Top 7 Road Trips in Singapore

Established in 1819 as a vibrant trading hub, today's Singapore is celebrated for its rich cultural diversity and culinary scene, complemented by an eclectic mix of architectural styles.

In a city where towering skyscrapers coexist with historic colonial buildings, lush greenery, and tropical gardens, the most enjoyable way to appreciate it all is by car.

From the thrilling night drives at the iconic Marina Bay Street Circuit to serene coastal paths and scenic tree-lined routes, here are the finest drives in Singapore.

1. Night Drive at Marina Bay Street Circuit

Top Drive for Motorsport Enthusiasts Marina Promenade and return via the Downtown Core; 5km loop (3.1 miles)

Unsurprisingly, the ultimate drive for motorsport fans in Singapore is a lap around the 5km (3.1 miles) circuit known for hosting Formula One races. The Marina Bay Street Circuit, often called the Singapore Street Circuit, hosted the sport’s first-ever night race in 2008 and remains one of the few tracks fans can drive year-round, except during race weekends. For the best F1 experience, driving at night is highly recommended.

Starting on the long straight next to the Marina Promenade, the road heads north, slipping under Benjamin Sheares Bridge before curving left to descend down Republic Boulevard. After navigating a long, sweeping right-hand bend, the road merges onto the renowned Raffles Boulevard, named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore.

As it cuts through the downtown area, Singapore's historical heart, the circuit sharply turns left onto Nicoll Highway, opposite the Kranji War Memorial, followed by another sharp right onto Stamford Road. Shortly after, it takes a left onto St Andrew's Road, passing Singapore's National Gallery and Recreation Club before making another left toward Fullerton Highway.

Once on the highway, you can accelerate as the track guides you north, running parallel to Raffles Avenue and Raffles Boulevard. The route winds around the modern Esplanade complex and hugs the waterfront before returning to the start-finish line, completing a circuit that captures much of Singapore's iconic city center.

Local Insight: Similar to the F1 race, nighttime driving offers a whole new perspective of Singapore's central waterfront, with the shimmering lights of its skyscrapers and main attractions twinkling as you pass by.

2. Botanic Gardens Loop

Ideal Drive for a City Escape From the Singapore Botanic Gardens to the National Orchid Garden; 5km (3.1 miles)

Singapore Botanic Gardens is a serene oasis in the city, and the perimeter road around it offers the perfect quick escape from urban life. This 162-year-old tropical garden, situated at the edge of the Orchard Road shopping area, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.

While driving directly into the gardens isn’t permitted, Cluny and Tyersall Roads meander around the site’s perimeter, allowing you to slow down and soak in the zen atmosphere the garden is renowned for.

Nestled between the bustling Bukit Timah Road to the north and Holland Road to the south, Cluny and Tyersall Roads connect these major thoroughfares, skirting the gardens on their east and west sides. For a refreshing break from the heavy traffic outside, start by heading north on Cluny Road, enjoying the views before turning left onto Bukit Timah Road, then left again to join Tyersall Road heading south.

Taking a moment to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the 74-hectare (182 acres) botanic gardens is essential. Located near the equator, Singapore is home to some of the most stunning and well-maintained tropical flora globally. With serene lakes, rolling lawns, and themed gardens, the site features a rare patch of dense primeval rainforest, thriving with over 300 plant species.

Side Trip: If you have extra time, consider a detour on the west side of the gardens, where winding roads lead into residential areas like Cluny Hill. Here, you can admire modern villas that overlook the gardens, a delight for enthusiasts of contemporary architecture.

Learn More: Singapore’s Top National Parks and Gardens

3. The Kranji Loop

Ideal Drive for Countryside Views From Singapore Turf Club to the Jalan Bahar and PIE junction; 18km (11 miles)

Renowned for its expansive wetlands, farms, and nature reserves, a drive around Kranji Reservoir showcases some of Singapore's more pastoral scenery.

Begin at the Singapore Turf Club, the only horse-racing venue in the city-state, established in 1842. Proceed north on Kranji Road toward the Kranji Dam. The route meanders through industrial areas until the buildings diminish, leading to a narrow road known as Kranji Way, which runs between the Johor Strait and the tranquil waters of Kranji Reservoir. Beyond the dam, the road navigates through the picturesque Kranji countryside.

Although the single-lane road isn’t the fastest, it offers a chance to unwind from the city's hustle and bustle while stopping at a few farms. Hay Dairies, established in 1988, is Singapore's only goat farm, home to about 800 mixed-breed goats.

As you get back on course, the route takes you past the Kranji Sanctuary Golf Course and, a bit further along, the Kranji Marshes nature reserve. For enthusiastic hikers, the marshes present a perfect opportunity to hop out of the car and stretch your legs before continuing your journey.

After passing the marshes and navigating a few curves, the road straightens and widens as it heads south to connect with the PIE and KJE highways, as well as Woodlands Road, bringing you back to the Turf Club intersection, completing Singapore's finest countryside loop.

