Singapore is known for its futuristic architecture and one of the most famous displays is in a place you wouldn’t expect! The Singapore Jewel is a massive indoor waterfall at Changi Airport that pours down from the roof to inspired onlookers. As frequent visitors to the city, we were so excited to see it for the first time this year! Let us share our experience visiting the Jewel, how to get there, and more fun facts about the waterfall.
What is the Singapore Jewel?
Opening in 2019, the Singapore Jewel now holds the title as the world’s tallest indoor waterfall! From 130 feet up water cascades from the dome above creating a massive centerpiece in the middle of the building.
However, the Jewel in Singapore is way more than that! Many travelers don’t realize that it is also a multi-story shopping complex with the Changi Airport waterfall in the center.
From the ground to the top floor there are dozens and dozens of high end shops, restaurants, and everything in between. All surrounded by a jungle atmosphere and skytrain behind it.
Funny enough, one of the other highest indoor waterfalls in the world is located across the city inside the Cloud Forest. Make sure to take the trip to the famous Gardens by the Bay and Supertree Grove on your visit to Singapore.
→ 23 Fun Things to do in Singapore on Your First Visit!
Where is the Changi Airport Waterfall?
As we mentioned, you can find the Jewel in Singapore inside Changi Airport. The exact location is across the street from Terminal 1 Departures and super convenient to visit from almost anywhere at the airport.
The one thing to stress is that you can only visit the Singapore Jewel from being physically inside the country.
What this means is that if you’re just visiting on a quick layover then make sure you have enough time to pass through customs (and get back). We talk more about this in detail below!
Don’t have enough time on your layover or don’t want to deal with the process of passing through customs? Well, there is one more way to see the Singapore airport waterfall!
The skytrain connects Terminal 2 and 3 and takes a ride past the Singapore Jewel. So if you’re just traveling through the airport you can ride on the tram and get a quick glimpse of the waterfall.
→ Is Changi Airport in Singapore the World’s Best? 8 Things to Know
How to Find the Singapore Jewel On a Layover
If you’re anything like us, then you’re probably planning to visit the Jewel at Changi Airport during a layover!
We actually had an option when flying with Scoot Airlines to pick a 1 hour or 5 hour layover. It’s very rare that we CHOOSE to have a longer travel day, but we really wanted to see the Jewel.
Later in our trip we took the longest flight in the world from Singapore to New York City so we actually got to visit for a second time!
Singapore itself is more than worth a trip. If you’ve never been and have the option to spend a few days we highly recommend it! It is one of the most beautiful and fun cities in the world to explore.
Everything is walking distance or a short MRT train ride away, and you’d be surprised how much you can see with a 2 day itinerary like this.
Pop into the Raffles Hotel to try the original Singapore Sling and grab some delicious street food at one of the many Hawker Centers.
If you’re intrigued by the Jewel at Changi Airport, then you will be blown away by Singapore’s innovative architecture.
→ Merlion Park Singapore: 8 Best Things to Know For Your First Visit
Our Trip to the Singapore Airport Waterfall
Flying in from Bali Indonesia, our flight landed and we quickly made our way through customs. Obviously, we normally would not leave the airport with such a short amount of time.
Yet, the Singapore Jewel is something we’ve wanted to see since it opened! Thankfully, the immigration line was extremely short.
We did have to fill out an electronic immigration form which we did in line. Aside from that the process was simple and easy.
At customs we had to show our onward flight and explain that we were just going to the Singapore airport waterfall.
From the reaction of the customs officer we could tell this was a popular move and we were not alone going to the Jewel in Singapore on our layover.
By time we got through we only had about 2 hours to visit the famous Jewel before we had to return and make our onward flight.
We were very lucky that our flight landed in Terminal 1 so as soon as we exited customs we were literally steps from the entrance.
Singapore Jewel Free Admission vs Paid Canopy Park
It is impossible not to be completely amazed the first time you see the massive Singapore airport waterfall. What we didn’t realize is that it is completely free to visit! There is only one section that you need to buy a ticket for which we will go over below.
When you enter on the ground floor take your time walking around the Changi Airport waterfall. You can even walk up some of the steps, take a seat at the benches built into the forest, and relax with a view!
Speaking of views… If you’re planning to visit to the Singapore Jewel then you HAVE to visit the Canopy park. We were a little confused by this when we arrived.
Basically the Canopy park is on the top level of the Jewel. You have to climb to the highest level to get there but it’s so worth it!
The Canopy Park has everything from a maze to bouncing nets and even a bridge. It’s a great area for both kids and adults to enjoy. However, you can buy the more inexpensive entry ticket for just the Canopy Walk.
