However, The Jewel is located landside before security. If you're transiting and already after security, you might be told you have to clear immigration to get landside to see it. That's not true. It's true to be at The Jewel you need to be landside, but not just to see it.

In 2026, the Jewel Changi Airport remains a "landside" attraction, meaning it is located in the public area of the airport before you go through immigration and security. If you have already cleared security and entered the "airside" transit area, you cannot walk into the Jewel without legally entering Singapore, which requires passing through passport control. However, there is a famous "cheat code": you can see a spectacular view of the Rain Vortex and Forest Valley by taking the Skytrain that connects Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. This automated train passes directly through the heart of the Jewel complex. While you cannot get off the train inside the Jewel from the transit side, the glass windows provide a magnificent, elevated perspective of the 40-meter-tall indoor waterfall. For those with a layover of at least 5 hours, it is often recommended to clear customs to experience the Jewel's gardens and dining properly.