Where are the scenic routes in Singapore?
Singapore is a bustling modern city that boasts one of the most impressive skylines in Asia. It is filled with high-rise buildings and is truly a testament to our efficient and hardworking nature. However, if you are looking for a refreshing change of scenery and want to venture off the beaten tracks, why not plan a road trip in Singapore?
Road trips are a popular hobby among many Singaporeans, especially younger locals who enjoy travelling to scenic spots such as Pulau Ubin (or Sentosa in the past), Malaysia or Batam. Some travellers even plan road trips for national holidays as it allows them to escape busy cities such as Singapore for a quiet time. It also gives you a chance to get to sights only accessible via car and the time spent with your friends makes the journey as unforgettable as the destination.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has never been harder to leave the country than ever before. With travel bug on the high and desperation to get out and explore, Singapore’s scenic drives make perfect road trip destinations for an in-city getaway. With adventure as the username and roads trips as its password, it’s definitely worth exploring some of the amazing trails that showcase the natural and architectural beauty of this country.
Despite roads only taking up 12% of Singapore’s land area, there are plenty of gems that are bound to take your breath away, leaving you with an entirely different perspective. The scenery, or the view provides the substance for most travel enthusiasts who seek to enjoy a dose of the beauty that other places in the world have to offer. Since Singapore is an island and surrounded by sea, many forget that the scenic views we get in Singapore are also taken for granted.
If you’re looking for a scenic drive in Singapore, look no further! We’ve taken the liberty to compile the best scenic driving routes, so buckle up, roll your windows down and get ready to explore the best that Singapore has to offer!
Before you head on out and dive into these areas, make sure you’re safe! Plan your routes beforehand, making note of where you’re expecting to stop over and also make sure you are insured! Unknown roads can be deceptively tricky to drive along, so be prepared for anything.
The 5 Best Scenic Drives in Singapore
About Nana
A co-founder of an event company, a real estate strategist and a social media influencer, she is passionate about entrepreneurship, empowering women, travelling, loving music and random things in life. Her goal is to inspire people to step out of their comfort zone & experience the beauty of the world and live as the best possible versions of themselves.
1. Ocean Drive & Ocean Way, Sentosa
Sentosa Island is known for being the “fun island” with Universal Studios, the World War II site of Fort Siloso and more. However, there are fantasic places that aren’t as crowded and busy which make for a great experience.
Ocean Drive and Ocean Way are two of the best places to spend time in Singapore if you are looking for a romantic getaway or just want to spend some time outdoors. You could easily spend hours driving along these roads with no stops in sight. Some places only open at weekends and the weekdays because the traffic, whilst others are only accessible by car during off-peak hours. Regardless of the time of day or night you’re most likely to find yourself in one of these locations for an amazing (albeit short) road trip.
Ocean Drive
Many people drive along Ocean Drive constantly as the driving route circles the island. They might stop at one spot and take a picture or two, or maybe just take a few steps in the direction of an oncoming car before hitting the gas. Though this can be a fun attraction for a minute, there’s much more to see and do on this drive! This drive is a must-do if you want to see some of the best sights in Singapore including lots of bridges, lookout points, sandy beaches and beautiful water.
Ocean Drive is a beautiful stretch on Sentosa, filled with plenty of great things to see – both natural and manmade. Parkland and ocean cover the route, with playgrounds and nice yachts parked on the quay. In addition, modern architecture, including a house or two, as well as apartment complexes also cover the area, specifically Sentosa Cave. You could also stop over for a bite to eat or a relaxing walk along the coastline on Quayside Isle, which is full of places to eat!
What can you do over the weekends?
Click here to find out “The TOP 39 Things you can do in Singapore.“
Ocean Way
Options for non-stop fun along Singapore’s coast await you on Ocean Way. Scenic views and picturesque landmarks will capture your imagination as you venture through your road trip, while enthralling stops let you take in the sites.
For a tranquil road trip experience, Ocean Way extends off Ocean Drive, yet is clear of the hustle and bustle of city life on the mainland. The drive is well known for its relaxation and serenity. The drive itself is quite enjoyable with its long stretches without traffic. If you’re looking for the beauty of nature, look no further. With no high-rise buildings in the area, the perfectly blue skies and greenery will be the perfect blend of the outdoors for you.
These driving routes attract both locals and tourists who come from all corners of Singapore to enjoy its scenics, natural beauty and peaceful ambience. If you choose to drive or bike ride along one of, if not the best road trip on the island, be prepared for a beautiful drive along nutrient-rich waters and ocean views.