Discover More: The 7 Best Hikes in Singapore

4. Mount Faber Park

Ideal Drive for Stunning City Views Kampong Bahru Road to Morse Road via the summit; 4km (2.5 miles)

Mount Faber – as the name indicates – is the prime spot for overlooking the city, and the road leading up resembles a winding mountain pass in Singapore. Rising 94m (308ft) above the city, the peak is a favorite tourist destination that provides expansive views over Singapore’s bustling Central Business District and coastline.

Departing from Kampong Road and heading north, take the exit for Mount Faber Road. This marks the beginning of the climb, as the road twists and turns up Mount Faber, narrowing to a single lane as you approach the summit. Adorned with lush greenery, this road is a favored path for those seeking a bit of elevation to escape the vibrant city center.

After about a mile, the road evens out as you reach the peak, which features restaurants and the Mount Faber cable car. Beyond the peak, the road meanders down the hillside, connecting with Morse Road and ultimately leading to the busy West Coast Highway.

Local Insight: Numerous lookout points along the route offer excellent opportunities to capture stunning views from the top.

5. Discover History on Quiet Roads

Ideal Drive for History Enthusiasts Admiralty West - Changi - 70km (43 mi)

In certain areas of Singapore, you can still find century-old historical 'black and white' bungalows constructed by the former British colonial rulers. Now owned by the local government, these properties can only be accessed by car. This serene drive takes you along secluded roads lined with towering native Tembusu trees, where the grand heritage mansions nestled along the route provide a striking contrast of luxury against the natural landscape.

Admiralty Road West/East and Seletar in the northern area, Mount Pleasant Road and Rochester Park in the central region, along with Changi Road in the east, all showcase these historic bungalows set against lush, jungle-like backdrops.

Keep in mind that at night, these roads can feel exceptionally eerie, inviting numerous tales of ghostly sightings. Some taxi drivers are even known to refuse rides in this area after dark. It's best to explore these routes during the day, when the bungalows are easier to spot and the supernatural is less likely to make an appearance.

Local Insight: On the picturesque drive from Admiralty Road East in Sembawang to Seletar, you'll pass by Yishun Dam on Lower Seletar Reservoir (before you join Seletar West Link road). As you cross the reservoir, take in the tranquility of the water flanking both sides of the bridge. You may even spot anglers casting their lines or adventurers paddling in the expansive waters.

6. Architectural Driving Tour

Ideal Drive for Design Enthusiasts From Plaza Singapura to Anderson Bridge - 3km (1.8 mi)

Many of Singapore’s well-preserved historical structures are clustered in close proximity—take a drive to admire the intricate details and stunning beauty of these buildings, a rarity in the modern landscape.

Begin your journey at Plaza Singapura, located at the end of Orchard Road, and head straight ahead—you’ll spot the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd on your right. Established in 1847, this Catholic church is the oldest on the island and continues to hold services today. Just past the church, you’ll find Chijmes, a Catholic convent built in 1852 in the neo-classical gothic style; it transformed into an all-girls school in 1904 and now serves as a lively entertainment hub with cafes, bars, and a charming lawn. Continuing on, the iconic neo-renaissance Raffles Hotel will be on your left, with the War Memorial visible on your right.

Proceed until you reach Nicoll Highway (just before Suntec City), where you’ll take a right turn. This path leads into Esplanade Drive, and on your right stands a magnificent building that once functioned as the main post office during British colonial rule. Today, it houses the upscale Fullerton Hotel.

Make a right onto Fullerton Road, where you’ll encounter the Art Deco Waterboat House on your right, which provided water to arriving ships from 1919 until 1990. Continue across the historic Anderson Bridge, which has stood for 114 years, into Singapore’s Civic District.

Local Insight: As you travel along Esplanade Drive and cross the Singapore River, glance to your left to see the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel standing across the water, distinguished by its spaceship-like top floor.

7. Discover wildlife in Singapore's rural areas

Ideal drive for animal enthusiasts Bukit Timah Expressway/PIE to Lim Chu Kang - 30km (18.6 mi)

While Singapore is predominantly a concrete jungle, there are still serene spots on the island where a drive can whisk you away from the urban hustle.

Travel along the Bukit Timah Expressway or the PIE, then take the KJE into Choa Chu Kang, which connects to Lim Chu Kang Road. Both roads are picturesque and tranquil, lined with Angsana and Tembusu trees. Here, you might catch glimpses of Long Tail Macaques and birds like the Collared Kingfisher and Olive-Winged Bulbul.

From Lim Chu Kang Road, transition onto Kranji Road and then Mandai Road. You'll pass the serene Upper Seletar Reservoir, an ideal spot for a picnic or afternoon tea. A stroll around the area leads you to the Rocket Tower, offering a stunning view of the reservoir and its surroundings, along with a pier.

Locals affectionately call these pathways 'ulu roads,' referring to their remote feel, away from the city's hustle. Here, you'll find yourself on peaceful stretches surrounded solely by lush greenery. Similar scenic routes include Old Upper Thomson Road, Arcadia Road, and South Buona Vista Road.

Local Tip: At Upper Seletar Reservoir, seek out the solitary Casuarina tree flanked by two benches. This picturesque spot against the reservoir’s blue waters is a popular backdrop for social media photos. Remember, if monkeys approach, do not feed or touch them—just back away slowly and carefully.