I wanted to live in Singapore’s Changi Airport for 24 hours. I know that sounds weird, but it is the number one airport in the world. The airport has four terminals and the Jewel. This article is part two of my guide to Singapore’s airport. Part one covers the terminals, while part two covers the Jewel.
Part One – How to spend 24 hours in Singapore’s Changi Airport
Honestly, skip the jewel and spend the 24 hours exploring the airport terminals unless you have extra time. There is even a secret way to see the world’s tallest indoor waterfall without leaving the terminals.
What is the Jewel at Singapore’s Changi Airport?
The Jewel is a mall that is open to the public. The centerpiece is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
What is the layout of the Jewel?
L4/L5 of the Jewel appeared to be kid-oriented. L3 had the majority of sit-down restaurants. L1-L3 was dedicated to shopping. Let me rephrase: high-end shopping. B2 had a food court and a grocery store.
Where to Stay?
We spent one night at the YotelAir, which was outside security. We landed late at night, and staying at the YotelAir was the easiest. They have free coffee in the morning and a sitting area overlooking the mall with internet. It is a great place to get work done.
What about luggage?
Please store your luggage if you are visiting the Jewel for the day. We spent too much time dodging people’s large bags. The baggage storage in the Jewel is located on Level 1 (near the Early Check-In Lounge). Due to the long walk, I recommend picking up your luggage before heading to the terminals. There are places to store your luggage in the terminals themselves. Baggage storage is available 24 hours a day. See prices here.
Get a Free Singapore Sling
Get a free Singapore Sling at the Tapas Bar if flying on Singapore Airlines. Simply present boarding pass and spend SGD 30. The Tapas bar is located on Level 3.
What unique attractions are in the Jewel?
Motorized “Children” Animal Ride
Outside the Yotel were motorized animals that you (children) could ride a part of the mall. These are for children, and the first person I asked said I was not allowed to ride them, but I asked another woman who begrudgingly agreed. It costs SGD 12 for five rides. Cliff ended up with the slowest animal and was getting lapped but all the children.
Foosball
We found a foosball table, and we had to play a round. I lost.
Shiseido Forest Valley’s West Trail
The best way to experience the waterfall from inside the Jewel is the Shiseido Forest Trail. This walkway is accessible from each level and winds down the side of the wall surrounding the waterfall. Best Part: It’s Free
What attractions should be avoided in the Jewel?
Canopy Park
DO NOT DO! This includes the Hedge Maze, Mirror Maze, Walking Net and Bouncing Net! It was SGD 54 for an adult. Each attraction is a small walkthrough with nothing more interesting than the jewel itself.
Canopy Bridge
DO NOT DO! The Canopy Bridge is a 100 feet long glass-bottom walkway with the same view as the free walkway 10 ft away.
Avoid the Elevators
The elevators take forever and are full of people and luggage. Take the Shiseido Forest Valley’s west trail for a quicker trip and a better view.
You can not visit Singapore’s Changi Airport without seeing the infamous waterfall, but that doesn’t mean you must visit the Jewel. There is a way to see the waterfall without even leaving security, and in my opinion, the view is more impressive. Take the train between terminals 2 and 3. It passes through the Jewel next to the waterfall. You can take the train both landslide and airside.
If you are a shopper or foodie, then the Jewel might be for you, but I think there are better ways to spend your 24 hours living in the mall. Check out my guide to spending 24 hours in Singapore’s Changi Airport.
