Airports all over the world constantly compete for the top spot as the worldâs best airport. As the best and one of the busiest airports in the world, Singapore Changi Airport is known for its customer-centric efficiency and the unparalleled Changi Experience.
If you have travelled through Singapore Changi Airport, you may have seen the more prominent attractions in Jewel Changi Airport like the HSBC Rain Vortex, Canopy Park, Walking and Bouncing Nets, and even beautiful gardens like the Butterfly Garden and Sunflower Garden. But did you know that there are in fact eight gardens in Changi Airport, with some of them being indoor gardens, and a lot more hidden gems that do wonders in elevating visitor and passenger experience? With these hidden gems on your must-see list, your Changi Airport sightseeing experience will be unrivalled. On your next vacation, make it a point to check in early and set aside time for Changi Airport's little-known attractions that are equally worth exploring, especially if you've already explored all of the Jewel Changi Airport attractions.
Changi Airport Terminal 1
1. Arrival Garden
The Arrival Garden at Changi Airport offers a vibrant and refreshing outdoor experience indoors, with lush greenery and colourful scenery. A great photo spot would be next to these majestic 12m to 15m-tall palm trees!
If youâre visiting, donât forget to spot these dragonfly topiaries in the garden!
The Arrival Garden at Terminal 1 is the only thematic garden located at the public area of the airport. Situated at the Arrival Hall just below Jewel Changi Airportâs main entrance, it provides a breath-taking sight of beautiful Crystal Clouds suspended from a high ceiling, and a grand view of Jewelâs roof architecture. The colourful tropical garden also features a floral collection that mimics a dragonfly habitat â with many dragonfly topiaries and even a feature pool with ripples and patterns. If you look closely, it is as if the dragonflies are flitting over the water! There are several great photo spots in the garden, but our top picks would be next to the dragonfly topiaries and the towering palm trees!
Admission is free.
Location: Terminal 1, Arrival Hall, Level 1 (Public Area)
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
2. Discovery Garden
Did you know? The Discovery Garden was once called the Sculptural Tree Garden due to its tree-shaped structure.
If youâre lucky, you may even spot one or two international flights parked at the gates just next to the garden!
Possibly one of the most underrated themed gardens in Changi Airport, the Discovery Garden features a winding tree-top trail that brings you a few metres above ground for a majestic view of the airside. Located outdoors, you will hear the rumbling of engines as planes dock and pushback at the gates, just next to the garden â making it a unique plane-watching experience as you burn the hours between flights. If you are an aviation enthusiast or simply love watching planes in action, the Discovery Garden is made for you.
Admission is free.
Location: Terminal 1, Departure Transit Hall, Level 2
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
3. Water Lily Garden
Another attraction at Singapore Changi Airport is the Water Lily Garden which showcases water lilies thriving in their natural aquatic habitat. Its garden shelters mimic the undulating shape of the water lily leaf, and the meandering tiled walkway replicates the ripple effect created by a pebble tossed into a pond.
If you are a serious plant lover, the Water Lily Garden is one enchanted garden where you should visit before your next flight out. While youâre there, look out for the Sacred Lotus and Amazon Water Lily â one of the largest aquatic plants in the world. In its surrounding greenery, you can also find the Weeping Tea-Tree, a small tree native to Australia and the Screw Pine (or more commonly known as Pandan!). If the sun gets too hot, seek sanctuary at one of the many shelters â designed in the wavy shape of the water lily leaf!
Admission is free.
Location: Terminal 1, Departure Transit Hall, Level 2
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
Changi Airport Terminal 3
4. Crystal Garden
Located at the Central Piazza of Changi Airport Terminal 3, itâs impossible to miss the Crystal Garden!
The Central Piazza at Terminal 3 was reinvigorated in 2017 to include the Crystal Garden. Made up of 12 glass dandelion sculptures, this unique garden leverages on technology â numerous LED chips fitted to give the sculptures luminance and glow. Surrounding the dandelions are tiered garden beds featuring a curation of seasonal flora. While the Crystal Garden is located right after the immigration checkpoint, it is visible through Levels three and four of the public area, so you can still spot your loved ones and say your goodbyes (again)! Be sure to spend a moment in this garden of lights the next time you fly through Changi Airport.
Admission is free.
Location: Terminal 3, Departure Transit Hall, Level 2
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
5. Flora Inspiration
Look out for these larger-than-life sculptures, Flora Inspiration in Terminal 3
For the art aficionado, you would be glad to hear that there is a sizable collection of local and international art installations and displays across the Changi Airport terminals. Apart from the famous ones like the Kinetic Rain in Terminal 1 or the PetalClouds in Terminal 4, Terminal 3âs Flora Inspiration by 1995 Singapore Cultural Medallion recipient, Han Sai Por, is equally worth a visit. Well-known for her sculptures carved in stone, Flora Inspiration is a pair of seed pod sculptures cut from âHan Bai Yuâ, a marble that has close similarities to the White Jade. Its symmetrical, perfect rounded form is symbolic of life and growth, paying tribute to Singaporeâs reference to a Garden City that continues to sprout and flourish.
Admission is free.
Location: Terminal 3, Departure Hall, Level 2 (Public Area)
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
Changi Airport Terminal 4
6. Singapore Rojak
Sneak a peek into Singaporeâs food and traditions at the wall mural in Changi Airport Terminal 4.
Of the many things to see Changi Airport Terminal 4 and snap pictures with your mobile phone, this mural has to be one of them. Located at the basement of Terminal 4, it is no wonder that the Singapore Rojak art mural often goes unnoticed. Hand-painted by Singaporean artist, Yip Yew Chong, the 37m-long mural features a line-up of food stalls selling mouth-watering local delicacies and festive goods that bring you back to Singapore in the 1970âs. Pose for a shot or two and bring home the memories of Singaporeâs bygone days.
Admission is free.
Location: Terminal 4, Basement 1 (Public Area)
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
7. Entertainment Corner
You may have heard of the Entertainment Deck at Terminal 2 (which is currently closed for upgrading works) or even indulged in a game or two before your flight. But did you know that at the tail-end of Terminal 4âs transit area lies an Entertainment Corner? This entertainment zone offers a myriad of arcade games and even a foosball table!
Admission is free.
Location: Terminal 4, Departure Transit Hall, Level 2
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
Living up to its name as one of the best airports in the world, Changi Airport has a multitude of attractions ranging from gardens, artworks to entertainment zones for you to enjoy whenever you pass through the airport. From airport lounges to the Canopy Bridge that will take your breath away, there is much to see, whether you are a transit passenger or not. But on top of visiting some of the well-known attractions, you may want to spend some time at these undiscovered hidden gems which will captivate and leave you with an unforgettable experience.
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