Get ready to tickle your travel fancy with something spellbinding right at the bustling heart of Singapore’s Changi Airport. I’m talking about a showstopper that will have travelers and Instagrammers buzzing nonstop. Buckle up because you’re about to get the inside scoop on beholding the dazzling HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, nestled like a sparkling gem in the Jewel Changi Airport.
If you thought airports were just about rushing and waiting, Singapore Changi Airport turns that on its head. You’re stepping into an architectural masterpiece where time stands still and nature dances of a lifetime. Whether you’re in Singapore for a quick stop or launching into an epic Singa-adventure, the Rain Vortex is an attraction that’s not just seen but felt — right in your wanderlust soul.
Getting to the Majestic Waterfall
Go through customs and ensure you have all the necessary stamps on your passport before heading to the HSBC Rain Vortex at Changi Airport. Regardless of which terminal you arrive at, whether it’s Terminal 1 or you’re transferring from Terminals 2, 3, or 4, exiting the transit area is the first step. Once you’ve done that, go to the Jewel Changi Airport, the bustling 10-story shopping mall of Singapore Changi Airport, where you’ll find the breathtaking Rain Vortex Waterfall waiting to mesmerize you.
Direct Access from Terminal 1
Touchdown at Terminal 1? You’ve hit the jackpot. Jewel Changi Airport is practically at your doorstep, directly connected to Terminal 1 Arrival Hall. Slip through customs and let the signs escort you to the encounter with the majestic waterfall. Stand before it, all 40 meters of cascading glory, and you’ll understand why it’s not just a waterfall—it’s a masterpiece.
Seamless Connection from Terminals 2 & 3
If you land at Terminal 2 or 3, you can easily reach the Rain Vortex and enjoy its enchanting beauty with a stroll. Look out for the clear signs that point you to the Jewel.
When arriving at Terminal 2, you can reach the Jewel with a calm 5 to 10-minute walk. Head towards the Departure Hall on level 2, move towards row 1, and soon find the link bridge that will take you to level 3 of Jewel.
From Terminal 3, the process is the same – just a simple 5- 10 minute walk. Find your way to level 2 in the Departure Hall near row 11, and you’ll come across another link bridge leading you directly to level 3 of Jewel.
Both terminals’ link bridges are near the access to Changi Airport MRT station. Following the MRT sign will also lead you to the link bridge.
Easy Transfer from Terminal 4
If you’re landing at the smaller Terminal 4 further away, worry not; the journey to the Rain Vortex is smooth and cost-free. Hop onto the complimentary shuttle bus that awaits at the Terminal 4 Arrival Lounge. It’ll zip you straight to Jewel/Terminal 1, dropping you opposite Jewel’s Level 2 Drop-off point. These direct shuttles run between 6 AM and midnight every day, so you can nearly always catch a ride at your convenience. If you arrive in those quiet hours between 1 AM and 6 AM, the loop bus service has got you covered, taking a roundabout from Terminal 4 to Terminal 3 and Terminal 1 before circling back.
Best Times for an Unforgettable Waterfall Experience
Choosing the right moment is crucial to capturing the true essence of the Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport. Seek out those quieter, off-peak hours for a serene and personal experience with this architectural marvel. And for a spectacle that’ll make your visit unforgettable, time your visit with the dazzling light and sound show — it’s when the cascade truly transforms into a symphony of color and motion that you can’t miss.
Secret Hours to Dodge the Crowds
Visiting early in the morning or late in the evening can make a big difference in your experience. The shops at Jewel Changi Airport typically open at 10:00 AM and close at 10:00 PM. Aim to arrive at opening time or consider staying close to closing time, when fewer visitors and the atmosphere around the waterfall is more serene.
HSBC Rain Vortex Opening Hours:
Mon – Thu: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Fri – Sun, including Public Holiday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Light & Sound Show Timings
The Rain Vortex is not just a waterfall; it’s also the centerpiece for an awe-inspiring light and sound show. This show transforms the space into a symphony of colors and music, which you can witness at specific times:
- Weekdays: Shows run hourly from 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM
- Weekends: Enhanced frequency with shows beginning at 7:30 PM and continuing until midnight
HSBC Light & Sound Show:
Mon – Thu: 8.00 PM & 9.00 PM
Fri – Sun, PH & Eve of PH: 8.00 PM, 9.00 PM & 10.00 PM
You can go to 5F to buy tickets to enjoy the Starry Sky Garden Canopy Park (Topiary Walk, Petal Garden, Foggy Bowl). Luggage can be entered (other equipment cannot), and there are discounts on tickets on KKday!
In the middle of [Shiseido Forest Valley @ Jewel Changi Airport], there is the world's largest indoor waterfall [HSBC Rain Vortex].
During the day, it's a wonderful space that skillfully combines "near future" and "jungle". There are promenades and benches, so you can enjoy trekking in a comfortable temperature and humidity 👍
It's lit up at night, making you feel like you're in space 💫 You can enjoy a fantastic atmosphere that's different from the daytime ✨ However, after 10pm, the falling water will end and the illumination will go out, so we recommend visiting before then. Masu.