2. Bayfront Avenue – If the word “iconic” was a road
Bayfront Avenue road covers all the iconic buildings and sights every tourist has on their bucket list. The Helix Bridge, Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore River and Gardens by the Bay are all spots that Bayfront Avenue touches. What’s also great is the amazing view of the city skyline that covers the Singapore horizon as you venture your way through the road. This route is perfect for any time of the day, with the sunset and city lights a breathtaking sight to behold.
It’s definitely one of the most photogenic roads in Singapore and tells a story of Singapore’s most iconic destinations which are all in close range of each other. The architecture, scenic backdrop and busy traffic make for a picturesque experience that can’t be replicated in New York City or anywhere else in the world.
3.Kranji – An escape from the busyness of the island
If you want to get away from the city, then step into the countryside of Singapore, Kranji. Kranji is the perfect place for a mental break from the stresses of everyday life. Set your own schedule and discover something fun and adventurous to do that will help you unwind and recharge your batteries. In way, it can be considered the password or search sign for relaxation and adventure.
For a calming experience to escape from the commotion of the CBD, this is the perfect place. You can stop at the various farms along the route, including Max Koi Farm and Hay Dairies – Singapore’s only goat farm. To feel even more connected to nature, you could also stop by and explore Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Kranji Marshes or Kranji Reservoir Park.
Kranji is no ordinary scenic spot. It is a series of farms situated in lush green surroundings. Wander past the orchards and past the well-kept rice paddy fields to get to the Wild Rice Farm where you can taste the difference between wild rice, which is high in protein and vitamin content, and domesticated rice which is low in nutrients but convenient for the average Singaporean diet.
The scenery from Kranji Marshes is simply breathtaking. It really brings home the tranquility of nature and the lifestyle choices one can make to better themselves. The people who live here are very friendly and hospitable as well. The food is also delicious and quite affordable, so whether you want to do some sightseeing or want to get a good meal, there is no lack of things to do in Kranji, making for a great road trip.
Where to Visit
Click here to find out “Where are the top Rated Tourist attractions in Singapore?
4. Mount Faber – One of the best road trips to view the city skyline
It has to be said that the best scenic drive in Singapore isn’t a highway. It isn’t about sleek interchanges or soaring buildings either. It’s about driving through rolling hills and through dense forests on roads built not for speed but comfort and beauty. You should experience this natural beauty at night as well when the skies turn dark with chandeliers and lanterns while listening to gentle chimes from old homes shining through the trees. Such a place is Mount Faber Park, which offers one of the most exhilarating drives in all of Singapore. The drive itself is just as good as its destination – to possibly the greatest place to view the city skyline.
Zoom along through the one-way road, which winds and loops around the second highest hill in Singapore, surrounded by luscious greenery and spectacular views. The strip takes you higher and higher until you reach the peak – Faber Peak where you’ll take in a birds-eye view of the coast and city skyline in the distance. What makes this route even better is that it looks amazing regardless of the time of day.
5. Arcadia Road – A scenic drive in Singapore through lush greenery
Arcadia Road takes you through lush green foliage and through small hills dotted by only a few black-tipped cherry trees. Sawtooth cliffs rise from the ravines, providing contrasting dramatic features to the otherwise tranquil scenery.
Arcadia Road is a road conserved under the Singapore National Parks Board’s Heritage Road Scheme. The almost one kilometer road is definitely a sight for sore eyes. It’s length offers the perfect opportunity to capture its breathtaking landscape. Towering rain trees that form a thick, green canopy leaves you with a sense of awe as you take in everything in front, behind and above you.
The area is quite secluded, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself the only car driving down this road. It’s the more-than-perfect strip for a tranquil ride to forget and escape your responsibilities.
6. Notable Mentions
If you’re still buzzing from the travel sensations, here are some other scenic driving routes that didn’t make the list, but are still fantastic. to take you all over Singapore to explore the island road after road!
Ten More Places To Explore in Singapore
- Kent Ridge Park
- Tanah Merah Coast Road/Tanah Merah Coastal Road
- Old Upper Thomson Road
- South Buona Vista Road
- Raffles Marina Lighthouse/Johore straits lighthouse
- Coney Island
- Seletar Airport (and surrounding areas)
- Pasir Panjang Port
- Punggol Waterway Park
- Lim Chu Kang
Luxury Hotels in Singapore
Planning a Staycation? Click here to find out “Which are the top luxury hotels for your staycation in Singapore?
