The Jewel is a huge shopping mall and entertainment complex located landside at Singapore’s Changi airport. There’s much more to it than that though as it is home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall that is known as the Rain Vortex. This stunning waterfall is surrounded by lush tropical gardens with terraced seating.
Getting there:
Arriving at The Jewel, Changi Airport
The Jewel is easily reached by taking the MRT to Changi Airport Station and then by following signs to the link bridges located at Level 2 of both Terminals 2 and 3. Please note that although The Jewel is connected to the airport, it is not airside, enabling everyone an opportunity to visit whether they are using the airport or not.
Early check-in Lounge
Passengers are able to drop off their luggage at The Jewel early check-in lounge on Level 2 which is open between 8.00 – 23.59 daily. We were travelling with Singapore Airlines and were able to use this facility. Whilst The Jewel is open 24 hours, the shopping mall closes at 22.00 each evening.
Parts of the Jewel visitors can access free of charge
The Rain Vortex (huge indoor waterfall) flows a staggering 40 metres down to the basement and can be admired from numerous levels. I suggest taking in the views from each floor right up to the top floor as the perspectives are all different but equally beautiful.
The Rain Vortex illuminated at night
If you are visiting during the evening then you will be able to experience the stunning sound and light show which takes place hourly from 19.30 each evening and lasts for around five minutes.
The Shiseido Forest Valley floor is also accessed free of charge and features lush greenery, nature inspired trails and benches where you can sit. Relax and take in the views marvelling at how the waterfall catches and reflects the sunlight during the daytime hours.
The Jewel shopping mall and restaurants surround the huge waterfall on each level and are of course free to access, providing many options to enjoy a meal before your flight.
Paid attractions at The Jewel
The Jewel, Changi
Attraction tickets are sold in ‘bundle deals’ allowing access to different numbers of attractions depending on what you wish to experience and how much time you may have available whilst in transit. The four bundle deals vary in price from SD $39 (£22.75) to $71 (£41.40) for standard adult admission. As our flight was not departing until around midnight we had plenty of time from our mid afternoon arrival to spare so we opted for Bundle Deal 3 (SD$56 (£32.66) which included the following attractions/ activities, that I have reviewed below.
Changi Experience Studio
We found this to be extremely interesting as we enjoy interacting with technology. The studio comprises 20 interactive touch points and 10 content zones that provide an overview into how the airport was developed and the necessary processes for the smooth operation of Changi. Lots of hands on games and fun activities so allow a minimum of 30 minutes.
Canopy Park attractions:
Canopy Park, The Jewel
One of the most memorable experiences at The Jewel is to take a stroll across the Mastercard Canopy Bridge which is suspended 23 metres above the ground. The centre section has a glass floor and with fog emitting at both ends, it really feels as if you are floating in the clouds. From the bridge there are stunning views of the lush forest below.
Foggy Bowls
Foggy Bowls, The Jewel
We sat on the floor of the canopy park in one of the large bowls that can accommodate up to four people at a time. We needed to wait awhile for the bowls to release mist, the idea being to give us a taste of what it’s like to play in the clouds.
Topiary Walk
Topiary Walk, The Jewel
Along the winding paths of the Topiary Walk the idea is to use your imagination to try and spot the topiary animals. We spotted several and paused to take some photos along the way. Another fun experience.
Discovery Slides
Discovery Slides, The Jewel, Changi
Also located in Canopy Park are a series of four slides offering fun for both children and the young at heart. Visitors can enjoy unlimited goes on the slides and after climbing the short, steep slope to access them we gained more good views over the Jewel complex.
Petal Garden
This attraction was not in use at the time of our visit as it was being prepared for the Christmas extravaganza.
Hedge Maze
Hedge Maze, The Jewel, Changi
I love a maze so was delighted to be able to put my navigating skills to the test as we made our way though the hedge maze. The idea is to find your way to the centre where the reward is to climb the steps to the lookout tower for panoramic views over the entire maze. Finally we had to find our way back out again which was really quite easy.
Mirror Maze
The Mirror Maze comprises mirrors and illusions created by mirrors. This was another fun activity for all ages and one I enjoyed far more than I expected. By using wayfinding sticks, this helped us to find our way around and to prevent bumps into the mirrors.
Walking Net
Walking and Bouncing Nets, The Jewel
This would have been a fun experience to try but was unfortunately closed whilst essential maintenance was taking place. As our ticket bundle included this top attraction we were provided with tickets to Canopy Park valid for one year to enable us to walk and bounce above the tree line, should we be back at Changi airport during that time.
Length of time to spend at The Jewel
Mastercard Canopy Bridge, The Jewel, Changi
We spent between 4-5 hours at The Jewel as after we had enjoyed the experiences on offer we looked around the shops and enjoyed a meal in the Food Republic Jewel Hawker Centre which was very tasty and reasonably priced. If you are just going to take advantage of the free attractions then I would recommend allowing at least two hours for a visit and at least four hours for the full experience.
Finally, do remember that The Jewel is located next to the airport and not inside, so do please allow plenty of time to reach your terminal and to pass through immigration and security before boarding your flight.
