Transiting may spell boredom for some travellers but not when you’re transiting through the world-famous Changi Airport! Flanked by the newly built Jewel that has been making waves on social media, this is one of the exciting airports to spend your long transit hours.
Credit: Giphy
Whether you’re transiting to Jetstar’s top destinations such as Bali, Darwin, Phuket or Okinawa, make the most of your time by exploring what Changi Airport has to offer. From shopping at Jewel to savouring halal food, this ultimate transit guide is perfect for Muslim travellers!
What to do
The beauty of transiting at Changi Airport is the opportunity to explore what Singapore has to offer. Whether you’re taking your adventure indoors or outdoors, there’s an activity for every transiting traveller.
1. Look up at the world’s tallest indoor waterfall
Move deeper into Jewel’s Forest Valley to catch the cascading beauty of HSBC Rain Vortex. Popularly known as the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, this 40-metre high attraction continues to draw locals and tourists to admire this architecture marvel. Tell your friends how beautiful it is by using these awesome mobile photography tips to capture the best photos of Jewel Changi Airport.
Come between 7.30pm and 12.30am to catch the Rain Vortex dazzle its audience with spectacular light and sound shows. It happens at hourly intervals so that you can time it perfectly for the next show!
#HHWT Tip: Jewel is located outside of Changi Airport's transit area. If you're transiting to Singapore without a tourist visa, you might not be able to visit Jewel.
Location: Heart of Forest Valley
2. Join the Free Singapore Tour
If you have at least 5.5 hours until your next flight, explore the city’s sights and sounds with the Free Singapore Tour. An exciting 2.5 hour guided tour, there are two types of tours to choose. The Heritage Tour will indulge you with the culture and stories of Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam and Merlion Park. The City Sights Tour will take you around the modern cityscape of Singapore, which includes the Merlion and Gardens by the Bay.
Free Singapore Tour booths
- Terminal 2 Transit
- Terminal 3 Transit
- How to register for Free Singapore Tour at Changi Airport
Location: Level 2, Departure Transit Hall (next to Orchid Garden)
Operating hours: Daily, 7am-6.15pm
Location: Level 2, Departure Transit Hall (next to Discover Singapore)
Operating hours: Daily, 7am-6.30pm
3. Catch a movie at Jewel Shaw Theatres
To fast forward the hours till your departure time, catch a movie at the all-new Jewel Shaw Theatres. Designed with Singapore’s first next-generation IMAX hall that features IMAX with lasers, it takes the cinematic experience up a notch.
If you’re travelling with your family, they also have dedicated children and family hall complete with playground, bean bags and open spaces. The kid-friendly theatre is designed with lower brightness and volume, so it’ll be a comfortable movie experience for your little ones.
#HHWT Tip: Jewel is located outside of Changi Airport's transit area. If you're transiting to Singapore without a tourist visa, you might not be able to visit Jewel.
Location: #B2-237, Jewel, Changi Airport
4. Walk across the Manulife Sky Nets
With many new attractions in Jewel, you might have a tough time deciding where to spend your limited hours at Changi Airport. We recommend bringing your kids to the Manulife Sky Nets, a giant net that stretches up to 250 metres! Scream and bounce among the trees, but remember to wear pants or shorts as well as comfortable covered shoes. Do note that Jewel is located outside of Changi Airport's transit area. If you're transiting to Singapore without a tourist visa, you might not be able to visit.
Location: Level 5, Canopy Park, Jewel, Changi Airport
#HHWT Tip: You’ve done it all, and need a place to stay during a 24-hour layover? Get the Changi Stopover package that includes a 2D1N hotel stay of your choice, a free SIM card and a free one-way airport transfer. Starting from SGD63, book now for this awesome package!
Where to take snapshots
Show how much fun you have at Changi Airport by taking snapshots at their beautiful Instagram-worthy gardens! Start at the Cactus Garden (Terminal 1, Transit Level 3) for snapshots with the barrel cactus, sago palm and century plant. Next, take pictures of the prettiest bloom at the Water Lily Garden (Terminal 1, Transit Level 2). Look out for the amazon water lily and tell your friends that you’ve seen one of the world’s largest aquatic plants.
For more gardens that’ll impress your Instagram followers, the Sunflower Garden (Terminal 2, Transit Level 3) makes a beautiful backdrop before your sunny getaway. Then, be impressed by the Enchanted Garden (Terminal 2, Transit Level 2), an interactive indoor garden designed with fascinating sights and sounds.
Where to eat
When you’re in transit, it’ll probably be lunch or dinner time in Singapore. Before you speed off to shop and visit their famous attractions, it’s time for a quick refuel at these halal-certified eateries!
Jewel
1. Commons
If you’re thinking about ribeye steak, rotisserie chicken or carbonara linguine, Commons is the place to go for Western cuisine. You may be tempted to order the cheesy beef burger and grilled teriyaki beef salad, but this restaurant is famous for the Commons Meat Platter Hero, a spread that consists of roasted chicken, beef tenderloin, lamb chop and more things from a meat lover’s dream.
