Yesterday we had the opportunity to go to a soft opening of the new Changi Jewel. It was a ticketed event and we had gotten the tickets several weeks ago. Changi is an amazing airport and they have just taken it to the next level, significantly higher—even by Singapore’s over the top mindset in everything that is done here. We have been watching it being built over the last two years we have been here and it is great to see what has been done. It will be fully open in stages over the next couple of months.
What is interesting is that their projection of visitors, once it is open, will be 60% local residents. So while it is a boon for travelers on layovers, it is also for those of us who live here. We have already talked about spending an evening there at the movies and dinner, perhaps followed by a rooftop cocktail.
So what does it have? First off, if you are flying in or out of Changi it has early check in counters for your flights including bag check, bag check for your hand luggage, a Yotel where you can get a room for a couple of hours for a nap or overnight. It is easy to walk from all of Changi’s terminals as it sits between T1, T2, and T3. T4 is just a little further away as you take a shuttlebus to T2 and then walk.
The main feature is The Vortex—a tubular waterfall that falls 40m from the middle of the glass roof. (again, since we are in Singapore, it is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.) It looks like it should be CGI in a science fiction movie, but it is real. A great Instagram spot for those selfies. It falls into a vertical glass tube which you can stand next to on the lower levels (known as the Immersion Garden) for yet more selfie opportunities.
The totally glass structure also lets outside views in, such as Changi’s iconic control tower. There are over 900 trees and 60,000 plants in this climate controlled greenhouse.
High up in the Canopy Park there are skyway bridges to easily walk above all, of for those that are a little more adventurous there are bouncing rope nets. And for the younger set there are also slides that even look fun to me. And if you have time to kill you will be able to get lost in the hedge maze. Or the mirror maze. Or just admire the topiary. You won’t be bored.
There is enough shopping to keep even the most avid shopper occupied. Almost all of the major brands and stores are here. And to make things easier for visitors there is even a GST Refund Desk.
The list of restaurants opening is impressive, including Singapore’s first Shake Shack—a two story restaurant that was not open yesterday. But an indicator of its probable success was the very long line at A&W. Also of note is the Tiger Street Lab which will be the only place that you can get a Tiger Beer orchid infused Black Lager—a nod to Singapore’s national flower.
