Best Road Trips in Singapore

Best Road Trips in Singapore

By Dom Bewley

Driving. Sometimes, going for a drive can be a frustrating experience. For instance, no one enjoys the long commute to work. Stuck in traffic, screaming silently into your steering wheel as another idiot fails to merge correctly. Idiot! How dare someone drives on your streets and doesn't even know the laws of the road! Ahem. Even if the commute is smooth, you still end up at work. And let's be honest, you'd probably rather be anywhere else.

But sometimes, taking a drive can be a liberating experience. Just you and the open road, no holes barred. You can go anywhere and do anything. The horizon beckons you to adventure - do you answer the call? So, if you're looking for the latter, you'll find great drives in Singapore. It's a beautiful place full of futuristic architecture, beautiful tree lines, and a disarming coastline. But what are the best road trips in Singapore? Get in, start your engine, and read on.

Including:

  • Mount Faber
  • Lim Chu Kang Road
  • Mandai Road
  • Ocean Drive
  • Bayfront Avenue
  • and more!
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Ocean Drive

And the sky is so blue, the sun's gonna shine on everything you do. So says the hit 90s track from stalwart luminaries The Lighthouse Family, and yes, we're definitely showing our age. Age aside, the lyrics are definitely appropriate for Ocean Drive, one of the best road trips in Singapore!

Ocean Drive is the road's name, so you should know what to expect.

You'll be passing by the ocean and getting some of the best views on the planet. On your way, you'll spot some truly massive mansions and other unique buildings, so keep an eye out. And best of all, at the end of it, you'll find Sentosa, Singapore's premier relaxation destination. So why not stop by and check out the Giant Swing and Skybridge while you're there?

Lim Chu Kang Road

If you want to see the more historic parts of Singapore, take a drive on Lim Chu Kang Road. It's touted as one of the five Heritage Roads in the state, thanks to the many indigenous trees that line it. When you see them, you'll know exactly why they're protected!

Angsana, Broad Leaf Mahogany, and Rubber trees will all pop up on your cruise, so be sure to snap some pictures of them as you pass. Maybe get a passenger to do it or stop your car before snapping - we wouldn't want your Singapore vacation to come to an abrupt end!

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Mount Faber

Singapore might not be known for its mountains - it has scarce few of those. However, if you want the next best thing, then a drive up Mount Faber might be one of the best road trips in Singapore!

Thanks to the narrow, traffic-free roads, you'll forget you're in Singapore at all! As you get higher, you'll catch a glimpse of Singapore's skyline down in the distance, before you end the first leg of your journey up at Mount Faber Park, a delightful green space where you can easily spread out for a picnic to drink in the view.

Mandai Road

Another of Singapore's Heritage Roads, Mandai Road is a delightfully green stretch of highway that's well over 150 years old. So, as with Lim Chu Kang Road, expect to see plenty of protected natural beauty as you drive.

The old trees form a canopy above you as you go, eventually ending as you reach the Upper Seletar Reservoir, where you'll find a serene lake to explore.

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Bayfront Avenue

For a more modern drive, take Bayfront Avenue and drive right through Singapore's envious Central Business District. If you're looking to tick off some tourist hotspots on your itinerary, then it's one of the best road trips in Singapore!

Gaze out of the window, and you'll pass recognizable landmarks of Singapore's skyline, like the Helix Bridge, the Fullerton Hotel Singapore, Marina Bay Sands, and the Singapore River. Leave when the sun goes down to see the Central Business District in all its neon-soaked glory!

Kampong Lorong Buangkok

Fancy seeing the startling differences between the Singapore of old and the Singapore of today? Then you'll want to take a drive down to the last remaining village on Singapore's mainland - Kampong Lorong Buangkok.

Passing Buangkok's modern metropolis, you'll find Kampong Lorong Buangkok. Having foregone the modern marvels of metropolitan life, this village is a peek back to the past. Only a handful of families call Kampong Lorong Buangkok home, so it's understandable that they've all remained very close through the generations. If you do decide to take this fantastic drive, just be on your best behavior when you pass. While the residents might not mind the odd photo, you don't want to pry too much into their happy lives by doing a social media dance or some other heinous action while visiting.

