What to do in Singapore Airport

If you have a stopover and you are wondering what to do in Singapore Airport, you’ve come to the right place!

When traveling through Asia or visiting Singapore, most people arrive at Singapore Changi Airport. This gem is like no other Airport in the world with amazing things to do in Changi Airport for travelers within its transit areas.

There are many things to know before visiting Singapore like important laws, what to do in 2 days in Singapore, or free things to do in Singapore.

Singapore Changi Airport, commonly known as Changi Airport is one of the largest transportation hubs in Asia.

It’s currently rated as the Best Airport in Asia and World’s Best Airport since 2013 for seven consecutive years.

Singapore Airport serves more than 100 airlines flying to some 380 cities in about 100 countries and territories worldwide. Each week, about 7,400 flights land or depart from Changi, with more than 65.6 million passengers passing through the airport a year.

Things to know about Singapore Airport

• The Airport is owned by the Government of Singapore.
• IATA Code: SIN
• Singapore Changi Airport has 4 terminals and there are discussions to expand.
• Changi Airport began operations on 1 July 1981.
• When Changi Airport was awarded the 6th Best Airport Award by the Business Traveller in 1993, the late Princess Diana came to Singapore to personally present the award.

How to buy a sim card at Singapore Airport

Buy a sim card at Singapore Airport and stay connected during your trip. When you buy a local sim card, you’ll save on roaming costs. Where to buy a sim card at Singapore Airport:

Terminal 1

• Changi Recommends
• 7-Eleven
• StarHub

Terminal 2

• Changi Recommends
• 7-Eleven
• Cheers
• StarHub
• Travelers

Terminal 3

• Changi Recommends
• Cheers
• StarHub L1 and B2
• Travelers

Terminal 4

• Changi Recommends
• Cheers
• StarHub

Lounges at Singapore Airport

Whether you’re looking for a place to have a nap, freshen up with a shower, get a workout in a gym, or just want to pamper yourself with a massage, all these facilities and amenities can be enjoyed at a fee.

All terminals have lounges at Singapore Airport.

	Operating Hours	Rates for Lounge Use	Rates for Shower Use	Private Rooms
Terminal 1
Plaza Premium Lounge	24/7	From S$58 for 5 hours and S$105 10 hours.	From S$16	3-hour lounge use: Single room: S$75 Family room: S$180
Terminal 2
Ambassador Transit Lounge	24/7	From S$58.85 for 5 hours	included in lounge rate	additional rate
Terminal 3
Ambassador Transit Lounge	24/7	From S$58.85 for 5 hours	included in lounge rate	additional rate
The Haven by Jetquay	24/7	From S$37.66 to 8 hours: S$80.04	From S$18.83 - S$23.54	From S$88.28 for 3 hours to S$100.05
Terminal 4
The Blossom Lounge	24/7	From S$58.00	included in lounge rate	N/A
Jewel
Changi Lounge	24/7	From S$38 for 3 hours. No shower access	From S$50 for lounge access with shower per adult	included in lounge rate

Check the official website for updated pricing for Lounges at Singapore Airport.

What to do in Singapore Airport

Changi Airport has Four Terminals, whether you’re balling or you are on a tight budget, you will find many things to do at Changi Airport in Singapore. The airport is divided into Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the Jewel.

This list includes FREE things to do in Changi Airport Singapore as well as some paid activities.

What to do in Singapore Airport (Terminal 1)

Cactus Garden – Free

With more than 100 species of cactus from all over the world, Sculptural Tree Garden, a massive tree-like sculpture, or Piazza Garden, where Singapore’s seasonal and thematic folklore plants are displayed according to local festivities and events.

Kinetic Rain Sculpture – Free

This 1,216 m bronze droplet sculpture that can form 16 different shapes from abstract to recognizable shapes.

Airport Wellness Oasis – Paid

For a fish spa, foot reflexology, or full body massage, head to t Airport Wellness Oasis. Open daily for 24/7.

