Singapore Slings and Malaysian Dreams - Part 3 of 3 | Changi Overnight Layover Under $100, Is it Possible?
Today, we're going to explore Singapore's Changi Airport, the crown jewel of layovers... literally. With its stunning Jewel complex, free attractions, and surprisingly affordable food and shopping options, we're going to explore how it's possible to stay here for under $100 USD, and have a good time doing it! From budget hotels to hawker feasts, here’s how to maximize a Changi layover without breaking the bank.
The Budget-Friendly Layers of Jewel Changi
Jewel Changi isn’t just an airport mall; it’s a self-contained travelers' paradise with free attractions and cheap eats. Each level has different shops, attractions, and an affordability scale (dependent on food & shopping). Here’s what each level offers for frugal travelers:
Basement 2: Food Republic (Hawker Center)
The most affordable eats in the airport, with dishes from $1.50 - $7 USD. Try Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, or Kaya toast from the stalls. This is a great place to explore new foods at a very affordable price. Just be prepared to understand Hawker customs and culture, as these areas are always packed with people and can be a little hectic.
This is my choice for best eats throughout Changi Jewel, the only warning is that shopping on this level can get pricey, but they do have a fully stocked Toys-R-Us, a nostalgic journey to what once was in the US.
Food Republic is always busy, and seating will be difficult. Make sure to have a travel package of tissues (note that napkins are not provided at any stall) and place them at your table. This tells locals and seasoned Singapore travelers alike that you are sitting there.
Basement 1: Don Don Donki & Fast Food Twists
Looking for great deals and souvenirs, Don Don Donki is the one-stop shop to find Japanese and Singaporean snacks and nik naks for your affordable shopping delight. Grab some Pocky or some unique flavors of Kit-Kats, you'll find most items here to be under $5 USD. Also, check out the different food stalls and fast-food restaurants on this level; there are great twists on US and Japanese favorites, making it an affordable yet comfortable experience for all.
If you're someone looking for an excellent blend of affordable shopping and food, this is the floor for you, but do recommend checking out the hawker center in the basement for cheaper eats.
Level 1: Changi Lounge, Rain Vortex, and People Watching
The Changi Lounge is highly recommended for a lunch or dinner excursion, and if you have Priority Pass through AMEX, Chase, or any major credit card provider, you'll be able to get in for the low price of "free". I had a light yet filling Singaporean laksa which tasted phenomenal, and a cool, refreshing Singha beer to cool my tongue. This is always a recommended stop whenever we come here.
While there are many paid attractions throughout the Jewel, you can still enjoy the free Shiseido Forest Valley, a lush indoor garden surrounding the HCBC Rain Vortex that has plenty of places to stand and sit. This also comes with an amazing, free light show that you can catch on the hour from 7:30PM - 12:30AM local time.
Level 1 has the Jewel's North Entrance, which is connected to the Arrival Hall. This is one of the best people-watching areas as you can see everyone from everywhere come in. This is also the moment where you can see just how diverse Singapore is, and how many people truly come to this simply amazing destination.
This level's shopping is cut up into different sections, with shops selling gold, jewelry, and high-end clothing. These were too expensive for our budget, but window shopping is always nice. Also, make sure you take the time to try Birds of Paradise, a boutique ice cream shop that is both delicious and refreshing, especially from the Singapore heat.
Level 2: Affordable Shops & Last-Minute Souvenirs
Skip the luxury boutiques and head to NTUC FairPrice (a supermarket) for cheap snacks, or Muji for cheap Japanese wear. This floor had a bit of everything, including shoe stores like Foot Locker and On. There were even plenty of coffeeshops and a Paris Baguette (expensive French-Korean baked goods), which made me reminisce about Korean malls.
This floor and the next had the most shopping, and it was difficult to not start purchasing. There is relief on these floors as you can enter the free Shiseido Forest Valley (indoor garden) at these levels as well. These are some of the better spots as well to get a closer look at the free light show, so please take the detour to check it out.
Level 3: Snacks and Din Tai Fung
This floor is surprisingly much smaller, but it has a neat shop called the Snack Box, which contains a multitude of different snacks, both familiar and exotic. I found this shop to be a little overpriced, but thought it was neat nonetheless. If you're a snacker or a foodie, this is a go-to, especially for bringing a little bit of Asia back with you.
This floor also had a few restaurants, one notable being Din Tai Fung, a dim sum restaurant, and always delicious. My opinion, though, make it to the first floor for Tim Ho Wan, it's more dim sum because affordability always beats atmosphere (at least for me).
Level 4: Pokémon Center, Fun Claw, Salons, and Spas
This floor was my favorite; it had a great mix of expensive and cheap shops, niche and casual brands, and activities for both young and old, such as the Pokémon Center. If you ever have a layover, visit the Pokémon Center in Changi. It's always busy, but if you or your children are fans of those Pocket Monsters, this is the place to get rare toys, items, and card packs. Always a fun stop for fans of the series.
