BOOKMARK: 14 Tourist Attractions Near Changi Airport in Singapore
Got a long layover in Singapore?
by Ina Louise Manto | October 04, 2023
Singapore is a gateway to Southeast Asia and the rest of the world, making it one of the world’s busiest airports. Whether you find yourself in Changi to catch a connecting flight with time to spare or you have extra time before your hotel check-in, here are tourist attractions you can easily visit near Changi Airport.
Marina Bay area
Just 20 minutes away from Changi (via taxi), the Marina Bay area is one of the best places to visit when you have quite a lot of time to spare during your layover. In less than half an hour, you’ll be able to explore some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, including:
Merlion Park
Location: One Fullerton, Singapore 049213
Can you really say you’ve been to Singapore without paying Merlion Park a visit? Often crowded with tourists with their mouths open as they take a photo with the landmark, the Merlion is Singapore’s icon with mythical roots. The statue with the body of a fish and the head of a lion symbolizes the country’s origins as a fishing village and its original name Singapura, which means lion city in Sanskrit. It’s easy to spot too even from afar, as the Merlion stands 8.6 meters tall.
Admission: Free
Marina Bay Sands
Location: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
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You don’t even have to check in at the 55-story luxurious hotel to appreciate its architectural beauty. Take photos outside and you’re good to go!
Marina Bay Sand SkyPark
Location: Level 57, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
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Marina Bay Sands has three towers, which are completed by a gigantic observation deck that looks like a spaceship or surfboard. The Marina Bay Sands Park boasts 1.2 hectares of recreational space, perched 200 meters in the air. It’s one of the best places to enjoy a 360-degree unobstructed view of the city’s skyline. You’ll also find the hotel’s iconic infinity pool here, which is a popular photo spot for checked-in guests.
Admission: Starts at PHP1,260 per person. Available online.
LeVel 33
Location: 8 Marina Boulevard #33-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1, Singapore 018981
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Looking for an elevated dining experience (literally)? While you’re in Marina Bay Sands, head to LeVel 33 to experience a unique microbrewery, restaurant, bar, and majestic views of the city. This unique rooftop dining concept offers the world’s highest urban microbrewery – perfect for beer lovers or those who are just curious about how these quality drinks are made. Even beer-brewing ingredients are incorporated into the restaurant’s mouth-watering dishes.
Singapore Flyer
Location: 30 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039803
Here’s another way of seeing Singapore’s skyline: ride Asia’s largest giant observation wheel. Standing 42 floors high, the Singapore Flyer features 28 air-conditioned glass capsules. Feast your eyes on views of the city: from iconic landmarks to even Sentosa Island from afar.
Admission: Starts at PHP1,680 per person. Available online.
Gardens by the Bay
Location: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
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Singapore may be known for its skyline but it remains one of the greenest cities in the world. If you want to explore one of its many parks and green spaces, heading to Gardens by the Bay is the easiest. Perfect for nature lovers and budding horticulturalists, this 101-hectare area in the Marina Bay neighborhood will take your breath away with its relaxing parks, unique structures, and waterfronts. It also has three main attractions: Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, and Supertree Grove.
Cloud Forest
Location: Gardens by the Bay
Enter a mist-filled landscape and be greeted by a towering waterfall when you visit Cloud Forest. This indoor garden features the Cloud Mountain, a 35-meter-tall structure enveloped in lush vegetation. As you climb up the structure, you’ll learn and discover various tropical plants.
Admission: Starts at PHP 840 per person. Available online.
Flower Dome
Location: Gardens by the Bay
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Flower Dome is another indoor garden that will make you feel like you stepped into a fairytale. The 1.28-hectare space is the World’s Largest Glass Greenhouse, featuring flowers and plants from five continents. All the walkways are photo-worthy!
Admission: Starts at PHP 840 per person. Available online.
Supertree Grove
Location: Gardens by the Bay
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Aside from its domes, one of the most distinct attractions at Gardens by the Bay is the Supertree Grove. If you’ve seen the Hollywood movie Crazy Rich Asians, you’ll recognize these gigantic trees as one of the filming locations in the movie. The Supertrees feature 25-50-meter vertical gardens, offering views of surrounding parks and walkways. At night, don’t forget to catch Garden Rhapsody, a stunning lights and sound show.
Admission: Free
ArtScience Museum
Location: 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
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Singapore is home to plenty of galleries and museums, and ArtScience Museum is the easiest one to access especially if you have limited time. As its name suggests, the museum combines science and art to create unique and world-class exhibitions. The museum also houses touring exhibitions, collaborating with organizations like the American Museum of Natural History.
Admission: Starts at PHP1,008 per person. Available online.
Joo Chiat neighborhood
Location: Joo Chiat Road, Singapore
For a cultural and historic experience, head to the Joo Chiat neighborhood. This culturally rich neighborhood is home to the iconic and colorful Peranakan Houses, as well as shophouses. These beautifully preserved historical gems boast a mix of cultural influences: European, Malay, and Chinese. Whether you want to take a relaxing stroll, shop, or dine, you can find them all here.
Lau Pa Sat
Location: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
No Singapore visit is complete without experiencing the hawker culture, which will let you go on a fun gastronomical experience. Also known as Telok Ayer Market, Lau Pa Sat also blends history and architecture in one venue. In fact, it’s been a national monument since 1973! The best thing about Lau Pa Sat is that it’s open 24 hours, allowing visitors to choose from Singaporean, Chinese, Malay, Indian, etc. cuisines.
Sentosa Island
Just approximately half an hour away from Changi Airport, Sentosa Island is home to thrilling attractions:
Universal Studios Singapore
Location: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269
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Rekindle your inner child when you visit Southeast Asia’s first and only Universal Studios theme park. When you’re pressed for time, you can still pose with the iconic globe landmark outside the park!
Admission: Starts at PHP3,445 per person. Available online.
Madame Tussauds Singapore
Location: 40 Imbiah Rd, Sentosa, Singapore 099700
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Here’s where you can ~meet~ your favorite celebrities that wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg for concert tickets and exclusive meet and greets. From Harry Styles to K-drama oppa Hyun Bin, prepare to smile from ear to ear when you take photos beside these celebs.
Admission: Starts at PHP1,373 per person. Available online.
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