6 Scenic Driving Routes in Singapore to Get Away From it All

Relaxation in any form is important for all of us; for me, it’s venturing out to explore driving routes in Singapore.

Whether you’re a student or working, we’re all accustomed to the repetition and tediousness of daily life. This can amount to exhaustion, both physical or mental, and it compels us to find an outlet to relieve our stress — whether that’s by exercising, cooking, reading a book, or even just hitting the hay. 

A scenic drive in Singapore helps to relieve stress

I find great reprieve in heading out for a scenic drive in Singapore — anything to silence the chaos in my mind. Moreover, I prefer to drive at night, when the streets are quiet with few cars and passers-by on the road; with traffic so light, it feels like it’s just me on an empty road with zero disturbance.

Thus, I’ve included a personally curated list of driving routes in Singapore in this article. I’ve either sought these locations out in the past or wish to drive along them at some point, based on Google reviews from individuals who have, like me, found solace in driving. Hopefully, this inspires you to drive out to these locations should you need to get away from it all; if you don’t drive, you can always hop along with a friend who does. 

1. Tebing Lane car park

This might be an unusual one. Punggol East Container Park (think restaurants repurposed from shipping containers) is well-known to most Singaporeans but what’s more often overlooked is Tebing Lane car park that’s situated right next to the restaurants. 

With no high-rise buildings surrounding it, passers-by are treated to an unblocked view of bright and sunny, blue skies. Off-peak hours would mean few cars in the vicinity, rendering a car park that’s open and spacious; I’ve certainly felt like I was in a vast car park in the Woolworths and Coles of Australia, filled with excitement as I was about to wander around an equally vast hypermarket. 

If you’re a resident of the area or heading to the containers for a meal, schedule your visit when it’s less crowded to enjoy the peace of being in a (rarely) sparse car park. 

Address: 10 Tebing Lane, Singapore 828849 or “Car Park beside Punggol Police Station” on Google Maps 

2. Tampines Quarry

Even if you’re a resident of Tampines, the beauty of this road might be unrecognisable as it’s located on a road off Tampines Avenue 10. It’s even a bit tricky to access if you’re not driving, as it’s accessible by public transport only via bus service 58 (followed by a 10-minute walk).

However, if you’re jogging or cycling through, you might not be a stranger to this road: It’s where the entrance to Tampines Quarry lies. 

What stood out to me about this location though was hardly the quarry — which certainly does not take away from its splendour — but it was this driving route that had no high-rise buildings in sight. The only thing you could see was the vast majesty of the sky and the long road of trees on one side with an empty field on the other. It certainly gives you the freedom to clear your mind as the driving is very straightforward (haha, literally), allowing you to take in the clarity of what surrounds you. 

Address: Entrance via Tampines Industrial Avenue 1 or Tampines Industrial Ave 11

3. Arcadia Road

As part of the conservation of National Parks Board, the foliate-abundant and jungle-esque Arcadia Road is one of Singapore’s heritage roads! Therefore, this one-kilometre driving route transports one away from the typical high-rise skyscrapers and HDB flats that populate Singapore’s lands.

With its entrance located along Adam Road before the PIE entrance, it is definitely an easy one to miss; so, be sure to head here for your next driving adventure if you’re in the Bukit Timah area. 

Address: Entrance via Arcadia Road, located along Adam Road

4. South Buona Vista Road

If you’ve studied at the National University of Singapore or have been to Kent Ridge Park before, you won’t be a stranger to South Buona Vista Road. While this windy two-kilometre road will beckon cars to travel at a slower speed, don’t overlook the picturesque lush greenery that will surround you!

Address: Entrance near National University Hospital or West Coast Highway 

5. Punggol Barat and Timor Islands

Located in northern Singapore, these offshore islands start from Punggol and end at Rowers Bay Park in Seletar Aerospace. Popular among cyclists who traverse these islands to catch the breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset, I decided to drive through these islands after dining in Punggol Settlement. 

Put simply, this area is split in half; while Punggol Timor Island is lined with industrial buildings, trucks, and sand dunes, Punggol Barat Island welcomes you with reservoirs, foliage, and an unobstructed view of the sky. However, don’t overlook the monotony of Punggol Timor Island — it is still a treat to drive down a straight, unobstructed road. 

Perhaps the next time after your supper at Jalan Kayu or Punggol, take the 4.8km driving route through these islands. Safe to say, this is now one of my favourite driving routes in Singapore. 

Address: Entrance via Seletar North Link next to Marina Country Club or Rowers Bay Park

6. Tanah Merah Coast Road

And, saving the best for last. At the eastern extremity, this 16-kilometre road offers one of the best driving routes in Singapore. It starts at Changi Coast Road near Changi Beach Park and ends at the ECP entrance near National Service Resort & Country Club.

If you’re driving along Tanah Merah Coast Road, you’ll probably find many cyclists cruising along the designated cycling path. In the day, you can even access this road with public transport via bus service 35 (however, note that there are no stops for roughly 8km). 

Pro tip: Come here at night or in the early morning (I’m talking 5 or 6am), and park your car along Aviation Park Road for a restful break. With nothing but open skies and clear roads, it was truly therapeutic being here on serene nights like this. 

Regardless of where you live in Singapore, there’s no shortage of places you can venture to for a mental break. On that note, why not share this article with friends who are looking for a scenic drive in Singapore?