If there's one place I’d recommend to anyone visiting Singapore, it's the Jewel. It's hard to miss since it's located right within Changi Airport. Navigating to it depends on which terminal you're in, but it’s designed to be easily accessible from most terminals. For instance, from Terminal 1, it’s just a short walk from the arrival hall.
Speaking of arrivals, as I mentioned in my previous post, I was originally supposed to arrive around 3:00 AM. However, due to delays, I didn’t get in until around 9:30 AM. Despite the misfortune, I found a silver lining: I had the chance to see the Jewel waterfall in action. Although the Jewel is open 24/7, the waterfall doesn’t turn on until 10:00 AM, so I decided to wait a bit longer and snap some photos. I’ll be contributing these shots to this week’s #worldmappin.
If you've been following my #worldmappin posts, you'll notice I almost always feature architectural subjects, as I’m passionate about both photography and architecture. Jewel is one of the most stunning examples of modern architecture I’ve seen. It's also one of the most popular and photographed spots in Singapore, often shared on social media. So, I wanted to take this opportunity to share a glimpse of this incredible place in today’s post.
Isn't it so dramatic to watch the LRT cross right in front of the waterfall? Let me tell you, if you get the chance to ride the LRT, do it! It's worth spending a few bucks just for the experience and to get up close to the waterfall. I noticed it’s a popular shot here; many tourists wait for the LRT to pass by before snapping a selfie with it in the background. It’s so cool!
It's amazing how dense the trees and vegetation are, yet there are plenty of spots in the area where I can take clear photos of the key features of this place. Let me start from where I came in. After exiting the Terminal 1 arrival hall, a quick left turn led me to the mid-level entrance of Jewel. Here’s the view I had from this side of the entrance.
I noticed that many tourists are sitting here, waiting for the waterfall to turn on. Of course, there are also people already taking photos in the meantime.
Since there are a few more levels above, I decided to check out how things looked from those levels. There’s an elevator for those with luggage, as well as escalators you can use to reach each level.
At the upper level, there are terraces that offer different angles of Jewel, adding to the overall experience. Depending on where you stand, you'll gain a unique perspective of the structure. As I stood on one of the terraces, I began to realize the immense scale of the dome... it's amazing!
The people standing on the terraces are actually waiting for the LRT to pass by so they can take photos of it. I guess it completes the experience of viewing the surroundings and makes it even more exciting.
At the mid-level, there’s a terrace where you can view the waterfall in a way that looks perfectly symmetrical. Many tourists take photos at this spot because it offers the best view for capturing the waterfall.
There's a glass bridge up there that requires a fee for access. I didn’t go because I didn’t have enough time and didn’t want to spend more money.
Somehow, the views of the thick, forest-like gardens here remind me of scenes from the movie Avatar. The vegetation is so dense that it looks incredibly natural, resembling the sides of a jungle on a mountain.
From this level, I decided to head to the top level to see what kind of views I would have from the terraces up there. I took the escalators to get up and also checked out some of the shops along the way.
On another level just below the top, I noticed a Funclaw shop dedicated to a popular game where players aim to catch toys using a claw. Many people enjoy playing this game because it relies on both skill and a bit of luck.
At the last escalator leading to the top level, I could see the dome up close, along with the trees lining the walkways. The temperature at this level feels warmer, too, because there is little insulation beyond the thin glass.
At this level, most of the premium restaurants and bars are located here. I guess it’s the spot to splurge on your dining experience due to its prime location. At night, it must be the best hangout spot because it’s cooler, allowing you to enjoy a view of the night sky while having a nice dinner.
My goal was to check out the views from one of the terraces here. I went to a spot where I didn’t have to pay anything to enjoy the view from up top.
Visiting Jewel has truly been a breathtaking experience, showcasing the stunning blend of nature and modern architecture. From the mesmerizing waterfall to the vibrant terraces, every moment offers something unique and unforgettable. I highly recommend taking the time to explore this incredible destination... it’s a must-see when in Singapore!
