2019 has been amazing to Changi Airport thus far, after being crowned as the World’s Best Airport for the seventh consecutive year! You can imagine the enormous hype when it was announced that Singapore’s latest icon Jewel Changi Airport opens its door to the public this month. Designed and led by the same team (Safdie Architects) behind Marina Bay Sands, the $1.7 billion dollars, 10 storey Jewel aims to make the airport a unique destination to all, a gem where the world meets Singapore, and Singapore meets the world. With more than 280 stores and dining concepts, Jewel has already garnered numerous amounts of visitors, both local and international since its opening.
There’ll be a lot of firsts on this list. Let’s cut to the chase, these are the Top 10 Things Not to Miss at Jewel Changi:
1. Shiseido Forest Valley
Take a stroll in the 4 storey forest valley after watching the rain vortex and enjoy the lush greenery. There are about 120 species of plants in which 5% are native species. More than 900 trees and palms are planted in the forest valley, including two more than 100 years old olive trees all the way from Spain. It is amazing how Singapore truly lives up to the name of ‘City in a Garden’.
Fun fact: Architect Moshe Safdie drew inspiration from the movie Avatar when designing Jewel.
2. HSBC Rain Vortex
Located at the heart of the Forest Valley, you will be greeted by the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, a record-breaking 40 metres tall. The Rain Vortex gathers natural rainwater and recirculates at more than 10,000 gallons per minute, providing a cool breeze and refreshing airflow to the landscape. Get ready to be stunned by the rain vortex as it transforms into a light and sound show at 8.30PM and 9.30PM in the evening. Can you tell it’s the most instagrammable spot in the whole of Jewel?
3. Canopy Park
The top floor of Jewel is the 14,000 sqm canopy park, home to many recreational activities like the Bouncing Net, suspended Canopy Bridge, Mirror Maze, and Hedge Maze. The park can be accessed through a walking trail from the Shiseido Forest Valley. An event plaza spacious enough to accommodate 1000 people is located at the north side of this park. The canopy park is set to be opened on 10th June 2019, so if you’re visiting or in transit soon, be excited about its opening!
Tips: Luggage or wheeled bags are not allowed for safety reasons
4. Shake Shack
The highly anticipated New York-based burger joint, Shake Shack is finally here in Singapore, also the first in Southeast Asia! Make sure to get your hands on their signature ShackBurger, the classic crinkle cut fries and something exclusively available in Singapore – Pandan Shake! The crowd was obviously immense since the opening day, with almost 100 metres long queue and more than 3 hours of wait time. Singaporeans are known to love queuing for something, Shake Shack is definitely not an exception!
5. A&W
A&W, ahhh…just hearing the name is enough to spark some nostalgic childhood memories! The American fast food restaurant finally made a surprise comeback in Singapore after 16 long years. Would you remember what classics to order while you’re there? How about an ice cold Root Beer Float, a Coney Dog and some Curly Fries? Other than the classics, several international items like the Cream Cheese Burger (Okinawa, Japan) and the Golden Aroma Chicken (Indonesia) have made its way to the menu. Located at Basement 2 of Jewel, all the A&W goodness is available 24 hours!
6. Burger & Lobster
Another high profile, much anticipated London based restaurant has nestled in Jewel. Located at the top floor (Level 5) – also the canopy park, diners are able to enjoy the incredible view of the forest canopy and the 40m Rain Vortex. Burger & Lobster serves up its famed fresh Atlantic Lobster sandwiched with a fluffy brioche bun and a Singaporean inspired menu, from 9 am – 3 am daily.
7. Tonito
Tonito is home to all things Latin America, it’s founded by acclaimed chef Daniel Chavez, the same folks behind Singapore’s first cevicheria, Tono Cevicheria. One foot into Tonito and you’ll find yourself wowed by the vibrant colors of the interiors. The family-friendly restaurant is nestled at Level 2, features authentic cuisines from Mexico, Brazil, Cuba, and Colombia. Make sure to get a taste of their tacos, fried pork ribs, and Pan con chicharrón.
8. Tiger Street Lab
Enjoy a local brew, Tiger Street Lab is Tiger’s first curated beer experience for locals and tourists. Tiger introduces a seasonal range of beers with unique flavors, keeping it fresh! The first seasonal brew launched earlier this month is the Orchid-infused Black Lager, also inspired by Singapore’s national flower. All profits from TSL goes towards Tiger Street Food Support Fund, which celebrates the next generation hawkers and the street food culture of Singapore.
9. Pokémon Center
You gotta catch em’ all! Make a trip down to the first ever Pokémon Center in Asia outside of Japan. Official merchandise and all the Pokémon plush toys that you normally get in Japan can now be found right here at Jewel. You would be excited to know that the center is a real-life replica of the Pokémon Center in the gaming world.
10. Nike
Be blown away by Nike’s largest flagship store in Southeast Asia, occupying two levels at Jewel. Not only does Nike showcase a full product range from sports to lifestyle category, but shoppers will also be able to personalise and customise their newly bought footwear at the Nike By You station! Such fun!
