Why Changi Airport is the best in the world

Changi Airport really does live up to the accolades. Ridiculously clean, calming, modern and with no end of things to keep you occupied. It made me feel embarrassed by the standard of the hectic and overpriced airports we have back home in England. 

The Jewel at Changi Airport

The first thing we wanted to see was ‘Jewel’. An area open to the public between terminals two and three, which also houses the world’s largest indoor waterfall. At a balmy 60 metres, it really is a truly beautiful site. Seemingly coming from the sky, it cascades down in to the centre of the floor below. Surrounded by gorgeous green plants, all of which took two years to acclimatise, before installation in the Jewel. 

Taking time to walk around, we explored the Shiseido Forest Valley. A walkway which allows travellers to walk up and down four levels of and view the waterfall from every angle. 

Surrounding Jewel are a colossal number of shops restaurants, a cinema and baggage storage (for $5 – $20 SGD, depending on the size of the bag). You can even check your bags in early if travelling with any of these airlines. 

Perhaps the most exciting are the numerous activities on offer. For $8 SGD, it’s possible to take a canopy walk to the top of the Jewel. You can even bounce your way around on skynets for $22 SGD. See here for a list of all the activities on offer.

Opting to explore further we attempted to visit Terminal three’s Butterfly Garden. However it’s only for passengers departing from that terminal, so sadly for us was off limits. (It’s something worth remembering if you want to see something in particular at Changi Airport; not everything can be viewed).

Heading to Terminal Four, we weren’t disappointed. The check in process with (Air Asia) was seamless. We didn’t even have to see anyone, with self serve baggage tags, check in and even clearing Singapore customs. The technology is seamless here.

Terminal Four is the newest at Changi Airport and we saw the Peranakan shop houses at the Heritage Zone. A display which recreates 100 years of Malaysian architecture. The two shops in the middle also light up with video displays at regular intervals. It tells a 1930’s love story of a two people living next door to each other. It’s worthwhile sitting down to watch.

In addition to to the World Food Court (which actually had cheap and delicious food; unlike any other airport I’ve been to), we spent time relaxing in Terminal Four’s ‘Snooze Zone’. Obscenely comfy chairs can be used free of charge. We took full advantage, whilst sitting down to watch the Petalclouds.