Let’s be real. How many times have you already visited Jewel Changi Airport, stopped and stared at the vortex of water hidden in the jungle or groaned at the lines that wind around Shake Shack and A&W?
Well, instead of waiting for the Jurassic Park theme song to start playing from Jewel’s indoor forest, why don’t you delve into the other fun things to do in this gem of a building?
I’ll do you one better. Try out Jewel Changi Airport’s Pokemon Explorer (PEX) app and have a mini Amazing Race within the building!
Free-To-Play & Easily Accessible
Download the Jewel app on your phone, tap into the free WiFi, sign up via the Changi Rewards link and start your Pokemon hunting journey. Choose your starter Pokemon wisely!
I brought my brother along to try the PEX experience since, one, he’s never watched Pokemon or even played Pokemon Go and, two, the only Pokemon he knows is Pikachu. Yes, I too question why we’re related…
Play Spot-The-Pokemon Board
The game not only tests your navigational skills but also your eyesight. There were a few pit stops where we couldn’t find the stand with the Pokemon on it, hence we had to skip those.
In total, there are ten stops around Jewel for you to hunt down via the map in the app.
All you have to do is find a Pokemon board, make sure your phone is close enough to scan the full image of the Pokemon.
Occasionally some of the boards might not be detectable (I couldn’t get my Charizard and I was sad…) so double-check your WiFi connection to make sure you’re constantly connected.
Challenge Your Phone Gaming Skills
Once your app detects the Pokemon board, a fun activity or challenge will load. The objective is to complete whatever task that pit stop has for you and complete your mission as a Pokemon trainer. Think simplified gym battles I guess.
Each challenge also has a ‘Special Mode’ for you to gain extra points which could mean one step closer to you becoming a PEX top scorer.
After each game has been completed, you’ll have to take a selfie! Depending on the stop, each selfie filter is a different one.
Take The Occasional Phone Break
Of course, one of the stops would lead you to Singapore’s first Pokemon Centre. There’s no challenge to complete here, although the biggest challenge for me personally was not to buy the entire store…
During your explorations, you’ll also go through Jewel’s many attractions like the Canopy Park. Indulge in the sights, take a break and enjoy Jewel during its golden hour.
There’s no time limit to complete PEX, however, you can set yourself one! We managed to complete 6 of the ten stops in a little over an hour.
You’re welcome to play Pokemon Explorer anytime from 10am to 12am daily. If you head there before the end of July 2019, be rewarded with a Pokemon Parade at the HSBC Rain Vortex on weekends, at 2pm and 6pm.
Nothing better than pretending the life-sized Pokemon are the ones you’re trying to hunt. Remember, you Gotta Catch Em’ All!
Pokemon Explorer (PEX): More Info | Jewel Changi Airport, 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819666 | +65 6956 9898
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