8 Best ways to kill time at Changi Airport besides hanging at Jewel
There’s nothing quite like the frustration of a delayed flight. You not only have to shift your travel and accommodation plans as you’re no longer going to be at your destination by a certain time, but you’ll also have to mindlessly wander around the airport to try and find ways to kill time.
While most airports have the usual restaurants, shops, and lounge areas for you to relax and read in, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the plethora of activities that you’re able to do at Changi Airport. Known as one of the best airports in the world, each of the terminals have unique attractions to keep everyone entertained. Regardless of whether you’re a thrill seeker, an art lover, a nature lover and more, you’re certainly in for a treat! Here, we’ve curated 8 best ways for you to spend time at Changi Airport – with the range of activities available, you’re going to wish that your flight was delayed just a little bit longer.
Visit the Butterfly Garden in Terminal 3
If you’re a fan of nature, there’s nothing quite like the Butterfly Garden at Changi Airport. Located in Terminal 3, you won’t have to pay a single cent to marvel at these gorgeous butterflies. Home to over 40 species of 1,000 butterflies, you’ll also be immersed in a tropical habitat with lush greenery, mesmerizing flowers, and even a 6-meter waterfall. Keep a lookout for signature plants such as the Red Powderpuff Plant, and the Egyptian Starcluster. You can also expand your knowledge by learning more about the butterflies through the education corners throughout the enclosure while witnessing the breeding and feeding of butterflies in close proximity.
Indulge in a movie at either Terminal 2 or Terminal 3
If you’re a movie buff, there’s nothing quite like watching a movie to pass the time. At Changi Airport, you can head to either Terminals 2 or 3 to enjoy complimentary screenings of movies. From comedy to cartoons, and even the latest Hollywood blockbusters, there’s something for everyone. As you slump into a comfortable chair and find yourself immersed in the movie experience, it’ll hardly even feel like your flight has been delayed! The best part? The movie theatre is open 24 hours daily.
Pretend you're somewhere else at the Sunflower Garden in Terminal 2
Even if your flight is delayed, you can still pretend like you’ve gone to another location by snapping some shots at the Sunflower Garden in Terminal 2. This garden that’s located on the rooftop of Terminal 2, is a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Changi Airport. Either than plane watching and soaking up some Vitamin D, you’ll also be able to catch several varieties of sunflowers grown in this airport’s nursery.
Worried you won’t be able to see it at night? You’ll be delighted to know that there’s special lighting installed at night so you’ll still be able to view these sunflowers along with the illuminated runway and aircraft parking bays.
Get your gaming on at Terminal 2
If you’re an avid gamer that’s tired of the games on your phone and laptop, you’ll be thrilled to know that there’s an entertainment deck that’s located in Terminal 2 of Changi Airport. Either than PlayStations and Xbox 360s, there’s even a room for you to try out Xbox Kinect. There’s also some retro arcade machines for those that are feeling nostalgic.
Xbox Kinect is a gaming experience that utilises movements, voice, and actions. You can take on a friend in a competitive sport like tennis, bowling, and even wake racing, or get a group of your family and friends together for a workout that’s sure to get everyone sweating.
Experience Peranakan culture at Terminal 4
If you’re at Terminal 4, don’t forget to check out the Heritage Zone that’s comprised of some colourful shophouses that reflects Peranakan Culture. Consisting of nine different panels that reflect various architectural styles, you’ll be mesmerised by the décor.
ou can also catch a digital theatrical performance called Peranakan Love Story that tells the story of two musicians that fall in love with each other. While it’s only a short six-minute theatrical film, you’ll be impressed by the immersive 3-D experience that’s projected on the shophouse façade.
Ride a giant slide at Terminal 3
While there may not be a theme park at Changi Airport for the thrill junkies, the giant slide at Terminal 3 should be enough to get your heart racing. At a whopping 4 stories high, have fun whizzing down Singapore’s tallest slide and the World’s tallest slide in an airport. As you slide down, you’ll be reaching speeds of up to 6 meters per second – great fun for both children and adults.
To be able to slide down terminal 3, you’ll need to present a receipt that shows a minimum spending of $10 (you get one ride on the slide for every $10, with a maximum of 10 rides per day per receipt). With plenty of shopping available in the airport, this is one experience you wouldn’t want to miss. If you’re not sure if you’re up for this experience, you can take a ride down a smaller slide at basement 2 for free.
Appreciate the art in Changi Airport
If you’re a fan of art, you’ll appreciate the different types of art that are all-around Changi Airport. From mesmerizing art displays to aesthetically pleasing art, and eye-catching wall murals, the possibilities are endless.
Perhaps one of the most popular art displays is kinetic rain that’s located in Terminal 1. It’s made up of more than 1,000 bronze droplets that contort into various patterns, and shapes. You won’t be able to take your eyes away as you stand in awe of this majestic display.
Leave a message at the social tree
In this day and age, social media and the digital world has practically infiltrated each and one of our lives. While tagging yourself on social media (especially when you’re heading to another destination) is certainly the norm, there’s nothing quite like leaving a digital footprint in another destination.
At the social tree in terminal one, you’ll spot the nine-foot interactive structure that consists of touch screens, webcams and more. You can use any one of these photo booths to take a photo or video and attach it onto the tree. If you’d like, you can also save these photos and videos, and add it onto your social media profile or share it with family and friends. Coming back to Singapore? You’ll be able to retrieve these memories and re-live them during your next visit back.
We’re just scratching the surface on the variety of activities that are available at Changi Airport. Either than the above, you can also get a quick foot or body massage at one of the massage chairs scattered through the airport, take a dip in a rooftop pool or admire some water lilies. You’ll be spoilt for choice as you continue to make unforgettable memories at the world-class Changi Airport.
