The Rain Vortex: The Tallest Indoor Waterfall in the World
Located in Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore, The Rain Vortex Waterfall is over 130 feet tall. Widest point of the steel and glass bagel-shaped roof is Over 656 feet.
The waterfall was designed by Safdie Architects, as the centerpiece of the airport, with the goal of making Changi airport an attraction and to encourage Singapore leisure travel. The sculpture is the jewel of the airport and Singapore.
The work on The Rain Vortex began in 2014. Safdie has been at the forefront in championing architectural designs, that respond to extreme weather and temperature conditions.
Since Singapore experiences thunderstorms frequently, the seven-story waterfall is supplied by captured or harvested rainwater. The collected rainwater is able to flow at the greenhouse center with an inverted glass dome. About 10,000 gallons of water per minute gets pumped through and is re-used in the installation.
The overhead dome has a thick glass, that absorbs any aircraft noises produced during landing or taking off. The roof was also tested to ensure, that it does not emit reflections, which could potentially distract air traffic controllers.
The waterfall is surrounded by terraces, with more than 200 plant species. The terraced garden is referred to as the Shiseido Forest Valley and it is dotted with small waterfalls.
This glass-encased building does not only serve as a portal to Singapore’s Changi Airport, but also as an entertainment and retail destination. So, whether you are travelling to Singapore or just waiting for a connecting flight, The Rain Vortex is worth seeing.
Moreover, you can opt for this location for starting a business here. All you have to do is sign up with professionals to get the legal paperwork done for it.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Jewel Rain Vortex, Forest Valley, Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore
- Coordinates
- 1.36012, 103.98971
- Access
- Jewel is landside and accessible to the public, outside the airport transit area. It connects to Terminal 1 arrivals and to Terminals 2 and 3 by walking bridges; a shuttle serves Terminal 4. Transit passengers must be able to enter Singapore to visit landside Jewel. The airport recommends allowing at least five hours of transit time for a comfortable Jewel visit; that is for the complex, not a Rain Vortex-only stop.
- Admission
- Viewing the Rain Vortex from Jewel’s public mall areas does not require an attraction ticket. Ticketed Canopy Park attractions are separate and may have admission charges.
- Time needed
- Jewel recommends at least five hours for transit passengers to comfortably experience the complex, not just the waterfall. The operator publishes no Rain Vortex-specific visit duration; time depends on whether you stop to view it, watch a show, or explore Jewel.
- Best season
- The operator does not name a preferred season. The waterfall is indoors; the evening Light & Music Showcase is a distinct option year-round when scheduled.
- Opening hours
- Rain Vortex: daily 10:00–22:00. Light & Music Showcase: Mon–Thu 20:00 and 21:00; Fri–Sun, public holidays and their eves 20:00, 21:00 and 22:00. Check the operator page for temporary changes.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-24
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-14
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