Ifah SakinahSo many have made the call worldwide — Singapore is indeed home to one of the world’s best airports! There are many things to do at Changi Airport, but we bet spending a date night there would have never come to mind so easily! Well, guess what? It may just be the perfect place for unique date ideas, from romantic strolls at Jewel Canopy Park and uncovering Changi Experience Studio’s wonders to shopping at Changi (if your love language is gift-giving, that is!).
Singaporeans, know that our airport could be your one-stop destination for a date night that’s one for the books. Here’s what you and bae can do at Changi to make sparks fly even without boarding a flight to your dream getaway.
1. Gaze at the world’s tallest indoor waterfall
Fix your eyes upon the dazzling light display at the HSBC Rain Vortex. | Image credit: Jewel Changi Airport Official Website
The HSBC Rain Vortex, soaring at a height of 40 metres, is the focal point of the newly-opened Jewel Changi Airport. It has been named the world’s tallest indoor waterfall — just another record-breaking title that Changi Airport has under its belt. Rainwater from the dome of Jewel streams majestically into an abyss right at the basement. As if the scene can’t get any more magical, The Shiseido Forest Valley encircling the waterfall adds to Jewel Changi’s resplendence with its surrounding greenery. Such an awe-inspiring sight is made better when shared with someone special by your side.
Come dusk, take your place at the spacious seating area and feast your eyes upon a captivating show — a perfect harmony of light, water, and sound. Alternatively, you can head to the nearby PAZZION Café to get a good view of the dazzling lights, while enjoying a light bite and some coffee. The water gushing at the centre of the greenhouse transforms into a backdrop for a light-and-sound projection unlike any other, creating the right ambience for you to land a sneaky kiss.
Location: Jewel Changi Airport
2. Go on a gastronomic adventure at Jewel Changi
Choose from the multifarious dining options available at Changi Airport. | Image credit: Rumours Bar and Grill Official Website
While we know you can’t hop on a flight to a foreign destination yet, the two of you can embark on a worldwide adventure through food. Let your taste buds do the travelling instead! Changi Airport is an epicure’s delight, with an eclectic mix of restaurants spanning four terminals.
Take your pick from flavourful Latin American dishes at Tonito or savour authentic Japanese cuisine made from the finest ingredients at Gochi-So Shokudo. Perhaps, you’d prefer to bond over your love for local fare? There is the best-selling nasi lemak by Crave and xiao long bao at Paradise Dynasty, among many other Singaporean favourites.
If you’re a foodie who appreciates hopping from one resto to the next, then you now know exactly what to do at Changi. Scour the terminals for delicacies you’ve been missing from your travels and share the experience with someone you love. After all, we totally agree that the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach!
Locations: T1–4, Jewel Changi Airport
3. Have a loved-up staycation at Yotelair
Get a good night’s sleep at YOTELAIR Singapore Changi Airport with its plush beddings and peaceful ambience. | Image credit: YOTELAIR Singapore Official Website
True — your dream getaway has to wait till travel resumes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get away from being cooped up at home. A staycation sounds like the perfect answer for couples seeking an exciting escape amid all these travel restrictions!
Why not surprise your other half with a staycation at YOTELAIR Singapore Changi Airport? We like the idea of having to make our way to Jewel Changi Airport to enjoy the stay. It creates an impression of boarding a flight and going abroad. Needless to say, staycationing in an airport is a novel experience that’s bound to leave your adventure-hungry partner grinning from ear to ear.
Moreover, the rooms — equipped with world-class amenities — are designed to emulate a first-class cabin. Conceived with comfort in mind for travellers, the beds are outfitted with plush comforters that are sure to lull you and your sweetheart to a restful sleep. In fact, we found it difficult to part with our bed the next day! There’s a flat-screen television, a refreshing rain shower, and complimentary skincare products to boot. If seeing the world was your couple thing before the pandemic, we assure you that staycationing at Changi is the next best thing.
Tip: Don’t forget to inquire about the many perks you can get your hands on if you choose to stay with YOTELAIR Changi. This usually includes merchandise discounts and complimentary entry to other Changi attractions. Talk about more bang for your buck.
Location: #04-280, Jewel Changi Airport
Also read: 14 Things to Do at Changi Airport That Most Travellers Don’t Know About
4. Shop till you drop with Changi Rewards
Sign up for Changi Rewards and let bae go on an all-expense-paid shopping spree. | Image credit: Apple Official Website
Whoever said that money can’t buy happiness just doesn’t know where to shop. Any savvy shopper will point you to Changi Airport when it comes to nailing down the best spots where you can loosen your purse strings guilt-free. With over 300 stores offering everything from high-end brands to new-fangled technologies and household essentials, you’re sure to pick up a great deal. If you’re the practical type who prefers making loved ones choose their gifts, then shopping at Changi is the way to go.
