This airport has been chosen the best in the world for the 13th time: It has a butterfly garden and the world’s largest indoor waterfall
The winners of the Oscars of the airport industry are out. The best airport in the world for the 13th time is a bucket-list destination in its own right.
Typically, nowadays, travelers are asked to get to the airport a few hours before their flight to take care of check-in and get through security and if all goes smoothly, you’ll have some time to kill. While airports have been trying to up their game to make this experience more pleasant, most would rather forgo having to sit around waiting for a flight.
Not so with the winner of Skytrax’s 2025 ’World’s Best Airport’ award, Changi International Airport in Singapore. The island nation’s travel hub is a destination in and of itself that Abby Nariskin at Business Insider says you should add it to your travel bucket list.
Largest indoor waterfall in the world
People who visit Singapore can experience at least part of the Changi International Airport without having to go through airport security. The Jewel, a giant doughnut-shaped shopping mall, is open to the public. As is typical of the island nation, it has a large garden, housed in this case under a massive glass dome.
One of the most spectacular sights is the largest indoor waterfall located in the center of the building. The over 130-foot cascade of water rains down 24 hours a day from a vortex in the ceiling into one below. At night, it is lit up with a light show.
There is also a canopy park on the top floor, which costs about $6 to visit. Paying a bit extra you can get lost in the mirror and hedge maze. For the kids, or young at heart, there are the Sky Nets overhead. This course of bouncy nets is not for those with vertigo, but the price won’t make you faint, costing just $13.
Travelers can check-in for flights 48 hours in advance
However, most of what you want to see at Changi is on the airside of the airport. So, you will have to book a flight to get access.
But it also means that you may look forward to having a long layover in Singapore or that you may want to consider getting to the airport well in advance to experience it all. You can take advantage of the early check-in the airport offers, up to 48 hours before you are supposed to depart. In order to visit all that is on offer in the four existing terminals you may want to book a hotel room inside the airport.
Many of the amenities that people can enjoy at Changi are free. On the airside of the airport you’ll find a butterfly garden with over a 1,000 butterflies and 40 different species. There is also a movie theater, a 24-hour gym and a rooftop pool open to the public.
Like most airports these days, you can go shopping. Changi offers a selection of high-end stores. As well, you have a range of dining options including a food court designed to emulate a 1960s hawker market with classic Singaporean dishes. Nariskin notes that this area is a more affordable option for those looking for a bite to eat with plates costing less than $10.
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