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The Best Scenic Drives in Singapore You Shouldn’t Sleep On
I’m not much of a driver, but when I do hit the road, I make sure to choose routes that keep stress at bay. Singapore’s transport system is incredibly efficient, and the road networks seamlessly connect you to any destination.
The best part? Many routes offer stunning scenery, with towering heritage trees along the roadside or ocean views with sunlight sparkling on the water.
So, if you’re in need of some time off from the metro or bus and just want to go on a scenic drive, here’s a list of my absolute favourite routes!
Mount Faber Road
Location: Bukit Merah, Central Region
Mount Faber Road offers stunning vistas of the city skyline and the sea. It’s mostly known for cable car rides and hikes, but to drivers, it’s a gateway to a scenic drive towards Mount Faber Peak.
Take the Mount Faber Loop if you want to drive around several lookout points on the hill. You’ll pass through Faber Point, Mount Faber Park, Faber Deck, and Mount Faber Lodge.
It’s comparable to the slopes of Monaco. There are turns and twists, but you’ll get stunning views of the ocean and city down below from your window!
Tips:
- Be very careful when driving here. Many hikers and cyclists take the same route to enjoy the beauty the hill has to offer, so slow down.
- In case you need to park your car, the nearest parking lot is at Mount Faber Carpark near Faber Deck.
Arcadia Road
From m.the.trailblazer
Location: Bukit Merah, Central Region
Did you know there are heritage roads in Singapore? Arcadia Road is one of them (one of the most famous and scenic ones, in my opinion). This heritage road is nicknamed “the Green Tunnel” and is located along Adam Park Estate.
The road runs for 918 metres along the lush forests of the MacRitchie Reservoir. It features gentle curves with gentle slopes going up and down the neighbouring residential estates in the area.
Driving down this road reminds me of that cheesy scene in romantic comedies where the couple drives off to their happily ever after before the credits roll.
Tip:
- This road is relatively secluded compared to other heritage roads in Singapore. That said, don’t stop in the middle of the road to take pictures, even if you’re the only driver there. As much as possible just keep driving and stay alert for any cyclists on the road!
Bayfront Avenue
From today we explore
Location: Downtown Core, Central Region
Whenever I think about the most iconic spots in the city, I think of Marina Bay. And if you’re looking for a scenic spot with the best views of Singapore’s skyline, Bayfront Avenue is the way to go.
There’s the Marina Bay Sands Hotel on one side and the Gardens by the Bay on the other. Plus you’re also driving next to Marina Bay itself. It’s stunning to drive here in the day, but it’s even better (ten times better!) at night.
If you go past Marina Bay Sands, the avenue also takes you across the Marina Channel with the Helix Bridge on the side. There’s a lot to see on this short road, and it’s worth every minute!
Tip:
- This is one of the busiest avenues in the city, especially since it passes through many iconic tourist spots within Marina Bay (traffic can get really bad here). I recommend driving here early in the morning (around sunrise) or late at night when most of the establishments are closed. Don’t worry, the streets are well-lit!
South Buona Vista Road
From themuuub
Location: Queenstown, Western Central Region
South Buona Vista Road, known as ‘99 Bends’ in Hokkien, is a challenging route popular among drivers. Despite its name, it has only 11 turns, but they’re not the easiest to manoeuvre around if you’re not used to driving on curvy roads.
Starting from the National University of Singapore, the road descends to the West Coast Highway with sharp hairpin turns. I really recommend driving very slowly (plus taking your time means taking in the scenery more!).
There’s even a cafe that you can visit if you want to catch a break and eat a hearty snack. It’s called Paddy Hills, and it’s not hard to miss (unless you’re driving really fast!).
Tip:
- This road sits next to Kent Ridge Park. If you turn to Vigilante Drive from the road, you’ll encounter more turns and end up in the lush forests of the park. You can take this detour if you want more lush scenery. Plus there are public toilets inside the park in case you need to use them!
Lim Chu Kang Road
From eddysjh
Location: Starts from the Kranji Marshes to Jurong West, Central Region
Lim Chu Kang Road used to be a rubber and pepper plantation before it was turned into a major road connecting suburban villages in the north to the rest of the Central Business District. It’s hard to find it on the map unless you look a little closer.
It’s also a heritage road lined with trees like mahogany, rubber, and angsana. You won’t find that urban busyness here, and I think that really adds to the charm of the road.
It’s long and extends all the way from the Kranji Marshes to Jurong Eco Garden. I highly recommend taking your time here to get the most out of the more rural side of Singapore.
Tip:
- Be careful of monkeys along this road. You’ll find them lurking about on the side, and they often jump on cars if you stop. Don’t scare them away or honk at them. Just leave them be and drive away slowly!
Ocean Way and Ocean Drive
From sentosa_cove
Location: Sentosa Island
Ocean Drive on Sentosa is a scenic route that circles the island, offering stunning views of bridges, lookout points, sandy beaches, and beautiful waters. It’s a must-do drive for seeing some of the island’s best sights.
The route features a blend of natural and manmade attractions, including parkland, playgrounds, yachts at the quay, and modern architecture. For a break, stop at Quayside Isle for dining and a relaxing walk.
Once you get off Ocean Drive, make a detour to Ocean Way which takes you to beaches. There are no high-rise buildings here, so you’ll really get that coastal feel as you drive down a stretch of trees with the sea breeze.
Tip:
- The best time to drive down this route is at sunset. Traffic is usually more congested on weekends, but if you visit on a weekday afternoon and drive at sunset, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the sun setting over the water.
Mandai Road
From oopspirit
Location: Mandai, Northern Region
Mandai Road, constructed in 1855, is a heritage road in the west that offers a relaxing drive. Once linking agricultural villages, it now features majestic trees forming a green canopy that opens to views of Upper Seletar Reservoir.
This scenic route takes you through lesser-known attractions on the island, including the Seletar Rocket Tower, Upper Seletar fishing spots, and Springleaf Garden Park. Driving here doesn’t feel like you’re in the city at all!
It actually crosses through the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, and Bird Paradise. You can visit any of these attractions if you can’t get enough of the scenery.
Tip:
- There are hiking trails that shoot out off the road near the entrance to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. If you want to step out of your car for a bit, you can drive into Mandai Lake Road and park at the Mandai Wildlife Area.
Marina Coastal Expressway
From osmshaman
Location: Stretches from Kallang to Keppel, Marina Bay
There aren’t a lot of highways in Singapore given its small size, but the Marina Coastal Expressway is an impressive infrastructural feat the government put in place for people to get to the best spots in Marina Bay faster.
Sure, it’s a highway, but it’s a really pretty one. At night, the expressway lights up and you go through a long tunnel that connects the western and eastern parts of Singapore. If there’s no traffic and you try to speed up a little, the drive can be very exhilarating!
Tip:
- I recommend driving down the expressway at night for a real treat. Just don’t go past the speeding limit. There are police officers around the area. Only drive down here if you’ve driven on expressways before!
