Looking for an affordable solo date idea? Feeling stressed and want to look out a window like a moody movie protagonist? Therapeutic rides on the bus are not new, but rather than jumping on any bus, pick any one of these scenic bus routes and ride off into the sunset!
To get the best views, hop on the double-decker buses and grab a seat at the front row. However, if you’re lucky enough to have the second floor empty, you can take a seat nearer to the back of the bus for a clear, panoramic view from the spacious front and side windows.
1. Bus 29
Take this bus if you want to truly appreciate the sky, as its route along Netheravon Road is lined with old, low-rise HDBs that won’t obstruct your view. You’ll be able to see the famously haunted Old Changi Hospital along this route too.
If you want a closer look at the seas and unique fauna, the Changi Point Coastal Walk is right by after alighting at Changi Village Terminal.
???? Route: Loops from Tampines Int
⏲ Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
2. Bus 35
Bus 35 is a wonderful ride around the coastline. You’ll be treated to coastal views along Tanah Merah Coast Road, and since it is right by the airport, you may even be able to catch planes flying by.
You’ll be passing by Laguna National Country Club, Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, and Changi Naval Base along the way too.
However, this service only runs until 7.30pm on weekdays and 3pm on Saturdays — so you won’t be able to catch those sunset views on weekends.
???? Route: Loops from Bedok Int
⏲ Duration: 2 hours 35 minutes
3. Bus 67
This cross-country ride is also a popular connection route between Geylang and Little India. The colourful shophouses that line Little India and the ornate Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple are but some of the things you’ll spot along the way. It’s a pretty spiritual ride through Geylang with Buddhist temples dotted along Sims Avenue, and you’ll be able to catch another beautifully decorated temple, the Murugan Hill Temple at Upper Bukit Timah Road.
Look out for the Old Bukit Timah Fire Station, and maybe a glimpse of the Bedok Reservoir on your way to Tampines Int.
???? Route: Choa Chu Kang Int to Tampines Int
⏲ Duration: 2 hours 5 minutes
4. Bus 103 or 117
This list of scenic bus routes won’t be complete without this route known for its Spirited Away vibes. Both buses cross the Yishun Dam, where you can see a vast expanse of blue — or a colourful sky if you take the bus during sunset.
Don’t miss the planes as the buses also drive around the Seletar Aerospace.
Located nearby are nature spots that you can hop off the buses to check out, like the Hampstead Wetlands Park, Rower’s Bay Park and Lower Seletar Reservoir Park (if you are on 117).
???? Route: Yishun Int to Serangoon Int (103) or Punggol Temp Int to Sembawang Int (117)
⏲ Duration: 1 hour 3 minutes–1 hour 27 minutes
5. Bus 138
This bus route is relatively unknown, but in my opinion, it’s even better than the ever-popular Bus 103 or 117. You’ll be going down Mandai Road, with a clear view of the Upper Seletar Reservoir on your right, and shuttle through the picturesque tree tunnel further down the road.
Surrounded by a tranquil ambience and with hardly any traffic beside you, this ride will definitely make you forget that you’re in Singapore.
???? Route: Loops from Ang Mo Kio Int
⏲ Duration: 1 hour 19 minutes
6. Bus 145
Cutting through the cultural heartlands, the route of Bus 145 brings you through Kampong Glam, Boat Quay, City Hall, Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar. You’ll be able to spot the iconic golden domes of the Sultan Mosque, and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple which is inspired by Tang Dynasty’s architecture.
The Central Fire Station and rainbow-coloured Old Hill Street Police Station also make for great photos even if you’re just passing by on the bus.
There’s plenty more to see, like the shophouses, cable cars, Henderson Waves and Sri Mariamman Temple. If you can’t catch them all on the first ride, why not hop on a bus going back in the opposite direction? You’ll get to see different views of Bras Basah, Bugis and Chinatown as a treat.
???? Route: Toa Payoh Int to Buona Vista Ter
⏲ Duration: 1 hour 48 minutes
7. Bus 167
These scenic bus routes can’t have enough of healing green trees. If you are tired of the crowds and buildings, then this route is for you. Bus 167 rides through long stretches of ulu areas down Upper Thomson Road, where there won’t be any HDBs blocking your views, but there will be plenty of lush rain trees.
If you are looking to retreat further into nature, you can hop off at Sembawang Air Base or Dieppe Barracks and make your way to Chencharu Link for the Red Summer Koi Farm or the large aquarium shops to look at the lovely fishes.
???? Route: Sembawang Int to Bt Merah Int
⏲ Duration: 1 hour 35 minutes
8. Bus 191
This is one of the shortest scenic bus routes on the list, taking only around 30 minutes to complete a loop around Buona Vista and one-north areas. It’s a route that is healthy for your eyes (with more green than buildings), but you certainly have to keep a look out for the Wessex Estate down Portsdown Road, where colonial houses of the 1930s and 1940s still stand.
You’ll be able to see the Mediacorp campus as well during the turn of the loop.
???? Route: Loops from Buona Vista Ter
⏲ Duration: 30 minutes
9. Bus 925 or 925M
Following bus 35, buses 925 and 925M are also special buses with special timings. Running only until 8pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and until 7.20pm on Sundays, these are the only two buses that service Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
The Kranji Way must have popped into your mind with the mention of the wetland reserve. Similar to the Yishun Dam, this scenic road also has incredible views of Singapore waters on both sides. Not to mention, you can hop off at the bus stop outside the wetland reserve for a nature-filled walk.
???? Route: Woodlands Temp Int to Chua Chu Kang Int
⏲ Duration: 49 minutes
10. Bus 975
This bus route that passes through Old Chua Chu Kang Road and Lim Chu Kang Road went viral on TikTok when a bus driver showed how creepy it could be at night. Without lights and having to drive by cemeteries on a narrow road, it’s a route that only the bravehearted can take.
That being said, please don’t take the bus at night — the only sightseeing you would be doing is your reflection in the window (unless you really want to enjoy those spooky vibes).
More than its cemeteries and the haunted stories many have shared on the Internet regarding this route, this bus route is also a heritage road, with historical sights and an idyllic kampong ambience. Once surrounded by plantations, the Lim Chu Kang road is now surrounded by farms, cemeteries and army camps.
The 40 Lamp Posts road that is famously part of The Great Singapore Drive is also on Lim Chu Kang Road. You’ll be able to see Hai Inn Temple before you swerve into the Old Chua Chu Kang Road, and you can alight at Hay Diaries for some adorable goats.
???? Route: Loops from Bt Panjang Int
⏲ Duration: 1 hour 35 minutes
Top up your EZ-Link and hit the road now!
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