The Changi Airport in Singapore recently opened Jewel, their $1.3 billion mall, and it’s all the rage amongst travelers.
Voted the world’s best airport, Changi was already a tourist attraction in its own right. But with the addition of the luxurious Jewel, it’s become even more of a must-see. This isn’t your usual shopping mall, either. Aside from retailers, Jewel also provides fine dining, a dozen unique attractions, an IMAX theater, and a 4-star hotel.
At over 131 ft, the Rain Vortex, the world’s largest indoor waterfall, sits comfortably within the landscape and trees in the four-story Forest Valley garden. The vortex almost appears to pull water from the sky, however, recycled rainwater is behind the science of this massive, yet environmentally friendly, waterfall.
“We can actually control the volume of flow. Below the Vortex, we have tanks to collect the rainwater so that we can recycle it,” says Jayson Goh, managing director for airport operations management of Changi Airport Group. “When there’s an excess of rainwater, it can be used for irrigation of the plants in the Forest Valley.”
Jewel’s dining options include both local and global cuisine. Fast food chains like A&W and Shake Shack will help you feel at home or you can take in Singapore’s culture with eateries like Swatow Kitchen.
With easy access to Terminals 1, 2 and 3 (travelers in Terminal 4 will need to take a shuttle), you can satisfy your retail therapy, catch a movie during your layover, get in a little hiking or eat some great food, all while still being able to make your flight.