As always, be assured that safe distancing and other precautionary measures are in place across our attractions, retail, F&B and service outlets for your health and safety. Don't forget to observe good hygiene measures and practice safe distancing during your time at Changi. Stay safe!
Singapore is a haven for the thrifty ones among us - that is, if you know where to look. Considering our deep-rooted inclination towards deals and discounts (queuing up for free stuff is a national hobby, really), trust that you can find things to do in Singapore that don't cost a single cent.
As it turns out, you donât have to break the bank to take in the thrilling sights and sounds of the worldâs most awarded aviation hub, Changi Airport. From a zen hike through an indoor forest to going on an adventure with Pikachu, here are just some of the free things to see and do across the vast expanses of Jewel Changi Airport.
1. No reason to depart from the Arrival Garden
Located at Terminal 1 of Singapore Changi Airport, the Arrival Garden boasts lush, natural greenery.
Those whoâve been to Changi Airportâs Terminal 1 for years would know the dazzling difference between the days before and after the Arrival Garden, which arrived (pun intended) in 2018 following an expanded revamp.
What used to be an open air carpark is now a grand, vibrant garden - something you're bound to love about Changi Airport. Folks entering Jewel from the arrival hall will get treated to a lush kaleidoscope of colours thanks to the tropical greenery, a dragonfly-themed flora collection and a feature pond.
Take in the majestic Mexican Fan Palm trees â these are hardy trees native to Mexico that have taken root at Terminal 1 and now stand tall at up to 15m. Or bug out near the dragonfly topiaries and sculptures as the feature pool bursts with ripples and patterns to emulate dragonflies dancing on the water. Instagram-worthy? Without a doubt. So, be sure to play around with your camera lenses to get that perfect shot!
Location: Terminal 1, Level 1
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Admission: Free and open to public
2. Find your inner peace at the Shiseido Forest Valley
Boasting out of this world art installations, the Shiseido Forest Valley in Jewel doubles as a lush green sanctuary.
The theme of lush greenery continues in the Shiseido Forest Valley. Located at the heart of Jewel, this zone will satisfy any plant lover. This is, after all, an indoor forest a green utopia that would make you easily forget that youâre not even in the great outdoors.
Itâs forest-worthy enough for a gentle hike with mini waterfalls accompanying the walking trail, and mists for that extra level of fantastical immersion. Best of all? No sweat is involved in this hike thanks to climate control; the ambient temperature is maintained at a cooling, comfortable 23°C.
As if thatâs not enough, the interactive SENSE art installation will lull visitors into a state of complete zen, thanks to its multiple sensory triggers: scent to create calm; sound to create peace; sight to create serenity; touch to create harmony. In other words, itâs a great place to zone out for a little while and tune out all the bad vibes that the past year has wrought.
Location: Entry and exit points at every level of Jewel
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Admission: Free and open to public
3. Contemplate the beauty of nature through art installations
Crystal Clouds at Jewel Changi Airportâs main entrance is a sight to behold.
The number of thrilling attractions available at Jewel Changi Airport can be pretty overwhelming, but donât forget to take some time to appreciate the mesmerising art installations there too.
Be sure to hunt down these two exquisite artworks: Crystal Clouds and Grains of Thought. The former, created by artists Andy Cao and Xavier Perrot, comprises 16 âcloudsâ made up of thousands of shimmering crystals which reflect the weather patterns through dynamic lighting.
As for the Grains of Thought artwork, which is the perfect addition to any art trail in Singapore, theyâre sculptures of two giant rice grains suspended in mid-air, providing a moment of quiet contemplation for the role that this humble food plays in our lives. It makes sense when you find out that Singaporean artist Eng Tow is behind it â an artist known for her introspective works inspired by nature.
Location: Jewel Changi Airport Main Entrance; South Gateway Garden
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Admission: Free and open to public
4. Get creative at Apple Jewel Changi Airport
Get creative with free 'Today at Apple' sessions, hosted by Apple Creatives and Specialists.
Whether youâre Team Apple or Team Android, anyone can take part in the multitude of free classes offered at Apple Jewel Changi Airport. Even if you donât own an Apple device, youâd be able to loan one to participate in the sessions, which are all free to sign up for and attend.
Budding creatives both young and old would be more than happy to learn about artful mobile photography and videography directly from Apple Creatives through hands-on sessions. Those with iPads can look forward to getting started with various apps like iMovie and Procreate to kick off their journey in film editing and graphic design. Youâll be able to learn new techniques or hone current skills at no cost at all!
