Topiary Walk featuring animal-shaped topiaries and a Petal Garden showcasing seasonal floral displays.

Mirror Maze and Hedge Maze

For those who love challenges and puzzles, the Mirror Maze and Hedge Maze offer an engaging experience. The Mirror Maze, with its walls of mirrors and a canopy overhead, creates a bewildering labyrinth that confounds and delights in equal measure. The Hedge Maze, on the other hand, is Jewel’s largest hedge maze, allowing visitors to navigate through its pathways, discover garden surprises, and reach a raised lookout tower in the center.

Changi Experience Studio

The Changi Experience Studio is a tech-driven interactive space that takes visitors behind the scenes of Changi Airport’s operations through a series of engaging games and immersive shows. This attraction uses digital technology to tell stories about Changi, from its history and the people behind its success to the fascinating intricacies of airport operations.

Navigating

Skytrain

The Skytrain is Changi Airport’s automated people mover system, connecting Terminals 1, 2, and 3. It operates both airside for transit passengers and landside for visitors, making it a convenient option for everyone. The Skytrain operates from 5:00 AM to 2:30 AM daily, with an average waiting time of two to five minutes. It’s worth noting that during the renovation of Terminal 2, passengers may need to use alternative routes as specified by airport signage.

Shuttle bus

A free shuttle bus service is available, connecting Terminal 4 to Terminals 1, 2, and 3. This service is particularly useful for transit passengers, as it operates within the transit area, ensuring they do not need to clear immigration. The shuttle bus operates at regular intervals, approximately every 15 minutes, making it a reliable option for inter-terminal travel.

Walking

For those who prefer to stretch their legs, walking between Terminals 1, 2, and 3 is made pleasant through interconnected, air-conditioned walkways. These walkways are equipped with travelators to ease the journey. Walking is an excellent way to explore the airport’s many attractions, shops, and dining options at your own pace.

Where to eat

Dining at Changi Airport is an adventure in itself, offering a gastronomic journey that mirrors the multicultural tapestry of Singapore and the culinary diversity of the world. From the quick comfort of familiar fast-food chains to the indulgent experiences of gourmet restaurants, Changi caters to every palate, preference, and dietary need.

Travelers can savor traditional Singaporean dishes, immersing themselves in the rich flavors of laksa, Hainanese chicken rice, and satay, or embark on a global taste tour with Japanese sushi, Italian pasta, and American burgers. For those with specific dietary requirements, numerous outlets offer vegetarian, vegan, and halal options, ensuring nobody misses out on a good meal.

FAQ

Where can I leave my luggage?

Luggage storages are available in all terminals. Storage rates per 24 hours (inclusive of GST):

Loose items: S$6.00
Small items (below 10kg): S$11.00
Big/Odd items (above 10kg): S$16.00
Extra large-sized items: S$19.00

Moreover, many airlines at Changi offer early check-in services, allowing departure travelers to check in their luggage and receive their boarding passes hours before their flights.