Butterfly Garden Changi Airport: A Breathtaking Oasis in a Bustling Hub
I’ve been fortunate enough to travel around part of the world, and I must say, there’s no place quite like Singapore’s Changi Airport. If you happen to pass through on a layover, it’s one of the only airports in the world where I would tell you to try and have the longest layover possible as there is so much to see and do. And one of the most unique things that Changi Airport has is an enchanting Butterfly Garden.
Nestled in Terminal 3 of Changi Airport, the Butterfly Garden is a wonderful respite for weary travelers. This beautifully designed haven features a lush landscape with over 1,000 tropical butterflies from as many as 40 different species fluttering freely.
What makes this garden even more special is its two-level design. The upper level gives visitors an eye-level view of these stunning creatures while they’re in flight. Downstairs, on the other hand, you’ll find an educational corner where you can learn all about butterflies – their life cycle, their role in nature, and loads more!
You wouldn’t expect to see such a magical ecosystem within an airport terminal but trust me when I say that it adds another layer of charm to your journey through Changi Airport.
Changi Airport Brief Guide
I’ve always marveled at the modern marvel that is Singapore’s Changi Airport. It’s not just a transportation hub; it’s a destination in itself. Boasting features like a rooftop swimming pool, 24-hour movie theater, and even an indoor waterfall, it easily stands apart from the crowd.
Changi isn’t your average airport. Spanning over 1,303 hectares, it hosts four terminals and serves more than 100 airlines flying to around 400 cities worldwide. In fact, in pre-Covid times (2019), the airport handled an astounding 68.3 million passengers! That’s like every person in Thailand taking a trip through Changi.
Changi Airport is also an award-winning airport and has been named “World’s Best Airport” by Skytrax in 2023. And there are reasons aplenty for this streak of victories.
What truly sets Changi apart is its commitment to creating engaging experiences beyond aviation services. Who’d have thought they’d house the world’s tallest indoor waterfall right inside an airport? Or how about a butterfly garden that houses over 1,000 butterflies?
Where is the Butterfly Garden Changi Airport?
The Butterfly Garden is located in Terminal 3 of Changi Airport. Now don’t fret if your flight is at another terminal! The Skytrain services available at the airport make inter-terminal transportation easy and quick.
When you reach Terminal 3, head over to Level 2. There, amidst all the hustle and bustle of travelers hurrying to their respective gates, you’ll come across an unexpected oasis – our destination: The Butterfly Garden.
The signage for finding the Butterfly Garden wasn’t the greatest and it’s easy to see why most visitors don’t know about its existence. There are plenty of places to enquire within the terminal for the right directions.
Changi Airport has created a wonderful space that is wholly unique and a small haven in a busy setting. I loved the brief time I had in the Butterfly Garden, from the moment I stepped into this haven for butterflies, I was amazed by its beauty and tranquility. With more than a thousand butterflies representing about 40 different species flying freely inside the garden, it’s just incredible.
To sum up:
- The Butterfly Garden is situated within Terminal 3 at Changi Airport
- To get there, use the Skytrain service for inter-terminal transportation
- From Terminal 4 – a shuttle bus will transport you to Terminal 3
- Once in Terminal 3, proceed to Level 2
- Be prepared for a visual feast as over a thousand butterflies from various species greet you
How to Get to the Butterfly Garden from Other Terminals?
Navigating Changi Airport can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, but I’m here to make your journey to the Butterfly Garden as easy as possible.
First off, it’s important to know that the Butterfly Garden is located at Terminal 3. If you’re coming from another terminal, don’t fret! There’s a free shuttle service operating between all terminals. Here’s how you can reach the garden from each terminal:
- From Terminal 1: Head towards Gate D40 and take the Skytrain to Terminal 3.
- From Terminal 2: Follow signs for Transit Area E and then jump on the Skytrain going towards Terminal 3.
- From Terminal 4: You’ll need to catch a bus to Terminal 2 first. Once there, follow the above directions for getting from T2 to T3.
And if you are traveling from Terminal 4 like I was, you follow the signs for changing terminals where a security guard will look at your boarding card and determine if you have enough time to travel between the terminals.
You need to have at least an hour and a half of time before your flight boards to travel over to Terminal 3. An inter-terminal shuttle bus will take you between the terminals and the journey takes around 10 minutes.
Once you’ve arrived at Terminal 3, follow signs towards “Gardens” or specifically “Butterfly Garden”. It’s situated on Level 2 in Departure Transit Hall Central.
If ever your travels bring you through Singapore’s Changi Airport or maybe if Singapore itself is your destination, do remember to take a little time for this breathtaking Butterfly Garden. It’s an unusual but rewarding space and if you’re a nervous traveler, or having a long travel day, this little pocket of peace is a nice touch from Changi Airport.
Meet Missy…
Missy spent the first 2 decades of her life living in her native Dublin, Ireland. Before a life living overseas called to her, and she spent the next decade living in China, Laos & Belgium. She now splits her time in Antwerp, Belgium, and wherever the sun is currently shining. You can follow Missy’s real-time travels on her Instagram.
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