As one of the best airports in the world, Changi Airport is known for its customer-centric efficiency and the unparalleled Changi Experience. If you have travelled through Changi, you may have seen the more prominent Butterfly Garden at Terminal 3 and Sunflower Garden at Terminal 2. But did you know that there are in fact eight gardens in Changi Airport and many more hidden gems that you might have missed? On your next vacation, make it a point to check in early and set aside time for these little-known Changi attractions that are equally worth exploring.

Changi Airport Terminal 1

Arrival Garden

Trees lined along the Arrival Garden with Jewel’s architecture towering above. Trees lined along the Arrival Garden with Jewel’s architecture towering above.

A great photo spot would be next to these majestic 12m to 15m tall palm trees!

A dragonfly topiary perched on top of other green plants at the Arrival Garden. A dragonfly topiary perched on top of other green plants at the Arrival Garden.

If you’re visiting, don’t forget to spot these dragonfly topiaries in the Arrival 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, it provides a breath-taking sight of Jewel Changi Airport's (Jewel) beautiful Crystal Clouds suspended from a high ceiling, and a grand view of Jewel’s roof architecture. The colourful garden also features a floral collection that mimics a dragonfly habitat – 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

Discovery Garden

An architectural shot of the Discovery Garden, showing the winded walkways An architectural shot of the Discovery Garden, showing the winded walkways

Did you know? The Discovery Garden was once called the Sculptural Tree Garden due to its tree-shaped structure.

A shot from the Discovery Garden with an Air China plane in sight. A shot from the Discovery Garden with an Air China plane in sight.

If you’re lucky, you may even spot one or two planes 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 or pushback from the gates, just next to the garden – making it a unique plane-watching experience. 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

Water Lily Garden

A wide shot of the Water Lily Garden with greeneries and a water lily pond in sight. A wide shot of the Water Lily Garden with greeneries and a water lily pond in sight.

Soak in the Vitamin D and admire the water lilies on display.

If you are a serious plant lover, the Water Lily Garden is where you should visit before your next flight out. While you’re there, look out for the Sacred Lotus and Amazon Water Lily - 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 – 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

Crystal Garden

A top-down wide shot of the Crystal Garden in Terminal 3. A top-down wide shot of the Crystal Garden in Terminal 3.

Located at the Central Piazza of Terminal 3, it’s 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 - the numerous LED chips fitted into the sculptures give them 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 3 and 4 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

Flora Inspiration

A wide shot of Flora Inspiration art sculpture in Terminal 3 A wide shot of Flora Inspiration art sculpture in Terminal 3

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 terminals. Apart from the famous ones like the Kinetic Rain in Terminal 1 or the PetalClouds in Terminal 4, Terminal 3’s 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 ‘Han Bai Yu’, a marble that has close similarities to the White Jade. Its symmetrical, perfect rounded form is symbolic of life and growth, paying tribute to Singapore’s 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

Singapore Rojak

A wide shot of a hand-painted wall mural. A wide shot of a hand-painted wall mural.

Sneak a peek into Singapore’s food and traditions at the wall mural.

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 1970’s. Pose for a shot or two and bring home the memories of Singapore’s bygone days.
 

Admission is free.

Location: Terminal 4, Basement 1 (Public Area)
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily

Travelling Family

travelling family terminal 4 travelling family terminal 4

At Terminal 4, spot these aluminium sculptures depicting a family on holiday.

Known for his quirky artworks that portray people in everyday life, Kurt Laurenz Metzler is a Swiss artist whose sculptures are exhibited internationally. His aluminimum sculpture at Terminal 4 titled 'Travelling Family' is an apt spot for a family photo before jetting off to your holiday destination. 
 

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. 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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