It's open for free every day, so you can go as many times as you like until you get tired of it (though you won't) 😉👌 This time I couldn't watch the [Light & Music Showcase] at [HSBC Rain Vortex] due to the timing not being right, so I decided to check it out. I will definitely visit again!
*Information as of January 2024. Please check the homepage or other people's reviews for the latest information🙇
We came in the late afternoon so we could watch the light and music show, and it turned out to be really cool. The water seemed to be dancing accompanied by colorful lights and music that made the atmosphere really magical. The kids were also in awe watching it, it was so cool!
Besides seeing the waterfall, we also had time to walk around Canopy Park. There were lots of fun rides for kids, but adults could also join in the fun. There were also lots of food choices, and the indoor parks were cool and nice for relaxing.
Usually when you're at the airport, you just want to hurry up, but at Changi, you want to stay longer. It felt like a mini vacation in the middle of your trip. It's a must-stop if you're in transit or on vacation in Singapore. It's definitely memorable for the whole family!
It is easily accessible on foot through a skybridge from Terminal 3 where I landed. Or you can go on the skytrain to Terminal 1, which is closer to Jewel.
Be mindful of the opening times. I arrived early in the morning at 8:30am, but Jewel only opens at 10am. And the rain vortex only started at 11am.
The silver lining is that I was able to capture the place with and without the rain vortex. The place can get pretty crowded. So being there early helped ensure a good spot to snap photos and videos.
When you arrive at Terminal 1, it's right next to the arrival lobby, so I want you to go and see it first and be impressed.
In the morning, as the sun rises, sunlight falls on the waterfall, making it bright and pleasant.
During the day, it's nice to be able to take a relaxing break in a bright but bright space where you can feel the negative ions.
In the evening, the setting sun casts a mist and is magical.
At night, the light show creates a completely different world that is both moving and pleasant. It might feel a little cold at night.
I get really excited when I can capture the moment when the skytrain crosses the waterfall in the background.
However, the waterfall is not flowing 24 hours a day, so the waterfall is closed late at night and early in the morning.
On the second and third floors, there are benches set up in the shade of trees overlooking the waterfall, and there are also hidden spots where you can relax and avoid the crowds.
If you come to Singapore, you should definitely stop by.
Please use the clean restrooms in the mall.
Enhancing Your Visit
To truly appreciate the majesty of the Rain Vortex and its surroundings at Changi Airport, knowing where to go and what to do can significantly enhance your experience.
Best Spots for Waterfall Views
Level 1, Jewel: You’re close to the waterfall’s might, a perfect place for that impactful Instagram shot.
Level 5, Canopy Bridge: Suspended 23 meters above the ground, get a panoramic view of the waterfall at heart-stopping proximity.
Wandering in The Shiseido Forest Valley
Walking Trails: Explore the four-story vertical gar8den on foot. Pathways lead you through lush greenery, making a serene break from the urban rush.
Viewing Decks: Stop by the decks integrated throughout Shiseido Forest Valley for exceptional vantage points of the Rain Vortex.
Canopy Park – A World Above
Elevate your adventure at Canopy Park, where enchantment and exhilaration meet. It is designed for visitors of all ages, with multiple attractions offering a unique blend of nature-inspired beauty and thrilling play. Engage with our interactive installations, wander through lush landscapes, and experience the joy of play in our extraordinary suspended nets.
At Canopy Park, it’s a world where nature’s beauty and the thrill of adventure coexist. Each attraction beckons with its charm, inviting visitors to play, explore, and marvel. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a peaceful retreat, your journey above awaits.
Experience Jewel and explore architectural marvels, a lush indoor forest with over 2,000 trees and 100,000 shrubs, alongside exclusive shopping and dining. Enjoy stunning views and Canopy Park access, enriching your visit to this must-see Singapore destination.
Dive into Terminal 2, The Wonderfall
Did you know within the recently rejuvenated Terminal 2 of Changi Airport, you’ll discover one of its most breathtaking attractions: The Wonderfall. This fusion of natural beauty and high technology offers a unique spectacle as it blends a digital waterfall with lush greenery.
Engaging with the Interactive Exhibit
At The Wonderful, you’re not just a bystander but a participant. Touch sensors allow you to influence the water’s flow, making your experience at Changi Airport memorable and interactive. The ambiance created by this feature transforms the departure hall into a tranquil oasis, inviting you to pause and immerse yourself in the serenity before your flight.
The Technology Behind the Magic
The Wonderfall is no ordinary installation; it’s a 14-meter-tall digital art marvel that simulates a real waterfall’s grace through cutting-edge technology. Meticulously engineered projection systems and responsive sensors give this masterpiece life, responding to environmental and human interaction. As you witness the digital water cascading down the green walls, you see a seamless integration of creativity and engineering wizardry right in the heart of Terminal 2.
It's actually a huge LED screen but the effect is wonderful.
This was the first thing we saw on exiting immigration when we arrived in Singapore.
