Singapore, despite its compact size of just 728.6 square kilometers, offers surprisingly diverse landscapes and scenic routes that are perfect for leisurely drives. From coastal highways with breathtaking sea views to roads winding through lush greenery and nature reserves, there's plenty to explore from behind the wheel.
Whether you're a visitor hoping to experience Singapore beyond the urban attractions or a local looking for a refreshing weekend drive, here are five scenic routes that showcase the natural beauty of the island nation.
1. Mount Faber and Southern Ridges Drive
The Route
This scenic drive takes you through Mount Faber Park, one of the oldest parks in Singapore with panoramic views of the southern part of the city and harbor.
Highlights
- Mount Faber Peak: Drive up to Singapore's second-highest hill for spectacular city views. The winding road up offers glimpses of the harbor, Sentosa Island, and the southern islands.
- Henderson Waves: Although you can't drive directly on it, you can park nearby and walk across Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge, known for its distinctive wave-like structure.
- Telok Blangah Hill Park: Continue your drive to this peaceful park featuring the popular "Terrace Garden" with beautiful landscaping.
- Labrador Nature Reserve: Extend your journey to include this coastal park with World War II relics, nature trails, and sea views.
Driving Tips
The roads around Mount Faber are narrow and winding in places, so drive carefully, especially in the evening when visibility might be reduced. There are several lookout points with parking areas where you can stop to enjoy the views.
Best Time to Visit
Evening drives are particularly magical as you can catch the sunset and then see the city lights come alive. Weekday evenings are less crowded than weekends.
2. East Coast Parkway (ECP)
The Route
The East Coast Parkway is one of Singapore's most iconic coastal drives, stretching approximately 15 kilometers along the southeastern coast of Singapore.
Highlights
- Coastal Views: Enjoy uninterrupted views of the South China Sea on one side and the modern skyline on the other.
- East Coast Park: Make stops along the way at East Coast Park, a 15-kilometer stretch of beach and recreational facilities.
- Marina East: Admire the impressive skyline featuring Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Flyer, and Gardens by the Bay.
- Changi Beach Park: If you continue eastward, you'll reach this tranquil beach park near the airport, offering views of planes taking off and landing.
Driving Tips
The ECP is a major expressway, so traffic can be heavy during peak hours. For a leisurely drive, choose off-peak times. There are numerous exits to East Coast Park where you can park and take a break by the beach.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning (for sunrise enthusiasts) or late afternoon for golden hour lighting on the water. Weekday evenings after 8 PM usually see lighter traffic.
3. Mandai and Seletar Loop
The Route
This northern route takes you through the less urbanized parts of Singapore, offering a glimpse into the island's more rustic side and abundant nature.
Highlights
- Upper Seletar Reservoir: Drive along the edge of this peaceful reservoir with its iconic rocket-shaped tower lookout point.
- Mandai Road: A winding road that passes through dense secondary forest, creating a tunnel-like effect with overhanging trees.
- Seletar Aerospace Park: Explore the charming colonial-era black and white houses repurposed as restaurants and cafes in this unique aviation-themed area.
- Lower Seletar Reservoir Park: A tranquil waterfront park with walkways extending into the reservoir.
Driving Tips
Some parts of this route have narrow, winding roads with wildlife crossing points. Drive cautiously, especially at dawn and dusk when animals like wild boars and monkeys might be active. Watch for speed limits as they change frequently in this area.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings or afternoons avoid the crowds that gather on weekends. Early mornings offer the best chance to spot wildlife and enjoy the misty reservoir views.
4. Lim Chu Kang and Kranji Countryside
The Route
This northwestern route offers a glimpse into Singapore's agricultural side, with farms, nurseries, and rustic landscapes hardly associated with the modern city-state.
Highlights
- Lim Chu Kang Road: A long, straight road lined with tall trees leading to the northwestern tip of Singapore.
- Kranji Reservoir: Enjoy peaceful views of the reservoir and glimpses of Johor, Malaysia across the water.
- Neo Tiew Road: Drive through farmland areas where you can stop at farm-to-table establishments and produce markets.
- Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve: While not directly on the driving route, this nature reserve is worth a detour to see Singapore's rich biodiversity.
Driving Tips
The roads in this area are well-maintained but can be quite dark at night due to minimal street lighting. Some farm access roads may be narrower, so drive carefully if exploring off the main roads.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings or afternoons to avoid the weekend crowds visiting the farms and nature areas. The golden hour before sunset creates beautiful lighting across the countryside landscapes.
5. Southern Islands Viewpoint Drive
The Route
This route takes you along the southern coast of Singapore, offering spectacular views of the harbor and southern islands.
Highlights
- Keppel Bay Drive: Start at this upscale marina area with luxury yachts and waterfront dining options.
- Telok Blangah Road: Drive past historic sites and through lush greenery as you ascend slightly in elevation.
- Sentosa Gateway: Enjoy views of Sentosa Island, with the option to drive onto the island itself (entry fee applies).
- West Coast Highway: Follow the coastline westward for views of container terminals (which are surprisingly photogenic, especially at sunset) and passing ships.
Driving Tips
This route can get congested on weekends, especially around Sentosa. For a smoother drive, avoid peak tourist times. If you choose to enter Sentosa Island, note that there is an entry fee for vehicles.
Best Time to Visit
Late afternoon to catch the sunset over the sea. Weekday evenings are generally less crowded than weekends.
Planning Your Scenic Drive
Vehicle Recommendations
While any vehicle is suitable for these routes as Singapore's roads are well-maintained, here are some recommendations for an optimal experience:
- For Couples or Solo Drivers: A convertible or sports car can enhance your enjoyment of the coastal drives, particularly along the East Coast Parkway.
- For Families: A comfortable SUV or MPV provides better viewing height and spaciousness for longer drives.
- For Fuel Efficiency: A compact hybrid vehicle is ideal for navigating Singapore's roads while minimizing fuel costs.
Essential Tips for Scenic Driving in Singapore
- Navigation: Use a reliable GPS app, as some of these routes may take you through less familiar parts of Singapore.
- Parking: Research parking options beforehand, especially for popular viewpoints where parking might be limited.
- ERP Charges: Be aware of Electronic Road Pricing gantries and their operational hours to avoid unexpected charges.
- Weather: Singapore's tropical climate means sudden downpours are possible. Check weather forecasts before setting out.
- Refreshments: Pack water and snacks, though all routes have convenient access to food establishments along the way.
Conclusion
Singapore may be known for its urban landscape, but these scenic drives reveal a different side of the island—one with coastal beauty, lush greenery, and peaceful countryside vistas. Each route offers a unique perspective and can be completed in a few hours, making them perfect for half-day excursions.
At Abbi Cipogi Car Rentals, we offer a range of vehicles perfect for exploring these scenic routes. From fuel-efficient compacts to comfortable SUVs or even luxury convertibles for those special occasions, we have the ideal car to enhance your driving experience in Singapore.
So the next time you're looking for a refreshing way to explore Singapore beyond the usual tourist spots, consider taking a leisurely drive along one of these scenic routes. You might discover that there's more to this garden city than meets the eye.