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Kranji

If you're looking to add a little outdoor adventure to your road trip, then definitely put Kranji at the top of your list. Singapore's countryside is full of farms where you can buy fresh produce, and see some animals while you're at it.

But if you want to stretch your legs and see some of Singapore's stunning natural beauty up close, then you'll need to leave your car, put on your walking boots, and explore some of the awesome trails you'll find nearby. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Kranji Reservoir Park, and Kranji Marshes deserve the foot traffic.

Mount Pleasant Road

And finally, we'll end on another Heritage Road drive up above sea level. Mount Road Pleasant is its name, and historic buildings is its game.

You'll pass beautiful black and white bungalows that predate the Second World War, you'll smell fig, palm, and cinnamon from the local flora if your window's wound down, and you'll enjoy the whole thing no matter the weather. If you want the perfect mix of views, architecture, and nature, Mount Pleasant Road is one of the best road trips in Singapore!

And there ends the return journey on our exploration of the best road trips in Singapore! Looking for more non-car-based fun to fill out your Singapore vacation? Check out Go City! With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can book your spots way in advance and get the best prices around.

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Things to do in Dempsey Hill Singapore
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Things to do in Dempsey Hill Singapore

Heading to Singapore for your vacation and staying in the Dempsey Hill district of the city? Good choice. There are plenty of things to see and do and places to relax and grab a bite. To save you time, we've researched this list of the best things to do in Dempsey Hill, so you don't have to. Read on, and discover why it's one of the best districts in Singapore! Including: Gardens by the Bay Trimmings Salon & Spa Lowen Dover Street Market Singapore Pearl Hill's Park The Museum of Ice Cream and more! Gardens by the Bay If you're looking for things to do in Dempsey Hill, you cannot miss one of Singapore's most beautiful landmarks. Known across the globe as one of the most extravagant green spaces around, Gardens by the Bay practically demands a visit. With over a million plants housed within over one hundred hectares of floral delight, the green-thumbed of you will be spoilt for choice. Make sure to visit three of the location's biggest selling points. The Flower Dome is the world's largest glass greenhouse, with flowers from five continents on display across nine gardens, including thousand-year-old olive trees and unusual Baobab trees. Cloud Forest featuring Avatar: The Experience is an immersive experience created in conjunction with the hit movie franchise. You'll be transported to the fictional world of Pandora, where you can marvel at its cascading waterfalls, spiraling walkways, and fantastic creatures. And finally, the Sun Pavillion features over 1000 plants that call the sunnier parts of the world home. Desert species like cacti and succulents are beautifully arranged and will earn a spot on your social media. Trimmings Salon & Spa Lowen Got a hankering for a pampering while visiting Singapore? Is your hair a mess, and are your nails in need of a good seeing to? Then check out Trimmings Salon & Spa Lowen, where you can get all that and more at a great price. They also offer full-body massages, facials, and if you're wrangling a group of unruly, unkempt children, they'll even host a spa party just for them. With manis, pedis, and styling all thrown in, they'll certainly come out the other end looking prim and proper. And when all kids want to do is have fun, styling is the perfect remedy to quash their excitable tendencies. Dover Street Market Singapore Deal-seekers, rejoice! The world-famous Dover Street Market has now opened its doors in sometimes-sunny Singapore! And, just like its