I’m going to keep this somewhat brief, because really there’s so much to see here that images alone won’t do it justice. I took video and posted it on YouTube with my review and tips/recommendations (link embedded below) so definitely check that out when you have time.
If you’re a frequent traveler or reader of this website, you’ve probably heard some hype around the new Jewel at Singapore Changi Airport. Changi was already the undisputed best airport in the world but it clearly hasn’t stopped them from upping the ante even further.
Jewel is essentially a massive 10-story, circle-shaped mall. If you’ve been to Singapore you’ll know that another mall isn’t anything to get excited about, but this one is special because of what’s in the center: the world’s largest indoor waterfall surrounded by a rain forest.
It’s kind of hard to explain, so it’s best to look at pictures and videos to get a better sense of what it is (again, I recommend my YouTube video above). I guarantee, however, that seeing it in person is something completely different than seeing images/video from a computer. The two things I could use to describe this place are both movies: Jurassic World and, to a lesser extent, Avatar.
You can hear the water as you approach, but seeing it was actually amazing to me. It’s five stories high with walls of plants and large trees all around. There are beautiful flowers and orchids like you’d find in the Singapore botanic gardens, and they’re just as well-maintained. There’s plenty of seating for people to enjoy a meal or just enjoy the views. There are even “hiking” trails and additional waterfalls.
There are 5 levels above the bottom floor of the rain forest. Every floor has plenty of viewing areas to catch a glimpse and take pictures, and in my opinion the views got better the higher you went.
The top floor had some of the best views in my opinion. From here you can see the train tracks (yes, the airport train rolls right through) and you can see everything below.
The top floor also has a few things that weren’t open yet, including the canopy bridge and canopy park. The latter is a major attraction, essentially an indoor park and playground containing bouncing/walking nets, slides, and more.
In my opinion, though, it really got interesting at night. The entire rain forest is lighted with constantly changing colors. It’s such a unique and tranquil sight, and the changing colors keep you interested. All of this, by the way, happens as they play a very well-curated playlist of music that makes you feel like you’re entering a new world (many are actual movie scores).
There’s also an hourly light and sound show featuring the waterfall and projections. Don’t expect a Disney-quality show, but it’s worth sticking around for. The full show is in my YouTube video towards the end.
One of the most fun parts of being here is finding unique vantage points to take pictures from. Maybe it’s the millennial/instagrammer in me, but when you’re on a layover and looking to pass the time this is actually a pretty great way to do it.
There’s so much more to see. The mall is 10 stories in total. There are tons of well-known restaurants and and stores you’ll recognize. There are also some unique things, like a Pokemon store that had a line so long that I literally could not find it’s end (again, check my YouTube video to see it).
Tips and Recommendations
There are a few things that were not clear to me before arriving there, so here are a couple of things that might help you if you plan to visit soon:
- You have to exit the airport to visit Jewel. This is probably the most important thing. You can’t just expect to land and walk in while in transit. You need to go through immigration and then to Jewel. While it’s connected to the airport, it is not airside! One entry is literally next to the entry for the Crown Plaza Airport Hotel, if that helps you understand its location.
- Jewel is air conditioned, but it’s still humid inside. I’m not sure why exactly, but you’ll likely feel a bit warm when at the center of the mall. It’s definitely not as bad as being outside, but it’s worth noting.
- While there are plenty of restaurants, the lines for them were all massive from about 11am onward. Keep that in mind if you plan on eating there. It could have just been opening week crowds, but don’t take the risk in wasting your time if you plan on eating there.
- As I mentioned above, seeing it at night is something special. If your plans allow it, try to have an evening layover.
- There were a lot of locals here. That means there weren’t a lot of suitcases being dragged around. Having one would be very cumbersome (I was staying at the Crown Plaza next door and was able to leave mine there). There is a luggage storage facility on the ground floor if you want to make use of it.
- A normal layover of even up to 6 hours wont be enough time to see everything there is on offer here. There’s just so much to do and see that you’ll feel like you’ll need to come back.
Jewel at Singapore’s Changi Airport is really one of the most unique places I’ve seen. It certainly beats anything at any airport, but I think it’s an attraction worth visiting even if it were a stand-alone attraction. Make a point of coming to Jewel if you’re on a layover, especially if you enjoy taking pictures.
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