Claw machines are a weakness for me. I know they're rigged, but I can't get enough of them, and the thrill of winning only adds to this odd obsession. Fun Claw is definitely a place meant to eat up money, but tossing in $10 SGD (about $7.50 USD) led to about 3 different plushes. Though a waste of money to some, the children who were interested in these plushes enjoyed my loot better than I ever could, so I see it as $10 SGD for 3 smiles, always worth it in my book.
Another feature to mention on this floor is the salons and spas, though these were out of our $100 budget for the day, these are available to anyone interested, and we'll add it to our Changi Jewel Must-Do List post, so definitely check that out if you want more info.
Level 5: Attractions & High-End Restaurants
This is the floor where you'll find many attractions, such as the Canopy Park, but also the more elevated dining options. This is a great attraction just to watch the Rain Vortex from above, and it's only about $5 - $6 USD. I wouldn't on this attraction as it leads to many others, some even being free. We did the walking net, which cost us around $14 - $15 USD, but there is also a mirror maze, a canopy bridge, a bouncing net, and even a hedge maze. All attractions were about $10 - $15 USD when we visited.
This floor contained the highest priced restaurants, and these all looked over the Rain Vortex, which might explain the price (at least a bit). I avoided these as they had entrees for $60 - $100 USD, but I could say the food looked delicious whenever we passed by. Overall, if you didn't want to spend money on food but wanted to view the Rain Vortex from the top, just go to the Canopy Park, and there are plenty of areas where you can stand to watch the show.
Here are our ratings for affordability, and about how much we spent in USD on each floor:
| Floor | Rating | Money Spent (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Basement 2 | 10/10 | $9 - Dinner and beverages for 2 |
| Basement 1 | 9/10 | $19 - Don Don Donki snacks, drinks and souvenirs |
| Floor 1 | 4/10 | $8 - Premium Gelato at Birds of Paradise |
| Floor 2 | 7.5/10 | $10 - Paris Baguette & souvenir |
| Floor 3 | 6/10 | $0 - Almost purchased a snack |
| Floor 4 | 5/10 | $15 - Luckin' Coffee and Claw Machines |
| Floor 5 | 2.5/10 | $38 - Canopy Park & Walking Net |
| Total Spent: | $99 |
Sleeping at Changi for Under $100
You have a couple of solid options for overnight stays, but these are pricey unless you know a way to hack it, here are my suggestions for staying at Changi Airport and the Jewel:
| Option | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Aerotel Transit Hotel (Terminal 1) | $140 – $300 USD a night | Overnight layovers (no customs needed) |
| YOTELAIR (Floor 4 Jewel) | $150 - $170 USD a night for a pod | Solo travelers who just need a bed |
| Crowne Plaza (39K IHG Points) | $0 if using points (or $250+ cash) | Those with IHG points who want luxury |
| Free Snooze Lounge | Completely Free | This is a sleeping lounge, take a few hours (I believe up to 6) to rest your eyes |
If you’re not using points, Free Snooze Lounge is the best budget option, though this can run out of room.
Why Crowne Plaza is Still a Steal (If You Have Points)
At 39,000 IHG points per night (vs. $250+ cash rates), the Crowne Plaza is a top-tier points redemption. Even if you’re aiming for a sub-$100 layover, it’s worth considering if you:
- Have IHG points to burn (or a free night certificate)
- Want direct access to Jewel Changi’s attractions
- Need an amazing pool and gym to refresh during a long layover
The Ultimate Budget Layover Itinerary for Under $100
11:00 AM: Arrive at Changi
You made it! Go through arrival and make sure you fill out your Singapore Arrival Card before entering customs.
12:00 PM: Eat at the Changi Lounge
Head to the Jewel, and on the first floor get your priority pass ready for some amazing eats, a cold drink, and rest at the Changi Lounge.
3:00 PM: Check-in to Crowne Plaza
Book the hotel using points if you have them, it's the best way to experience the Jewel with it's beautiful pool, and easy access.
5:00 PM: Arrive & Explore Jewel
Watch the free light show at the Rain Vortex (hourly from 7:30 PM). Stroll the Shiseido Forest Valley.
8:30 PM: Dinner at Food Republic
Spend $4 - $5 on a hawker feast. Don’t miss the signature chicken rice dish!
10:00 PM: Crash at Crowne Plaza
Get some well deserved sleep, maybe even a hot bath.
8:00 AM: Free Airport Amenities
Take a refreshing shower and grab $1.50 USD Kaya toast breakfast at the Food Republic Hawker Center in the Basement.
Changi has free sleeping lounges (Terminal 2’s are comfiest) and 24-hour food options. You could technically spend $0 overnight if you’re hardy!
Singapore’s airport proves that layovers don’t have to be expensive, and boring. Whether you’re splurging with IHG points or sticking to a tight budget, we’re here to help you be where you wannabe. For more Changi hacks, check out our Changi Jewel Must-Do and See Guide and get some ideas on what to do at the Jewel at any price-point. If you wish to support this blog and what we're doing feel free to apply for the Bilt Mastercard through our link provided, it really does help us grow.
Safe travels!
Jet Set Wannabes