The Social Tree – Free

A nine-meter high screen where you can upload a photo or a video of yourself to share with passengers at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1.

Swimming Pool – Paid

If you fancy a quick splash before your next flight, head to the rooftop of Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel in Terminal 1 where you will find a Swimming Pool at Changi Singapore Airport.

For access to the swimming pool, poolside bar, jacuzzi, and shower facilities it costs S$17.00 per person and it’s open daily from 6:00 AM–12:00 AM.

What to do in Singapore Airport (Terminal 2)

Development for Termal 2 started in 1986 and it took 5 years to complete. Changi Airport’s Terminal 2 was officially opened in 1991 and to make travel between T1 and T2 seamless, the Skytrain was also introduced.

Enchanted Garden – Free

The Enchanted Garden is s 390 sq m garden is situated between the rows of airport shops and features over 50 fresh ferns and flower varieties. Walking through the garden, visitors will step on sensors, recorded in the Borneo rainforest, that cause sounds of nature.

You will see artificial flowers bloom right in front of their eyes, too. The center of the garden is four glass bouquets, decorated with a handcrafted mosaic. Each bouquet holds at least 300 freshly-cut flowers that will be changed seasonally. The garden also features a koi pond.

Sunflower Garden – Free

The sunny garden provides travelers with a good dose of vitamin D by day and transforms into a spectacular nighttime scene with the aid of special lighting. (T2, Transit Area, Level 3)

Orchid Garden – Free

Built-in 1997, the Orchid Garden is something to add to your what to do in the Singapore Airport list. The garden has 1000 orchids from 3o different species and hybrids. These orchids are grouped according to their myriad colors and forms, they also represent the 4 elements of nature: Air, Earth, Fire, and Water.

Movie Theatre – Free

Enjoy a free screening 24/7.

What to do in Singapore Airport (Terminal 3)

Terminal 3 at Singapore Airport was opened in 2008. It houses the world’s first butterfly garden in an airport.

Butterfly Garden – Free

Located on Level 2 The Butterfly Garden at Singapore Changi Airport is the world’s first butterfly garden in an airport is designed as a tropical butterfly habitat with a profusion of flowering plants, lush greenery, and a 6m grotto waterfall.

Encounter over 1,000 tropical butterflies from as many as 40 species during the different seasons of the year. Educational corners and individual enclosures let you witness the breeding and feeding of butterflies at close range.

Crystal Garden – Free

Located right opposite the Louis Vuitton store, the Crystal Garden is 12 spheres of artisan dandelion glass sculptures in various sizes, comprising 1,735 Bohemian glass components—all hand-blown with different finishes. Surrounding them are tiered garden beds of flowering plants.

The ‘seeds’ of the dandelions ‘dispersing’ across the Crystal Garden represent passengers on their onward journeys, spreading out to different corners of the world.

Singapore City Tour – Free

If you have a layover of 5.5 to 24 hours, you can go on a complimentary tour of the city.

Things to know before the tour Free Singapore Tour:

• There are nine daily tours between 8 am and 10:30 pm.
• The tours are organized by the Singapore Government and Singapore Airlines.
• Meeting point for Free Singapore Tour: Service counter in Terminal 2 and 3
• You need to show your passport and boarding pass.
• If your nationality needs a visa for Singapore, please arrange one beforehand.

You can tour around Singapore in 2.5 hours. There are three tours:

1. Changi Jewel Walking Tour from 9:30 am to 10:30 pm
2. Heritage Tour from 8am – 8:30pm
3. City Sights Tour from 5 pm to 10 pm

What to do at Jewel in Changi Airport

If you’re wondering what to do in Singapore Airport? Add Jewel to your list! From the outside, it looks like a giant dome and from the inside, it looks like a city in a garden.

What is Jewel at Changi Airport

Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, Jewel at Changi Airport is an entertainment and retail complex on the landside of Singapore Changi Airport.

