Butterfly Garden

The Butterfly Garden at Changi Airport is a unique indoor tropical garden and one of the most enchanting attractions in the airport complex. Located within Terminal 3 of Singapore Changi Airport, this is the world’s first butterfly garden in an airport. Designed to provide a peaceful and immersive nature experience for transit and layover passengers, the garden houses more than 1,000 butterflies from around 40 species.

Visitors can enjoy close-up views of butterflies flying freely in a beautifully landscaped garden that mimics a tropical rainforest. With lush greenery, a gushing waterfall, flowering plants, and educational displays, the Butterfly Garden provides a tranquil and educational escape from the hustle of international travel.

How to Reach Butterfly Garden, Changi

The Butterfly Garden is located in the Transit Area of Terminal 3 at Changi Airport, Singapore. This means that access is only available to passengers who are flying and have cleared immigration or are in transit.

If you are landing at or transiting through Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, you can easily take the Skytrain to Terminal 3. Once in Terminal 3, follow the airport signs to the Butterfly Garden, which is located near Gates B10–B12. Friendly airport staff and interactive kiosks are also available to help guide you to the garden.

Weather at Changi and Butterfly Garden Environment

Singapore has a warm, humid, tropical climate year-round, with temperatures typically between 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). However, since the Butterfly Garden is located indoors and climate-controlled, it maintains a consistent temperature and humidity ideal for tropical butterflies — around 27°C and 70–80% humidity.

This controlled environment ensures the well-being of the butterflies and enhances the comfort of visitors, regardless of the weather outside.

Timing of Butterfly Garden, Changi

The Butterfly Garden is open 24 hours a day, making it a convenient and accessible attraction for travelers on any schedule. Whether you're on a late-night layover or a daytime transit, the garden is open for you to explore.

No booking is required, and the garden is free for all transit passengers in Terminal 3.

Why Famous for Butterfly Garden, Changi?

The Butterfly Garden is famous for being the first and only butterfly habitat within an airport. This attraction combines nature, architecture, and education in a unique airport setting. It has become a beloved spot for travelers to unwind, recharge, and appreciate the beauty of butterflies before continuing their journey.

Beyond its uniqueness, the garden is also known for its excellent landscaping, peaceful atmosphere, and the opportunity to observe butterfly life cycles, such as seeing butterflies emerging from cocoons in the Emergence Enclosure.

Entry and Visit Details about Butterfly Garden, Changi

Entry to the Butterfly Garden is free of charge for all transit and departing passengers who have cleared immigration in Terminal 3. It is accessible only to passengers with a valid boarding pass and is located in the Departure Transit Hall.

No tickets or reservations are needed. It’s a walk-in attraction that is part of Changi Airport’s award-winning effort to redefine the airport experience. Photography is allowed, and there are seating areas within the garden for quiet relaxation.

History and Architecture of Butterfly Garden, Changi

The Butterfly Garden was developed as part of Changi Airport’s Terminal 3, which officially opened in 2008. As airports around the world began incorporating more passenger-friendly amenities, Changi Airport went above and beyond by introducing this first-of-its-kind indoor butterfly habitat.

Designed by tropical landscape architects and environmental consultants, the garden features:

• A 6-meter-high waterfall that helps maintain humidity and provides a focal point.
• Over 200 species of tropical plants that serve as nectar and host plants for butterflies.
• Educational displays explaining butterfly species, life cycles, and conservation efforts.
• An Emergence Enclosure where visitors can witness butterflies hatching.

The design philosophy emphasizes harmony with nature while providing educational and calming value to passengers.

Things to Do at Butterfly Garden, Changi

The Butterfly Garden offers more than just passive viewing. Visitors can:

• Walk through the tropical garden and observe butterflies flying freely.
• Visit the Emergence Enclosure to see butterflies come out of their cocoons.
• Enjoy photography — the setting is perfect for nature and macro photography.
• Relax in the peaceful surroundings after or between flights.
• Learn about butterfly species and life cycles from the educational panels.
• Appreciate the design — the lush landscaping and waterfall make the space a sensory delight.

Interesting Facts about Butterfly Garden, Changi

1. The garden hosts over 1,000 butterflies from 40 different species, including the Common Rose, Leopard Lacewing, and Great Eggfly.
2. It is the world’s first butterfly habitat located inside an airport.
3. The garden is designed to simulate a rainforest environment with regulated temperature and humidity.
4. The entire garden spans two levels of the terminal and includes a cascading waterfall.
5. The plants in the garden are specially chosen to attract butterflies for feeding and reproduction.

Tips for Visiting Butterfly Garden, Changi

• Visit during daylight hours if possible — butterflies are more active in the light.
• Use a good camera or smartphone for close-up photos of butterflies and flowers.
• Be gentle and avoid touching the butterflies — they are delicate creatures.
• Check your terminal before planning a visit — the garden is only accessible from Terminal 3's transit area.
• Plan your visit during layovers of 2 hours or more to fully enjoy the garden and nearby attractions.
• Bring kids along — it's educational and great for families traveling together.
• Combine your visit with other Terminal 3 attractions like The Slide@T3 and movie theater.

The Butterfly Garden at Changi Airport is more than just a botanical attraction — it’s an immersive natural retreat for weary travelers. As part of Changi’s commitment to redefining air travel, this tranquil garden brings the magic of nature into the airport terminal, offering an unforgettable experience of calm, beauty, and wonder. Whether you’re on a short layover or have time to explore before your next flight, the Butterfly Garden is a must-visit highlight of Changi Airport.