stores in New York, Tokyo, and London, you'll find tons of deals on brilliant designer attire. Situated in a disused army barracks, the interior's design somewhat resembles an art installation. But you're not here for the interior; you're here for your exterior. And you'll have plenty to choose from, with Comme des Garçons and Céline just some of the many lauded labels on display throughout. So, if you need some new attire, head to Dover Street Market! Pearl Hill's Park The awe-inspiring modern metropolis of Singapore is something else, but that doesn't mean you won't be craving any nature during your vacation. So, if you're looking for things to do in Dempsey Hill and want to get your blood pumping, why not take a brisk hike at Pearl Hill's Park? The Pipeline Trail, at a rather modest six kilometers, isn't necessarily for the faint of heart. Featuring a healthy dose of climbing and even wading through mud, you'll probably want to be a somewhat seasoned hiker if you fancy taking it on. However, if you do choose to do it, it's easily the best hike you'll find around Singapore. Just remember to pack your hiking boots; you don't want to ruin your sneakers and your back simultaneously. The Museum of Ice Cream Do you like ice cream? Do you ever yearn to enter a world where everything is ice cream, or ice cream-adjacent? Well, we're pleased to let you know that Singapore has made your wish come true, all thanks to the Museum of Ice Cream. Pinch yourselves - it's real, folks. Featuring real installations like a giant sprinkle 'ball pit', and plenty of other frozen dairy goodness, it's a must-visit for any ice cream fan. Or, anyone who wants to make their followers incredibly jealous. Plus, every attendee gets a free ice cream cone when they enter, because of course they do. Eat like royalty Speaking of food, you might be feeling peckish after all those things to do. So, let's explore the best restaurants in Dempsey Hill, Singapore! Let's start with the Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar. Created by three-Michelin-starred wonder Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar's menu features a brilliant mix of Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine. So, if you're looking for dim sum, dumplings, and other Chinese treats, you've come to the right place. Or, if you're looking for some authentic Singaporean cuisine, set your sights on Morsels. This Little India mainstay has made its way to Dempsey Hill, where it has tons more space. With a host of sharing plates on offer, you can pick several dishes and try a bit of each. We recommend the Duroc Pulled Pork if you can handle a bit of spice in your life. And drink like one too! And we'll end today's list with a few beverages. If you need to wet your whistle, these are our picks for the best bars in the district! Gin lovers will be well taken care of at The Rabbit Hole. This gin joint has plenty of international labels for you to sip, as well as signature gins brewed specifically for the venue. Who knows, you might find your new favorite gin inside. Amber nectar worshipers can head to the RedDot Brewhouse, where you'll find plenty of national and international beers on tap. They also do bar food and small plates, if you start feeling those session hunger prangs. And finally, for classy cocktails in a minimalist interior, check out COMO Club @ Dempsey. With a menu longer than your arm, you're sure to find your favorite tipple on tap. Or, if you're feeling daring, as the mixologists to whip you up a unique drink. The world, and the cocktails, are your oyster. And that's our list of the best things to do in Dempsey Hill. If you want to make the most of your trip to Singapore, and you're looking for more fun adventures to fill out your vacation, try Go City. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can experience all the best bits of Singapore for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Singapore Street Food and Night Tour
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What to do in Singapore in October