Halal status: Halal-certified
Address: #B1-289/290, Jewel, Changi Airport
Operating hours: Daily, 10am-10pm
Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. El Fuego by Collin’s
If your flight isn't arriving any time soon, you’ll have plenty of time for El Fuego by Collin’s. Expect plates of European cuisine coming to your table, so tuck your napkin into your collar and indulge in the Australian Angus tomahawk steak, live Boston lobster, Irish oyster and Hokkaido scallop ceviche.
Halal status: Halal-certified
Address: 02-216, Jewel, Changi Airport
Operating hours: Daily, 10am-10pm
Website | Facebook | Instagram
[P.S. For more dining options, check out our ultimate halal food guide to Jewel Changi Airport!]
#HHWT Tip: Jewel is located outside of Changi Airport's transit area. If you're transiting to Singapore without a tourist visa, you might not be able to visit Jewel.
Terminal 3
Terminal M
Step into Terminal M to experience Changi Airport’s first aviation-themed food hall. Serving halal Japanese, Korean and Chinese cuisine all under one roof, it’s one of the best dining spots to hang out while waiting for your boarding call to Bali or Phuket. Pick a table and fill it up with everything from Singapore-flavoured xiao long bao and Korean army stew. Here’s a sneak peek on other delicious offerings at Changi Airport’s Terminal M food hall!
Halal status: Halal-certified
Address: Basement 2, Terminal 3, Changi Airport
Operating hours: Daily, 10.30am-11pm
Terminal 2
Jinjja Chicken
If you have Korean street food on your mind, Jinjja Chicken has delicious food to satiate your craving. Better known for their delicious fried chicken, getting the Jinjja wings and drumsticks may be the best finger-licking move you’ll make. For lip-smacking food, there’s bibimbap chicken and kimbap rice rolls.
Halal status: Halal-certified
Address: Level 3, Terminal 2, Changi Airport
Operating hours: Daily, 10.30am-11pm
Website | Facebook | Instagram
#HHWT Tip: Hungry for more? Check out other must-try halal eateries in Changi Airport that will have you drooling!
Where to shop
If you’re still hours away from your flight to Darwin or Bali, you have plenty of time to shop. Jewel is filled with international brands, homegrown stores and pop-up shops to visit, so remember to keep a credit card in your pocket. Do note that Jewel is located outside of Changi Airport's transit area. If you're transiting to Singapore without a tourist visa, you might not be able to visit Jewel.
1. Pokemon Centre
It’s a huge deal to shop at the Pokemon Centre because it is Asia’s first permanent Pokemon store outside of Japan! Additionally, it is modelled after the Pokemon Centre featured in the game too. When it comes to merchandise, everything sold in the Japan store is also available here.
Since it’s perfect for souvenir shopping, spot the Pikachu plush toy, Pokemon Nano Blocks and trading card games! Browse the shelves for the adorable Pikachu pilot and aircrew plushies to accompany you on a long flight to Okinawa.
Location: #04-201/202, Jewel, Changi Airport
2. Nike
Perfect for husbands strolling aimlessly in this retail paradise, Nike has got your back. It may be a familiar brand, but this is the largest Nike store in Southeast Asia. A two-storey store packed with athletic wear and sneakers, something might catch your eye here.
To leave the store with something cool for your wife, this Nike store sells Nike Pro Hijab in various shades. Designed with a high-performance Nike Dri-FIT technology, this is great if you’re planning something adventurous or outdoorsy on your romantic getaway.
Location: #02-232/233, Jewel, Changi Airport
3. Miss Hosay
To bring home a piece of Singapore wherever you go, Miss Hosay has many souvenirs inspired by the people and culture of the Lion City. Singapore-centric novelty items such as keychains of local eatery signages and The Red Riding Hood Lah storybook might warm your heart.
Let’s not forget the durian tote bag, Haw Flakes printed socks and Mamee Monster earrings. Since they’re adorable to wear, you might as well buy one for yourself.
Location: #02-214, Jewel, Changi Airport
Where to pray
To perform your prayers before your flight, Changi Airport has many prayer rooms across all terminals. While only some rooms provide prayer mats, it’s best to bring your own along with prayer garments. If the prayer room doesn’t have a wudhu area, chances are there’s a clean and spacious toilet nearby.
To perform your prayers before your flight, Changi Airport has many prayer rooms across all terminals. While only some rooms provide prayer mats, it’s best to bring your own along with prayer garments. If the prayer room doesn’t have a wudhu area, chances are there’s a clean and spacious toilet nearby.
Prayer spaces at Changi Airport
- Terminal 1 Transit – Level 3, Departure Transit Hall
- Terminal 2 Transit – Level 2, Departure Transit Hall North (near Gate E)
- Terminal 3 Transit – Level 3, Departure Transit Hall South
- Terminal 4 Transit – Level 2M, Departure Transit Hall
Credit: Giphy
Whether you’re transiting to Jetstar’s top destinations like Bali, Darwin, Phuket or Okinawa, the silver lining to your transit is the chance to discover the best of Singapore’s culture, local food and attractions. From savouring the flavours of Hainanese chicken rice to shopping for a Pikachu plush toy, you’ll take home more than just new things and experiences. You’ll fly off with new memories of the journey that happens in between.
This article is brought to you by CAG & Jetstar.
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