Next time you pass through Singapore, don't miss the Jewel, it's a spectacle
We have already told what the Jewel is, where it is located and how to visit it. Today, however, I want to explain why you cannot [...]
SIN
Singapore
Recommended by TFC
We have already told what the Jewel is, where it is located, and how to visit it.
Today, however, I want to explain why you can't go to Singapore without spending time inside this place-a mix between a shopping mall, an amusement park, a biopark, a movie theater, an airport terminal, and much more.
The Jewel was built in front of Terminal 1 of theSingapore airport, making a homegrown comparison, is like Orio Center built in front of Orio Al Serio airport. But To think that it is "just" yet another shopping mall is the biggest mistake one can do and especially not leaving enough time to visit could leave a bitter taste in your mouth on the way back.
Yes, it is a shopping mall with a lot of stores inside that are also found on Orchard Road and similar places, so the only thing that might not make sense to do with it is really shopping.
When does it make sense to visit Jewel?
The first response that comes to me is before the return flight, in this way travel time can be optimized. My advice is to calculate no less than 3 hours, if you are without children or if the Peter Pan syndrome has long since left you. If, on the other hand, you have your children with you, the time frame can safely be longer. A second scenario might be to visit it as soon as you disembark from the flight, before going downtown, but here it depends on how the flight went and what kind of mental and physical state you are in.
The important thing to know is that it is in fact open h24, although stores and attractions may have reduced hours, especially at this time of uncertainty in the travel world.
The rain vortex
The heart of the Jewel is the world's tallest indoor waterfall, a 40-meter-high wall of water that plummets from the ceiling into the belly of the structure.
Around the waterfall is the whole structure starting from the amphitheater that climbs from level 1 to level 5, an amphitheater that houses a true biosphere where, depending on the season, plants and flowers of more than 10 thousand species bloom. Sitting on the bleachers and listening to the sound of rushing water is very relaxing, inside the Jewel you forget you are in one of the busiest cities in Southeast Asia.
Depending on the time of day, the appearance of the vortex and amphitheater changes due to the contrast of light between inside and outside and especially due to the play of light from the waterfall, Kind of like Niagara Falls.
What to do/see absolutely
After enjoying the vortex, one of the best things to do is to get lost inside the Shiseido Forest, try to recognize as many plants as possible or just sit and read a book without thinking that you are in a shopping mall. Don't be surprised if here and there you find people picnicking on the lawn, that's also something you can do at Jewel.
Besides level 1, the one at the base of the amphitheater the other level you absolutely must see is level 5. The reason is simple: from here you have the best panoramic view of the vortex, the amphitheater and the whole glass and steel structure. The 5th level also is where the Canopy Park, or amusement park, is located.
There are two immense labyrinths. The first is the largest hedge maze in Singapore, with a viewing tower in the center from which to enjoy a unique view of the entire Jewel. The second, on the other hand, is a mirror maze. Going through both may take more than 30 minutes.
Then there are the two queen attractions, suitable for people of all ages as long as one does not suffer from vertigo. The Skynet is nothing more than an immense pathway, suspended from the ceiling of the Jewel, the floor is nothing more than an immense net on which one can climb, walk, lie down and for the bravest even jump in the "elastic" section, all while suspended more than 30 meters high.
Of course, at the Jewel you can eat, shop and relax just like in a regular shopping mall.
Don't miss your plane, check in at Jewel
On the -1 level of the Jewel is an extension of the Singapore Airport. Here you can find the early check-in counters, which allow you to check your luggage and get your boarding pass directly inside the Jewel, saving you time at the airport and allowing you to spend more time in the facility.
The Priority Pass lounge
More unique than rare inside a mall, there is a lounge inside the Jewel. A waiting room where you can work, eat, and have a drink, just like the ones you find at the airport and which, thanks to the Priority Pass card, you can take advantage of for free.
The lounge is really nice, and if we were in an airport, it would definitely be one of the best lounges in the world.
Nothing is missing: there is a bar counter, there are work stations, relaxation areas with sofas, and of course a buffet area.
If desired, for 10SGD per hour it is also possible to relax in a sleep pod, the same seats found in British Airways' exclusive lounges London.
In conclusion
The Jewel is worth experiencing; I was especially fortunate having visited during the Christmas holiday season: everything was decorated and it was snowing in the vortex square, something more unique than rare in Singapore.
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