The dome-shaped face is made of glass and steel. It was designed by renowned architect Moshe Sadie. Construction for this 1.7 billion SGD project started in December 2014 and the complex opened in April 2019.

How to get to Jewel at Changi Airport

Jewel is situated landslide between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at Singapore Airport. It’s highly recommended that you have at least 5 hours of transit time should you wish to visit Jewel at Changi Airport as you have to go through Immigration.

• From Terminal 1: The north entrance of Jewel is connected to the Arrival Hall on Level 1.
• From Terminal 2: You can access Jewel via the Link Bridge on Level 3.
• From Terminal 3: You can access Jewel via the Link Bridge on Level 2, next to the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
• From Terminal 4: Take a complimentary shuttle bus to Terminal 2 then you can access Jewel via the Link Bridge on Level 3.

What to do at Jewel at Changi Airport

Inside the Jewel, you’ll find shops, restaurants, the Canopy Park, Forest Valley, and The nature-themed retail complex’s centerpiece, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall – the 40 meter Rain Vortex.

Hedge Maze – Free

The hedge maze is one of the best things to do at Changi Airport. With a 1.8m tall foliage and a lookout tower, ts the largest foliage maze in Singapore.

Shiseido Forest Valley – Free

This lush four-story forest is home to one of the largest indoor collections of plants in Singapore. With over 900 trees and 60000 shrubs, the valley has amazing photo spots and two walking trails.

Canopy Park – Paid

Located at the topmost level of Jewel, this 14000 sqm of recreational space includes a garden with a play area for kids, animal-shaped topiaries made from flowers, seasonal flowers in bloom, an event space that can accommodate up to 1000 guests and eight restaurants.

You will also find the Canopy Bridge that was suspended 23 meters above ground with a glass-bottom feature. There are also giant trampolines known as Sky Nets for people who aren’t afraid of heights.

Sleep at the airport hotel in Singapore

If you have a long layover and you’re seeking accommodation at Singapore airport, the best airport hotel in Singapore:

Airport Hotel in Singapore – Terminal 1

Aerotel Transit Hotel

Aerotel Transit Hotel offers hourly accommodations at the Transit Lounge in Terminal 1 of Singapore Changi Airport. Adjacent to Gate D41, this transit hotel is uniquely equipped with an outdoor swimming pool, a poolside bar, a fitness center, and a library.

The Singapore City Center is about 25 minutes away by car or taxi.

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Airport Hotel in Singapore – Terminal 2

Ambassador Transit Hotel

Ambassador Transit Hotel – Terminal 2 offers accommodations within Changi International Airport in Singapore. All rooms are fitted with a desk and a flat-screen TV. The property offers a 24-hour front desk. Guests at Ambassador Transit Hotel – Terminal 2 can enjoy a complimentary breakfast and access to the fitness center.

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Airport Hotel in Singapore – Terminal 3

Crowne Plaza

Crowne Plaza is a luxury hotel located within the Singapore Changi International Airport. It offers stylish accommodations with an outdoor landscaped pool, a fitness center, and 2 restaurants.

Trendy guest rooms at Crowne Plaza are spacious and boast an elegant interior with lavish designs. Bathed in plenty of natural light, each well-appointed room has a mini-bar and flat-screen TV with cable channels. The private bathroom features a rain shower.

Changi Airport Crowne Plaza is accessible from Changi Airport’s Terminal 1 and 2 by a monorail system. It is linked to the airport’s Terminal 3 by covered walkways. The city center is a 30-minute drive from the hotel.

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Travel Insurance for Singapore

Use travel insurance while visiting Singapore so you are covered for theft and medical expenses. There are a lot of adventurous activities to do in Singapore, and it’s best to have peace of mind while driving, hiking and trying some of the best food in the world.

Find out why I recommend World Nomads, check out my World Nomads Insurance review.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a booking after clicking on a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you!