Singapore Changi Airport has long held its crown as one of the best airports in the world – and with good reason. It's famed for its pristine efficiency, incredibly low rates of mishandled baggage, top-tier facilities, reliable flight schedules, and outstanding connectivity.

But beyond the usual duty-free shopping and speedy immigration, there’s a whole world of fun, food and fabulousness tucked away in its terminals and Jewel. Whether travellers are transiting, flying long-haul, or heading off on a cruise, here are several unexpected things you can do at Changi Airport.

1. Get that “Jurassic Park” moment

The Changi Airport Skytrain is a free, automated shuttle connecting terminals. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Maria

Most travellers snap a selfie at Jewel Changi Airport’s famous Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Set against a lush forest backdrop, the 40-metre-high cascade is a must-see and frequently featured on social media.

But here’s a lesser-known secret: the free skytrain that runs between Terminal 1 and Terminals 2/3 passes right beside the Rain Vortex. As the train glides along its elevated track, you get a sweeping, close-up view of the waterfall from above – minus the crowd. It’s an unexpected, cinematic moment that feels a bit like you’ve entered Jurassic Park, as you hover next to the misty cascade surrounded by rainforest.

2. Explore sky-high playgrounds

The Bouncing Net at Jewel’s Canopy Park lets visitors leap across a giant net suspended 8 metres high, offering fun, views, and a weightless thrill. Photo Credit: Changi Airport Group

At the top of Jewel Changi Airport, Canopy Park is a whimsical garden wonderland filled with oversized slides, mirror mazes, foggy bowls and garden trails. One of its highlights? The Manulife Sky Nets – a series of bouncy, suspended nets that let you leap across levels and peer down at the lush greenery of the Forest Valley. It’s part thrill, part workout, and a lot of fun – especially if you’re killing time between flights.

3. Find the hidden Sichuan restaurant

Chengdu Bowl at Changi Airport Terminal 3 is a hidden Sichuan restaurant accessed through a vending machine door, offering spicy and homestyle dishes in a speakeasy setting. Photo Credit: Cheryl Teo

For a truly quirky dining experience, seek out Chengdu Bowl in Terminal 3 – Singapore’s first-ever speakeasy-style Sichuanese restaurant. Hidden behind what appears to be a vending machine, the restaurant opens into a nostalgic and photo-friendly space inspired by the streets of Chengdu.

Inside, you’ll find Mahjong tables, a Wishing Tree, and dishes that range from fiery to family-friendly. Favourites include the Classic Spicy Chilli Chicken with Cheesy Rice Cake, Applewood-Smoked Wagyu Cubes, and comforting options like Mom’s Homemade Rice Pot. Spice-averse travellers and kids are covered too, with a selection of gentler dishes and complimentary kids’ meals with every paying adult. It’s Chinese food, reimagined with a cheeky twist – and a great story for your Instagram.

4. Discover secret gardens

The Butterfly Garden at Changi Airport, opened in 2008, is the world’s first airport butterfly garden, featuring over 1,000 butterflies in a lush tropical habitat. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/famveldman

Changi is home to eight themed gardens – many of which most travellers completely miss. The Discovery Garden in Terminal 1 features a treetop trail perfect for plane-spotting, while Terminal 2’s Enchanted Garden literally comes to life with motion-triggered sounds and lights. Over in Terminal 3, the Butterfly Garden is home to over 1,000 tropical butterflies, a small waterfall, and blooming nectar plants. Also at Terminal 3, Crystal Garden sparkles with giant dandelion sculptures made from glass.

5. Take a dip in a rooftop pool

Changi Airport features a rooftop pool at Aerotel Transit Hotel in Terminal 1, offering runway views, a jacuzzi, and a poolside bar. Photo Credit: Changi Airport Group

Yes, you can swim at the airport. The Aerotel Transit Hotel in Terminal 1 boasts a rooftop pool, jacuzzi and poolside bar – all accessible with a day pass. Towels and showers are included, so it’s a great way to cool off or decompress before a long flight.

6. Immerse in high-tech aviation fun

Changi Experience Studio is a digital attraction in Jewel Changi Airport with games, interactive exhibits, and immersive zones revealing the airport’s inner workings in fun ways. Photo Credit: Changi Airport Group

Located inside Jewel Changi Airport, the Changi Experience Studio is part museum, part arcade. Visitors can explore 20 interactive zones covering everything from airport operations to flight simulations. It’s a hands-on, family-friendly attraction that offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Changi tick.

7. Catch ’em all before you catch your flight

Located in Jewel Changi Airport, Pokémon Center Singapore is the first outside Japan, offering exclusive merchandise like Pilot Pikachu and featuring iconic Pokémon displays. Photo Credit: Pokémon Center Singapore

Singapore is home to the only permanent Pokémon Center outside of Japan, and it’s right inside Jewel Changi Airport. Modelled after the original Tokyo store, the Pokémon Center Singapore is a dream come true for fans of all ages.

Stocked with exclusive merchandise (including Singapore-exclusive plushies), it’s the perfect place to grab a gift. Whether you’re after rare collectibles, themed snacks, or just a selfie with a life-sized Gyarados, there’s plenty to explore.

8. Watch a movie at Jewel’s cinema

Shaw Theatres Dreamers at Jewel Changi Airport is Singapore’s first free-seating cinema hall, featuring bean bags, soft lighting, and a cozy, kid-friendly atmosphere. Photo Credit: Shaw Theatres

Need a break from exploring or just want to chill out between flights? Head to Shaw Theatres Jewel, the cinema located on Level 5 of Jewel Changi Airport showing the latest international blockbusters. With plush seats, air-conditioning, and a good selection of snacks, it’s a fantastic way to escape the terminal bustle. Better still, the cinema often runs off-peak promotions, making it a surprisingly affordable bit of layover luxury.