5 Scenic Driving Routes in Singapore

Introduction

Singapore may be a compact city-state, but it offers surprisingly diverse and picturesque driving routes that are perfect for enjoying a vintage car rental. From coastal highways to verdant countryside roads, these five scenic routes provide the ideal backdrop for experiencing the charm and elegance of a classic automobile.

1. Mount Faber and Southern Ridges Drive

Route: Start at Keppel Bay Drive, then up Mount Faber Road to Mount Faber Park, continuing onto Henderson Road.

Distance: Approximately 5 km

Estimated Drive Time: 20-30 minutes (not including stops)

Begin your journey at the upscale Keppel Bay area with its luxury yachts and modern architecture, creating a striking contrast with your vintage vehicle. As you ascend Mount Faber Road, the gradient offers a chance to appreciate the responsive handling of classic cars while being rewarded with increasingly panoramic views.

At the summit of Mount Faber, pull over at one of the designated lookout points to enjoy breathtaking vistas of Singapore's southern islands and the bustling harbor. The winding descent provides another enjoyable driving experience, with lush greenery on either side of the road.

Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings or late afternoons to avoid crowds, particularly at the Mount Faber lookout points.

2. East Coast Parkway (ECP)

Route: From the Marina Bay area, take the ECP eastward toward Changi.

Distance: Approximately 15 km

Estimated Drive Time: 25-35 minutes (not including stops)

The East Coast Parkway offers one of Singapore's most iconic driving experiences. With the South China Sea on one side and the city skyline gradually giving way to residential areas on the other, this coastal drive perfectly complements the relaxed, cruising nature of vintage automobiles.

Multiple lay-bys and parking areas allow for convenient stops to take in the sea breeze and watch ships on the horizon. The wide, well-maintained highway makes for comfortable driving, particularly in older cars that benefit from smooth road surfaces.

For a perfect end to this route, continue to the East Coast Park area where numerous seafood restaurants offer dining with ocean views.

Best Time to Visit: Early evening, when the setting sun casts a golden glow across the water and temperatures are cooler.

3. Neo Tiew Road and Lim Chu Kang Heritage Drive

Route: From Kranji MRT, take Neo Tiew Road toward Lim Chu Kang Road.

Distance: Approximately 8 km

Estimated Drive Time: 20-25 minutes (not including stops)

For those seeking a glimpse of Singapore's rural side, this northwestern route provides a refreshing escape from urban landscapes. Neo Tiew Road and Lim Chu Kang Road cut through agricultural areas, military training grounds, and patches of secondary forest, creating a countryside atmosphere rare in Singapore.

The relatively straight roads with occasional gentle curves are perfect for enjoying the smooth ride of classic sedans or convertibles. With fewer traffic lights and generally lighter traffic, this route allows for a more continuous driving experience.

Along the way, you'll pass the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and several plant nurseries, offering interesting stopping points to break up your journey.

Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings, when the roads are quietest and the farms most active.

4. Mandai Road and Upper Thomson Heritage Drive

Route: Start at Upper Thomson Road, continue onto Mandai Road past the Singapore Zoo.

Distance: Approximately 10 km

Estimated Drive Time: 20-30 minutes (not including stops)

This northern route takes you through one of Singapore's most verdant corridors, skirting the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Stretches of Mandai Road are lined with tall trees forming a partial canopy, creating a cooler microclimate and beautiful dappled light patterns—perfect for open-top driving.

The gently winding road offers engaging driving without being too challenging for older vehicles. Wildlife spotting opportunities abound, with monkeys occasionally visible at the forest edge and colorful birds overhead.

Consider stopping at one of the traditional coffee shops along Upper Thomson Road before or after your drive to sample local delicacies in authentic surroundings.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon, when wildlife is most active and the lighting through the trees is most atmospheric.

5. Southern Islands Waterfront Drive

Route: Begin at Marina Coastal Drive, continue onto Marina Boulevard, Collyer Quay, and Shenton Way, then along Keppel Road to Telok Blangah Road.

Distance: Approximately 7 km

Estimated Drive Time: 30-40 minutes (due to traffic lights and urban traffic)

This route showcases Singapore's stunning waterfront developments and provides numerous photo opportunities with your vintage vehicle against modern architectural backdrops. Starting near the Marina Bay Sands, you'll drive past several of Singapore's most iconic structures before continuing along the historical commercial district with its blend of colonial and contemporary buildings.

This urban route has frequent traffic lights and can be busy, but the slower pace allows for better appreciation of the surroundings. The wide boulevards and well-maintained roads are conducive to comfortable driving, even in older vehicles.

This drive is particularly spectacular at night when the buildings are illuminated, providing a striking contrast with the classic lines of a vintage automobile.

Best Time to Visit: Weekends early in the morning, or weekday evenings after office hours for the night illuminations with less traffic.

Driving Tips for Vintage Cars in Singapore

• Plan Ahead: Check traffic conditions before setting out, especially for urban routes that can become congested.
• Weather Considerations: Singapore's tropical climate can be challenging for older vehicles. Consider driving in the early morning or evening to avoid the midday heat.
• Parking: Research parking options in advance, particularly for popular areas like Mount Faber or East Coast Park.
• Fuel Stations: Note the locations of petrol stations along your route, especially for the more rural drives.
• Photography Stops: Identify potential photo spots beforehand to capture your vintage car against Singapore's diverse backdrops.

Conclusion

Singapore's compact size belies the diversity of its driving experiences. From coastal highways to forest-lined roads and urban boulevards, these five routes offer wonderful opportunities to enjoy a vintage car rental in varied and picturesque settings.

The joy of classic motoring lies not in speed but in the journey itself—the mechanical symphony of an older engine, the distinctive handling characteristics, and the admiring glances from passersby. These carefully selected routes provide the perfect backdrop for creating memorable driving experiences in a timeless automobile.

So secure your vintage car rental, plan your route, and set out to discover Singapore from behind a classic steering wheel. The island's roads await your exploration!