Should you be one of those who are staying in Johor Bahru (JB) or nearby towns and cities of JB and you wanted to visit the new sensation in Singapore known as “THE JEWEL”, let me share to you our experiences including a travel guide on how we got here.
In April 2019, The Jewel has opened to the public. It has become one of the most searched keywords in Singapore in terms of the digital marketing due to its spectacular creation. It was then named as the Tallest Indoor Waterpark in the world and one of the contributory factor that makes Changi Airport be in the limelight again (if I’m not mistaken on its 7th Consecutive Best Airport in the World).
The Jewel was actually built up with SGD 1.7 Billion containing about 280 retails and F&B shops in 10- storey shopping and entertainment mall. Jewel symbolizes a high tech creation towards modernization as it features a lot of state of the art facilities for every visitor passing by this area.
The Jewel is not an airport terminal where you need to have a boarding pass to enter the premise. Everybody can visit this place. It has actually a connecting bridge to Terminal 1, 2, and 3. But for terminal 4, there is a shuttle bus service that connects with it.
I have listed here our adventures:
1. The HSBC Vortex
It a 40-meter-high waterfall, is one of the not-to-be-missed attractions in Jewel Changi Airport. It actually the main centerpiece of the Jewel. This is very happening during night time from 7:30 PM to 12:30 Am as it showcases different mesmerising lights and sounds for everyone to enjoy.
2. The Canopy Park
This is located at Level 5 and it comprises of different attractions such as Topiary Walk, Discovery Slides, Foggy Bowls, and Petal Garden. By the way, for the Discovery Slides, children below 110 cm is not allowed to enter.
3. The Sky Net:
A 250m bouncing net, which at its highest point will be suspended 8 meter or three storeys above ground, will offer visitors a unique experience. Children below 110 cm are not allowed to take this attraction area.
4. Try their local "nasi ayam" at their food court (five spices)
The chicken is full of flavor and it gives a very nice taste when mixed to their chicken rice. So nice.
5. Shiseido Forest Valley
This is composed of real plants and trees in 4-levels. Its really nice view. A real forest inside a big shopping mall with real trees. It surrounds the vortex fountain.
6. Unlimited Photo Session at the Petal Garden
Take a lot of photo shots for your social media page at this place. This is thus far the best spots for flower lovers out there. What strikes us most was there fully bloomed orchids hanging upside down. Very relaxing.
7. The Waterfall
This is the bottom part of the vortex fountain where the water goes into. It is located in B2 just beside the food court of the Jewel.
About the Mall:
The mall opens from 10 AM to 10 PM daily. Jewel uses Singapore Dollar currency on majority of their tenants including their attraction parks. They have baby strollers that can be use for free.
Other facilities includes Automated Teller Machines, Concierge Services, Mobility Services for person with disabilities, Digital Information kiosks, Free WiFi, Early Check-in counters. and Family Lounge which composed of child friendly feeding chairs, diapers changing stations, mobile charging stations, hot and cold water dispenser and television sets.
How to get there from JB?
a. We took Transtar bus service from JB CIQ to Woodland Immigration at 10.25. it is advisable to any bus from JB to go to Woodland Checkpoint and from there take the Transtar TS1. We took Causeway Link bus with only RM1.50 per person to go to Woodland Immigration.
b. The bus (TS1) will picked us up at the bus bay area or even on the other side of the road. Please take TS1 bus service only.
c. The bus fare is RM10 per person and half price for child 3-7 years old. We paid on the spot (to the driver). You can also buy your ticket online.
d. The bus ride is about 1 hour and 10 minutes to Changi Airport depending on traffic condition. The driver will ask the passenger to let him know your drop off point. So remember to ask the driver to drop you off at the terminal 1.
e. From terminal 1 arrival hall, you can just take the lift to level one. And then you can already see the jewel. It is thus far the easiest to connect to The Jewel Singapore.
How to go back to JB from Changi Airport?
a. After jalan jalan inside the Jewel, we went to level 3 and proceed to the connecting bridge to Terminal 2 or terminal 4. This will take about 10 minute walking but if you are fast, it will take you 5 minutes only. You can bring the baby stroller anywhere inside Changi Airport.
b. Upon arrival to terminal 2, you will need to take the lift to level 1 and go straight to the coach bay area right towards the end. There are a lot of signage so you don’t need to be worried. (if you are lost, you can ask their concierge for direction) it’s very straight forward.
c. Wait the bus at the bus bay area. Remember they don’t have 4:15 PM trip going back, so just take their 5:15 PM or 3:15 PM.
d. The bus fare is SGD 10 to JB CIQ
e. The bus will drop you off at the Woodland checkpoint for clearance. Take note that the bus will only wait for about 15 minutes. So if you are already caught up into the jam at the immigration, you don’t have to worry, just take any buses that goes to CIQ with about RM1-3 per person. You can also use the tourist buses that is empty but you need to join the queue. (this is the only challenge from this trip).
There are other modes transportation between Changi Airport JB.
a. You can take the KTM train and the trip will be about 10 minutes to woodland train station.
b. So from woodland train station, take 17B, 903, 911, 913 or 950 to Woodland Temporary Bus Interchange
c. From Woodland Temporary Bus Interchange, take 168 to After Punggul Road Bus Stop
d. The take 858 to Changi Airport Terminal 1
This process will also be the same when going back. For the train tickets, you are highly advised to buy it online so you can secure the seat. But once you are late, the trip ticket you bought is not refundable. so make sure you need to be on time to catch the train.
Other Photo Highlights:
wow-- your documentation is really helpful.. keep it up bro. I hope the border will be open soon so we can try to visit this place too.