Built over the former Terminal 1 open-air carpark, the 135,000 square metres dome structure is finally completed. Following almost five-years construction, the structure that was dubbed as Project Jewel has been clearly stated NOT as an addition to the four terminal buildings in Changi Airport used to board and deplane passengers.
So, what is this grand structure that costs almost S$1.7 billion all about? I had the opportunity to visit the facility before its public opening, so let's take a look.
Single Step to The World's Marketplace
Just like the project, the grand structure that is called Jewel Changi Airport is a shopping and entertainment complex hosting approximately 300 local and international brands, in its ten-storey interior.
The stores include Singapore's first A&W, Shake Shack from the USA, Pink Fish from Norway, and Pokemon Store. It also host Southeast Asia's largest Nike Store and the second Apple Store in the city-state. On the top level of thisA cinema will also be available on the Jewel, making it one of the few airports with a cinema. Awesome, right?
Indoor Attractions Unlike Any Other
But hey, shopping and eating is not all the Jewel is about. The next hottest Instagram spot in town will come in the forms of a number of exciting indoor attraction you should not miss:
The Rain Vortex – holding the record for world's tallest indoor fountain at 40 feet (130 metres). Singapore's next hottest Instagram spot is right in the corner. The Rain Vortex also feature a complete light show on the evening.
Forest Valley – includes a walking trail that spans across five-storeys of the building, allowing you to enjoy the lush greenery of 3,000 trees on your way up or down.
Attractions opening June 2019:
Canopy Bridge - A 23-meters high glass bridge, taking you as close as you can to the majestic Vortex.
Sky Nets – consist of a bouncing and walking net, it can be suspended as high as 8 metres from the ground.
Discovery Slides – going beyond the excitement of the T3 slide, Jewel will also have two tube slides and sliding surfaces that will enable its users to view through Forest Valley and Rain Vortex as they slide through this 3m and 7m high attraction.
Canopy Mazes – dubbed Singapore's largest hedge maze that features gates that can be pushed within to modify the path of this maze, and one of the few that will utilise mirrors and reflections as part of the path.
Pre-flight Facilities
Despite not being a terminal building, Changi Airport Jewel also provide counters for Early Check-in, a pre-flight lounge and a temporary luggage storage. So there's no need to worry carrying around your luggage should you wish to roam around Jewel before your next flight.
With a number of buses linking the airport and the city depart and arrive in Jewel, the building will also serve as the airport's ground transport hub.
Access to Jewel
Changi Airport Jewel is situated at the public area of Changi Airport. This means that if you are arriving or transiting through Singapore, you will have to clear immigration and baggage claim in order to visit this amazing indoor attraction. If you are only transiting through Changi Airport, it is advisable to at least has five hours in between flights to fully-enjoy your Jewel experience!
Jewel Changi Airport operates in full swing from 10:00 to 22:00. However, selected food and beverage outlets may operate at extended hours, or even 24/7.
Public Transport
Take the bus no. 24, 27, 34, 36, 53, and 110 heading to T1 Changi Airport. Nearest MRT station is Changi Airport (CG2), an extension of the East-West Line (green line). As you exited the MRT or bus, you can then proceed to one of the terminals and connect this way to Jewel:
Direct access from Terminal 1 (Level 1 – Arrivals area)
Air-conditioned pedestrian bridge from Terminal 2 (Level 3 – Departures area, beside the escalators linking T2 Departures to MRT station).
Air-conditioned pedestrian bridge from Terminal 3 (Level 3 – Departures area, beside entrance to Crowne Plaza Hotel),
Shuttle bus service departing from Terminal 4
Tips: if you would like to have a quick glance of the Jewel's famous Rain Vortex, the Skytrain that operates between the transit areas of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 pass through inside Jewel, just get your cameras ready!
Without a doubt, Jewel Changi Airport is going to change your mind about long-transits or even a random visit to the airport. So, are you prepared for your next visit to Jewel?
