Best Scenic Driving Routes in Singapore

Singapore may be a small island nation, but it offers a surprising variety of scenic driving routes that showcase the country's unique blend of urban development, coastal beauty, and natural landscapes. Whether you're a tourist exploring Singapore for the first time or a local looking for a weekend adventure, these driving routes offer a refreshing perspective of the Lion City.

1. The Southern Ridges Drive

This route takes you through some of Singapore's most scenic parks and offers panoramic views of the city skyline, harbor, and southern islands.

Route Highlights:

• Mount Faber Park: Start your journey at this hilltop park which offers spectacular views of the southern part of Singapore and Sentosa Island.
• Henderson Waves: Near Mount Faber, you can park and walk across Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge, known for its distinctive wave-like structure.
• Telok Blangah Hill Park: Continue driving to this park which features beautiful terraced gardens.
• Kent Ridge Park: End your route at this historical park which commemorates one of the last battles of Singapore during World War II.

Best Time to Drive: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and capture gorgeous sunrise or sunset views.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes of driving time (excluding stops).

2. East Coast Parkway (ECP) Coastal Drive

The ECP is Singapore's most famous coastal drive, offering scenic views of the Singapore Strait and easy access to East Coast Park, one of the most popular recreational areas in the city.

Route Highlights:

• Marina Bay Sands: Begin your journey near this iconic hotel and enjoy views of Singapore's modern architecture.
• Gardens by the Bay: Drive past this award-winning horticultural attraction featuring the spectacular Supertree Grove.
• East Coast Park: Take a break at this 15-kilometer stretch of beach park, perfect for a seaside picnic or a refreshing coconut drink.
• Changi Beach Park: Continue to this tranquil beach park which offers views of the Johor Strait and planes landing at Changi Airport.

Best Time to Drive: Evening, when the coastal pathway is illuminated and the sea breeze is refreshing.

Duration: About 45 minutes of driving time (excluding stops).

3. Central Nature Loop

This route takes you through the heart of Singapore's central nature reserves, offering a refreshing green escape from the urban landscape.

Route Highlights:

• MacRitchie Reservoir Park: Start your journey at Singapore's oldest reservoir, surrounded by lush rainforest.
• Upper Thomson Road: Drive along this road that skirts the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, offering glimpses of monkeys and other wildlife.
• Singapore Zoo and Night Safari: Consider a detour to visit these world-class wildlife attractions.
• Lower Seletar Reservoir: End your drive at this scenic reservoir with its peaceful waterfront promenade.

Best Time to Drive: Morning, when wildlife is more active and the temperature is cooler.

Duration: About 40 minutes of driving time (excluding stops).

4. Heritage Drive through Colonial Singapore

This urban route takes you through Singapore's historic districts, showcasing the rich architectural heritage from the colonial era.

Route Highlights:

• Civic District: Begin at this historic area featuring landmarks like the National Gallery, Supreme Court, and Victoria Theatre.
• Fort Canning Park: Drive around this historic hill park which has witnessed many of Singapore's historical milestones.
• Emerald Hill: Pass by this conservation area known for its colorful Peranakan-style shophouses.
• Rochester Park: End your journey at this quieter area featuring colonial black and white bungalows, now converted into restaurants and offices.

Best Time to Drive: Weekend mornings when traffic is lighter in the city center.

Duration: About 35 minutes of driving time (excluding stops).

5. Round Island Route

For the most ambitious drivers, the Round Island Route allows you to circumnavigate Singapore and experience all its diverse landscapes in a single day.

Route Highlights:

• Tampines Eco Green: Start your journey at this ecological park in the east.
• Punggol Waterway: Drive through this northeastern area featuring a scenic waterway and wetlands.
• Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve: Continue to the northwest to this nature reserve known for its mangrove forests and migratory birds.
• Jurong Lake Gardens: Head to the southwest to visit this beautiful garden featuring lakeside views.
• Sentosa Island: Complete your journey by driving across the causeway to Sentosa, Singapore's island resort.

Best Time to Drive: Start early on a weekday to avoid traffic congestion.

Duration: Full day (including stops and exploration).

Tips for Driving in Singapore

1. Follow Traffic Rules: Singapore has strict traffic regulations. Always obey speed limits and traffic signals.
2. ERP (Electronic Road Pricing): Be aware of ERP gantries in certain areas which charge a fee during specific hours.
3. Parking: Use official parking lots and pay the required fees. Apps like Parking.sg can help you pay for parking electronically.
4. Fuel: Singapore has numerous petrol stations including Shell, Esso, and Caltex. Remember to return your rental car with the same fuel level.
5. Navigation: Use GPS or smartphone maps to navigate. Many rental cars from efelcbesti come with GPS systems pre-installed.

Singapore's compact size makes it ideal for day-long driving explorations. You can experience diverse landscapes, from urban skylines to coastal views and lush nature reserves, all within hours. With excellent road conditions and clear signage, driving in Singapore is a pleasure for both locals and tourists alike.

Have you experienced any of these scenic routes? Or do you have another favorite driving route in Singapore? Let us know in the comments below!