Singapore in October? Really? It’s certainly true that pre-monsoon October sees more rain than the months of June to September. Heavy showers generally break in the afternoon, clearing streets for an hour or two, along with the worst of the city’s humidity. However, the mix of indoor and outdoor attractions means you won’t ever be short of things to do in Singapore in October. Plus, reduced traveler demand promises a great value stay. Add to this a packed program of events, and you’ll soon realize that the off-season is anything but. October in Singapore? Absolutely yes! Here’s why... Fascinating cultural events Thankfully, Singapore’s October rain doesn’t put a stop to any of the city’s cultural events. Foremost among them is the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. Spanning more than a week, it’s celebrated by Taoists. It begins at East Coast Park, where adherents ritually wash religious artefacts housed in Charn Mao Hern Kiu Huang Keng Temple. They are accompanied by the sound of gongs, and flowing movement of lion dancers. Rather different is Singapore’s Fall Fashion Week, an annual celebration of all things couture at the end of October. It’s where Asia’s major fashion houses first show their latest collections to the public. Events take place in malls across the city. The end of October is also marked by Halloween, an event which has taken Singapore by storm. Many top attractions take on a spooky air. Look out for ghost ships sailing the waters around Sentosa. Other scary takes include nightclubs draped in cobwebs and costume balls to die for. Finally, there’s Oktoberfest. It’s a long way from the festival’s traditional home in Munich, but great fun nonetheless. An increasing number of bars, restaurants, and hotels are getting involved with special menus and deals. But you shouldn’t forget about Singapore’s home-grown beer either. A Tiger Brewery Tour takes visitors behind the scenes of a lager available in 60 countries. That’s despite none of the main ingredients being native to the island! Top outdoor attractions Mornings tend to be the best time to head outside in Singapore in October. The risk of a rain shower is minimal, and the humidity is yet to build. Mornings therefore provide the perfect opportunity for exploring Singapore’s multitude of outdoor attractions. Head to tranquil Pulau Ubin island for an activity not usually associated with big cities – kayaking. Known for its traditional way of life, Pulau Ubin is rich in flora and fauna. It even boasts some of Singapore’s last remaining mangrove forest. What better way to explore them but by bobbing in the waves on a kayak? Although true flight is out of reach, SkyHelix Sentosa offers the next best thing. Singapore’s highest open-air panoramic ride, its gondolas reach almost 80 meters above the ground. As you might imagine, the resulting vistas are incredible, stretching from the Southern Islands to Keppel Bay. And if you time it right, the sunsets are amazing. Alternatively, take advantage of the dry weather to head to the open top deck of a Big Bus Singapore. Its two routes connect the Downtown area’s most iconic landmarks. The added commentary helps peel back layer after layer of history. Indoor attractions not to miss They may provide a handy escape from a shower, but Singapore’s best indoor attractions are worth visiting whatever the weather. Take the Asian Civilizations Museum. Its galleries are packed with artifacts. They span themes from Islamic art to the religions of India. It’s the remnants of the Tang shipwreck which form the highlight for many. Dating to AD 830, its hold was packed with 60,000 items, largely beautifully decorated pieces of blue and white porcelain. Staying beneath the waves, S.E.A Aquarium provides a home for 100,000 animals. They belong to around 1,000 species from 50 habitats, from manta rays to clown fish. Meanwhile, the dedicated Shark Seas Habitat has no less than 200 brooding predators, including silvertip, lemon, and hammerhead sharks. If it’s celebrities rather than sharks you’re keen to encounter, head to Madame Tussauds Singapore. The world-famous museum contains waxworks of the great and the good, from Jackie Chan to Taylor Swift. In addition, ticket holders get to enjoy the actor-led Images of Singapore show, Singapore’s only indoor boat ride, and the Marvel 4D Experience. Unforgettable evenings in Singapore in October The Gardens by the Bay complex is incredible at any time of day. Thanks to its two massive glasshouses – the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest – it’s also magical come rain or shine. And its out of this world Supertree Grove has to be seen to be believed. Each evening, the gardens pile joy on joy with the Garden Rhapsody show. This light and sound extravaganza has a different theme each month. It takes place at 7:45 and 8:45PM each night and is free to attend. Singapore’s hawker centers are another evening stop worth adding to your itinerary. Forget any ideas you might have of dodgy watches or third-rate kitchen utensils. Singapore’s hawkers are sublime chefs serving up great value, great tasting dishes. So grab a seat at a communal table and share a meal with some of the people who call Singapore home. Alternatively, find many of Singapore’s more exotic residents at Night Safari. The first nocturnal zoo anywhere in the world, it gives a glimpse into the life of creatures usually not seen. Using state of the art lighting which mimics moonlight, it has four zones. Their diversity means visitors have the chance to admire everything from Asian elephants to highly endangered Sunda pangolins. And we say that’s well worth staying up for! Why you should visit Singapore in October There’s Singapore’s October events. Plus, the city’s amazing pick of indoor and outdoor attractions. And despite what you might hear, the October weather in Singapore is very agreeable for exploring too. Then there’s off-season airfares to look forward to too. For even better value in Singapore in October, be sure to check out Go City’s All-Inclusive and Explorer passes. They’ve been specially designed to give you reduced price entry to many of Singapore’s top attractions. That’s Go City, helping your money go further!
Alex Birungi
Singapore skyline with a pink and yellow sky
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Places to watch the sunset in Singapore

