Butterfly Garden
The world's first butterfly garden in an airport — over 1,000 free-roaming butterflies from 40 species, a 6m grotto waterfall, and an emergence cage where you can watch butterflies hatch.
Terminal
T3
Location
Transit Area, Level 2
Hours
24 hours daily
Admission
Free
About the Butterfly Garden
The Butterfly Garden at Changi Airport Terminal 3 is the world's first butterfly garden located in an airport. Opened in August 2008, this enclosed conservatory spans 330 square metres across two levels (Level 2 and Level 3) in the T3 Transit Area and is home to over 1,000 free-roaming butterflies representing 40 different species, making it one of the most unique transit experiences anywhere in the world.
At the heart of the garden stands a stunning 6-metre grotto waterfall, surrounded by lush flowering plants that provide nectar for the butterflies. The carefully maintained tropical environment allows the butterflies to fly freely among visitors, creating an immersive encounter with nature unlike anything you'd expect at an airport.
Near the entrance, the emergence cage offers a rare opportunity to watch butterflies hatching from their chrysalises in real time. Educational panels throughout the garden provide fascinating details about the butterfly lifecycle, the species on display, and the conservation efforts behind the garden. Seasonal species are rotated regularly, so there's always something new to discover.
Keeping this living exhibit thriving is a remarkable logistical effort. Each week, around 600 butterfly pupae are imported and carefully checked for quality and health before being released into the garden. The garden is tended by horticulturist Ms. Tamilselvi and her dedicated team, who maintain the feeding stations stocked with fresh fruit and ensure the tropical plants remain in peak condition for the butterflies to feed and breed naturally.
The garden's two-level layout offers distinct experiences. The lower level (Level 2, near the Burger King area) features the dramatic grotto waterfall and is the main entry point, while the upper level (Level 3) is more garden-like with richer landscaping and denser plantings where butterflies congregate around the feeding stations. Keep an eye out for the Common Rose — Singapore's national butterfly — which can be spotted among the many species on display.
The Butterfly Garden is a peaceful, humid oasis in the middle of Terminal 3's transit area. Whether you have a long layover or just a spare hour before your flight, it offers a genuinely calming interlude that transforms the airport experience from stressful to serene.
What You'll See
Emergence Cage
Watch butterflies hatch from their chrysalises in real time through glass-fronted emergence cages — a rare, unforgettable sight that reveals the final stage of metamorphosis.
Grotto Waterfall
A 6-metre man-made grotto waterfall cascades through the lower level, creating a misty microclimate that butterflies love. The sound of falling water adds to the garden's tranquil atmosphere.
Feeding Stations
Fresh fruit and nectar stations attract butterflies for close-up viewing. You'll often find several species gathered at a single feeding tray, making it the best spot for photographs.
Educational Panels
Detailed posters explain butterfly wing mysteries, caterpillar host plants, and species identification tips — perfect for curious minds who want to learn while they explore.
Seasonal Species
With 600 pupae imported weekly and species rotated seasonally, the garden's population is always changing. Return visits often reveal entirely new butterflies you haven't seen before.
Common Rose Butterfly
Look for Singapore's national butterfly, the Common Rose, with its striking black-and-red markings. It's one of the garden's most photographed residents.
Upper Level Views
Level 3 offers a richer garden landscape with denser plantings and more natural perching spots. Butterflies often settle on the foliage here, making it ideal for quiet observation.
Lower Level Garden
The main entry on Level 2 (near the Burger King area) features the waterfall and feeding stations. It's the liveliest part of the garden and where most butterflies congregate during active hours.
Highlights
1,000+ free-roaming butterflies
6m grotto waterfall
40 butterfly species
Emergence cage
Educational panels
Photography-friendly
Visitor Tips
Best Time to Visit
Butterflies are most active between 8 AM and 5 PM when they feed on nectar and fruit from the feeding stations. Early morning offers the best chance to see them freshly emerged and basking in warmer spots. Avoid visiting late at night when most butterflies rest.
Photography
Photography is welcome but please do not use flash — it disturbs and disorients the butterflies. Natural light through the conservatory is excellent for photos, especially near the feeding stations where butterflies congregate for extended periods.
Access & Rules
Located in the transit area of Terminal 3 — a boarding pass is required for entry. No food, drinks, or smoking are allowed inside the garden to protect the butterflies and their habitat. The garden is wheelchair accessible via a lift located just outside the entrance. Use the interactive map to find your way.