Tip: Register for Changi Rewards so that you can earn points for every dollar spent at the airport stores. That way, you can gather points and redeem them to score a plethora of exclusive benefits, deals, and discounts at a later date. With enough points, you can enjoy parking rebates, convert them to air miles, and grab e-vouchers, among other great offers.
We believe this list of all the stores you can find at this shopper’s paradise will come in handy in your pursuit of the best gift ever. Plus, it only takes a couple of minutes to be a Changi Rewards member. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t say we bojio!
Locations: T1–4, Jewel Changi Airport
5. Admire the greenery at Jewel Canopy Park
Let your love bloom amid the various flora at Canopy Park. | Image credit: Jewel Changi Airport Official Facebook Page
Are you a hopeless romantic? Then nothing beats enjoying a leisurely walk with your other half by your side amid colourful blooms and lush greenery. You can talk about anything under the sun including a future together. It doesn’t only happen in the movies, mind you. You can make it a reality at Jewel Canopy Park.
Nestled on the topmost level of Jewel Changi, Jewel Canopy Park is an expansive indoor wonderland with a deluge of attractions. Admire the blossoming of seasonal flowers adorning the boundless expanse of green at the Petal Garden. You’ll certainly want to whip out your camera to snap some couple shots for the ‘gram against the arresting horticulture.
At the Topiary Walk, catch sight of eye-catching masterpieces making the area come alive — animal topiaries in the shapes of orangutans, peacocks, and crocodiles! Feel like you’re on cloud nine at the Foggy Bowls. With the gentle mist effect, we felt like we were transported to an otherworldly realm high above the heavens. Perhaps being loved up would have a similar effect. *wink*
Location: Level 5, Jewel Changi Airport
6. Watch planes go by at Changi’s terminals
Missing flying? Watch planes take off and touch down at the viewing malls located at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. | Image credit: Changi Airport Official Website
Flying is exhilarating, but watching planes go by holds its own charm. Make your way to the viewing malls at Terminals 1 and 3. There, you’ll be surrounded by large windows where you can take in unobstructed views of planes taking to the air. Despite having boarding flights several times, we felt like kids again just admiring the aeroplanes from a distance.
You can even whip out your camera for a spontaneous photoshoot. Get bae to be your model for the day. The gorgeous silhouette photos can replace shots taken from the aeroplane window seat for now. If you share an ardent love for travel, plane-spotting would be a nice, free activity just until we can go on trips again. Maybe you can even start planning your next couple getaway while watching planes whiz by. Stat by picking a destination!
Location: T1 and T3
7. Marvel at Changi Airport’s impressive art collection
Admire these 1,216 bronze droplets moving fluidly to form various shapes. | Image credit: Changi Airport Official Facebook Page
There’s no doubt that art and romance go hand in hand. On your date night, have fun mapping out the mesmerising art installations that dot Changi Airport with your partner. Only in Singapore can you feel like you’re in a museum when exploring the lofty areas of the airport! While there is a slew of these art pieces all over the terminals, we suggest checking out the following:
- Kinetic Rain – Terminal 1
- A Million Times – Terminal 2
- Les Oiseaux (The Birds) – Terminal 4
- Petalclouds – Terminal 4
Make like art critics and interpret what the artist is conveying. Don’t worry if you can’t see eye to eye on the pieces — everyone has their own way of appreciating art. Besides, it’s a great way to keep the conversation going!
Tip: Take advantage of Changi’s complimentary Skytrain service to get from one terminal to another in the blink of an eye.
Location: T1–4
Also read: The Best Things to Do in Singapore, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
8. Know the ins and outs of the aviation industry at Changi Experience Studio
Race against a Boeing 747 aircraft F1-style in a simulated setting. | Image credit: Now Boarding Changi Airport Official Website
You’ll find the Changi Experience Studio nestled in the heart of Jewel Changi Airport. It’s perfect for the young and the young at heart! Uncover fascinating insights about the exciting aviation industry through a series of interactive exhibits, immersive shows, and digital games.
Remember when we talked about Changi seemingly housing its own museum? Well now, you’re about to be treated to its own mini theme park! Changi Experience Studio boasts 20 stations stretched across 10 zones, where you’ll certainly develop a profound admiration for Changi Airport (and for each other!). Think scanning cabin luggage, creating music in the Garden Harmony, and finding out all the cities that Changi Airport is connected to — there’s simply so much to do at Jewel.
Tip: For a one-time visit, Singapore residents need only shell out S$19 for entrance tickets to Changi Experience Studio. But if you want to make the most out of your money, opt for the special bundle. It gives you access to another attraction within Changi Airport on top of entry to Changi Experience Studio. Plus, you can refuel with an afternoon tea set at Changi Lounge. What a unique date night idea!
Location: Jewel Changi Airport
With all these romantic things to do at Changi Airport, love will be in the air on your date night! Switch things up from the usual hangout spots in the city and make your way to our world-class airport for a date that will have sparks flying in no time.