Have a look through the photos on your phone and chances are you'll find plenty of sunsets. There’s just something about a glowing pink sky that makes us want to stop and capture it, despite the fact that it happens every day. When we’re traveling, finding a good place to watch it becomes part of the itinerary, almost like a destination hunt, or going to see a show. Singapore, with its iconic skyline, rooftop terraces and scattered islands, has plenty of picture-perfect places to see it, but you have to get your timing right as they only tend to last between 20 and thirty minutes. The good news is, because Singapore is so close to the equator there isn’t much variation in its timing – you can expect the sun to set between roughly 6:50 and 7:20pm whatever time of year you’re there. For the best views, head to: The Marina Bay Sands The Gardens by the Bay The Pinnacle@Duxton From the river Mount Faber Park and Cable Car Sentosa Island The Marina Bay Sands If you’re not staying at the Marina Bay Sands, you should at least make one visit to this iconic structure and its 57th floor SkyPark. With 360-degree views it’s the perfect place to watch the sun sink below the horizon, whether you want to look east over the bay or west towards Sentosa Island. While you’re there, see if you can take a selfie with a celebrity in the background, and be sure to stop for a drink at the Ce La Vi SkyBar. Inside the hotel you’ll also find a casino, museum, shopping mall and several celebrity chef-inspired restaurants, so you won’t run out of things to do! The Gardens by the Bay No visit to Singapore would be complete without a visit to the iconic Supertrees in the Gardens by the Bay – and because of their unmistakable silhouette this enchanting canopy makes the perfect backdrop to any sunset. If you can time it right, watch the light fade from the OCBC Skyway, a 128-meter-long boardwalk between two of the Supertrees, 22 meters above the ground. Even better, head up to the garden’s highest point in the Supertree Observatory, where you’ll also find refreshments and interactive information displays. Look out at familiar landmarks like Floral Fantasy and the Marina Bay Sands Hotel as you enjoy nature’s most spectacular and ever-changing display. The Pinnacle@Duxton This little-known vantage point is the tallest public residence in Singapore, right on the western edge of Chinatown. It has two sky bridges and the highest one, on the 50th floor, is open to the public for a small fee. It’s a wonderful spot for looking down on the district, especially in the evening when the red-roofed pagodas begin to glow and colorful paper lanterns twinkle cheerfully. It’s open until 9pm and there’s a garden as well as a deck area, so you can lounge around with a drink if you like or have a quiet stroll before you return to the bustle below. From the River The gentle lapping of water, pink and yellow hues reflecting in the water, cool breezes gently blowing in your hair – we all know that sunsets look better from the water. It’s a great way to see Singapore as well, giving you a chance to move back from the hive of glass and concrete and admire the skyline as it turns from glowing pink edifice to stunning silhouette. Bop along gently in a traditional bumboat from Marina Bay and along the Singapore river, watching as iconic landmarks like the Fullerton Hotel and the Merlion Statue are lit up in the harbor. The Singapore River Cruise lasts around 40 minutes, so time it for about 6:30pm and you should be in for some exceptional evening entertainment. Mount Faber Park and Cable Car If you like a hike before your sunsets, head to the top of Mount Faber Park to the west of the city for stunning views over Keppel Harbor and the waterways to the west. Here you’ll find a number of eateries, if you need a degustation-themed reward for your exertions, and also plenty of spots to sit and have a picnic – especially if you want to stay and watch the stars come out. You could also ride the cable car from Faber Peak, which will carry you over the glittering harbor to Sentosa Island – float over city lights and lush rainforests while the sky turns to indigo around you. The cable car runs until 10pm and your pass includes a return trip, so you can enjoy a pleasant evening exploring the island before heading back. Sentosa Island It’s on the western side of the city and has plenty of beaches, which makes it the perfect place to sit and savor a spectacular sunset. There are hotel rooftop terraces – such as at the Outpost and Village hotels, or you could ride the SkyHelix Sentosa, which is a rotating gondola that takes you 79 meters above sea level. If that’s not enough adrenaline for you, perhaps you’d prefer the AJ Hackett Sentosa Skybridge, where you can swing from a height of 40 meters over the beach. On the other hand, if you’ve spent the day exploring Universal Studios, enjoy the sunset view from the top of one of its unique rides, such as Puss in Boots’ Giant Journey, the Battlestar Galactica: Human vs Cylon Dueling Coasters, or Donkey’s Dragon (from Shrek) Enchanted Airways Coaster. Follow the sun with Go City No matter where you go in Singapore, there’ll always be a sunset worth finding a spot for. And whatever you do, make sure you have your Go City All-Inclusive or Explorer Pass to hand, to make sure you save on all your favorite attractions around the city.
Karleen Stevens

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