After the session, you could always walk around the gorgeous store and try out all of Appleâs latest phones, tablets and laptops that youâve always wanted to have but canât (for now).
Location: Jewel Changi Airport, #02-234/235/236
Opening Hours: 11:00am to 10:00pm
Admission: Free and open to public
5. Go on an adventure with Pokemon Explorer
Unleash your inner PokĂ©mon trainer with PokĂ©mon Explorer, an interactive game launched jointly by Jewel Changi Airport and The PokĂ©mon Company, so you know itâs downright official.
The game, accessible on the Jewel mobile app, will see players traipsing around the complex to complete various missions at pit stops together with their partner PokĂ©mon, of which 25 are available (including cuddly favourites like Pikachu and Eevee). Missions include collecting berries around the Discovery Slides at Canopy Park and catching Magikarp at Shiseido Forest Valleyâs East Trail.
Accumulate enough points across all the activities, and youâll score a spot in the Hall of Fame display at Jewelâs PokĂ©mon Center, where the very best can redeem a surprise gift.
Opening Hours: Pokémon Explorer is accessible within Jewel from 10:00am to 10:00pm daily
Admission: Jewel Changi Airport app is free to download on Android and iOS
6. Stand in awe of the HSBC Rain Vortex
Set in the nucleus of Jewel, the HSBC Rain Vortex is one of the prime attractions in Jewel Changi Airport.
Weâd be remiss not to mention the most iconic (and free) attraction at Jewel: the majestic HSBC Rain Vortex.
By now, youâd probably be familiar with all its factoids. Itâs seven storeys tall; itâs the worldâs tallest indoor waterfall; about 37,000â of water (supplied by collected rainwater) gets pumped through it every minute. But no matter how many times youâve seen this wonderful attraction, itâs always an impressive sight in real life â an architectural marvel that forms the centrepiece of Jewel.
Take a seat near the Reflective Pool â the black ring of water surrounding the HSBC Rain Vortex â and watch the water cascade down into the depths. To get up close and get an Instagram-worthy selfie while at it, head down to B1 and B2 to check out the Water Skin acrylic column where youâll feel like youâre literally touching the vortex from behind a glass panel.
Location: Jewel, Shiseido Forest Valley
Opening Hours: Mondays to Thursdays 11:00am to 10:00pm; Fridays to Sundays and Public Holidays 10:00am to 10:00pm
Admission: Free and open to public
7. An all-in-one adventure time at Canopy Park
An indoor wonderland for the young at heart, the Canopy Park at Jewel features everything from mazes to slides.
Donât believe us when we say there are loads of things to do and play at Jewel Changi Airportâs Canopy Park? For just S$5 per entry, you get to spend an entire day at the Canopy Park and not get bored â it is a 14,000sqm playground for people of all ages, after all. Among all the Jewel attractions, this oneâs a mandatory stop for first-time visitors of the complex.
In fact, the Canopy Park alone should provide a fun time enough for the young-at-heart. Play among the museum-worthy Discovery Slides sculpture, which offers a family slide and two glass-covered spiral slides. Run around among mystical puffs of cloud and mist at Foggy Bowls, marvel at the vibrant flower scape at Petal Garden, and luxuriate in the lush greenery found in Topiary Walk.
Fork out a bit more cash to get access to more thrilling activities, like walking 23m above ground at the Canopy Bridge or bouncing on suspended Manulife Sky Nets among the trees. Pro tip: Use your Singapore Rediscover Vouchers to get access to all the attractions for next to free. And, get your towels and water bottles ready because all the walking and jumping is sure to get your heart pumping unlike any other!
Location: Jewel Changi Airport, Level 5
Opening Hours: Mondays to Thursdays 10:00am to 10:00pm; Fridays to Saturdays and Public Holidays 10:00am to 11:00pm
Admission: S$5.00 (or S$3.00 for Changi Rewards members) per entry to Canopy Park. S$39 for children and seniors; S$54 for adults for a bundle package to every attraction.
On a budget with nowhere to fly off to? Thatâs no reason not to check Jewel Changi Airport right now. With plenty of things to do for free or on a budget, itâs a stop worth visiting for a whole day of fun with friends and family.
There's more things to do over at Changi Airport as well! Check them out here:
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