This takes you along the highest stretch above of the Jewel which has the best view of the waterfall. In total, the walk won’t take more than 15 to 20 minutes including photo spots.
→ Click Here to Pre-book Your Singapore Jewel Canopy Park Tickets
Is It Worth Visiting the Singapore Jewel at Changi Airport?
Yes! We were so happy that we took the longer layover and had time to visit the Jewel Singapore. If you are lucky enough to be staying in Singapore for a few days then we highly recommend getting there early to experience the Changi Airport waterfall.
If you are just passing through on a quick layover then it’s still totally worth seeing. Just be aware of your time restrictions! No matter how amazing it is it won’t be worth missing your connecting flight.
Also, be sure to check out the beautiful Singapore Butterfly Garden if you’re in Terminal 3. Changi Airport is truly an attraction in itself!
Have any questions about the Jewel or want to share your own tips for visiting the amazing Singapore airport waterfall? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where to Stay in Singapore
Luxury – Marina Bay Sands – We stayed at the Marina Bay Sands for Jake’s 30th birthday and it blew away our expectations. Aside from the luxury amenities, swimming in the rooftop infinity pool will be the highlight of your visit!
Iconic – Raffles Hotel – As one of the most historic hotels Southeast Asia, staying at the Raffles Hotel will be an experience like no other. Enjoy a Singapore Sling and take in the amazing architecture of this landmark built in 1887.
Fun Vacation– Parkroyal on Pickering– It doesn’t get much more green and lush then Parkroyal on Pickering! This fun vacation spot is literally one of the greenest hotels in the world. Plant life covers the entire property to make for a unique stay in Singapore.
Boutique – KēSa House – Located in Chinatown, this fantastic hotel was built in 1920’s. Enjoy the incredible setting in the heart of the city in a traditional building on Keong Saik Road.
Hostel – Hipstercity hostel – Fun hostel in downtown Singapore with both private and dorm rooms. Great place to meet other travelers to explore the city with.
PIN FOR LATER ↓
Singapore Travel Planning
Activities: Chinatown – Marina Bay Sands – Haji Lane – Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool –Using the MRT – 15 Wild Laws
Hawker Centers: Maxwell – Old Airport Road – Tekka Centre – Chinatown Complex – Lau Pa Sat – Liao Fan Hawker Chan
Light Shows: Gardens by the Bay– Marina Bay – 2 Best in Singapore
Flights: We always find deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we got flights from Athens to Singapore for $230 USD, and Singapore to Thailand for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare competitive sites for hotels such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for activities all over Singapore. You can book everything from a Singapore Highlights Bike Tour to a Gardens by the Bay E-Ticket, and even a private food tour with 10 tastings!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Here’s all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists! Including electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
Looks like an incredible destination. Putting this on my bucket list for sure.
Author
It’s a must if you’re traveling through Singapore!
Holy cow, that’s gorgeous! Something else I’ll need to add to my bucket list!
Author
A must see if you’re traveling through Singapore!
Hi BRIGITTE & JAKE, thanks for the information on the jewel.
my wife and i are off to Singapore next week.
Our departing flight (outbound) is at 19:15 and can’t get a late check out without the hotel charging us extra so we’re thinking of getting to the airport quite early and checking out the waterfall.
My wife uses a walker – is there a lift to the canopy level so we can take in the view?
Overall what is the access like for someone that uses a walker?
Regards
Ian
Author
Hi Ian,
We took the escalators to go up each floor, but we would assume there is also an elevator option. Singapore is very walker-friendly in general so just ask someone when you get there. Regardless, the Singapore Jewel is still worth seeing from the bottom floor! Hope that helps.
-Brigitte & Jake
I’ve had this on my bucket list for awhile. These are all tips for seeingthe waterfall and making the most of a 5 hour layover.
Author
Definitely worth seeing the Singapore Jewel if you have time at Changi Airport!
Singapore is so amazing. We love it there.
Author
One of our favorite cities!
This looks fantastic. It kind of makes you want a flight delay so you have the time to explore it all!
Author
I know right! Singapore is definitely a place we don’t mind having a layover in.
Wow thank you for sharing your detailed adventure if this beautiful place
We have a 3 hour 15 min layover
Arriving on Singapore airlines at 6:10 am from Cape Town South Africa
Then departing at 9:25 am to Narita
Is that enough time to visit the top level of the waterfalls?
Mahalo!
You’ll have plenty of time.
Do check if they still have a free city tour for travelers with a long layover.
Author
Great idea Keith!