Singapore is small. Very small.
Give a rider a motorcycle, a couple of free hours, and a full tank of gas, and you transform this tiny island nation into an expansive terrain. Beyond the glass skyscrapers, shopping malls, and heavy traffic, there lies another Singapore – one of scenic coastal roadways, reservoirs, sprawling farms, forests, and relatively empty tarmac. All you need to do is know where to look.
Unlike international motorcycle destinations where the emphasis is on power, performance, and challenging roads, riding a motorcycle in Singapore is about experiencing the island from a different vantage point. For the motorcycle adventurer, the road on two wheels becomes a gateway to unearthing this tiny island nation.
If you are looking for the best motorcycle rides and motorcycle routes in Singapore, take a look at these five routes.
1. Changi Coast Road to Tanah Merah Coast Road: Sea Views, Airplanes, and Coastal Breezes
The ride: Scenic coastal route with views of the sea and airplanes.
If you are looking for the best motorcycle routes in Singapore, start the engine in Changi Village and head east toward Tanah Merah. This is one of the best scenic motorcycle rides in Singapore, where the rider can enjoy an unhurried pace without the stress of heavy traffic. The feeling of open space is more prevalent on this part of the island, with the white sands of the sea on one side and the Changi Airport on the opposite side. A rider can make a stop at Changi Beach and have a drink at the cafes found in Changi Village while being able to see airplanes land or take off from the airport. An early morning ride is recommended, as is a ride in the evenings when it is cooler.
Best for: Coastal riding, a more unhurried riding pace, and seeing the sunset.
Rider’s verdict: ★★★★☆
2. Thomson Road to Mandai Road: Leaving Skyscrapers Behind and Greeted by Greenery
The ride: Green landscapes, reservoirs, and a welcome respite from traffic.
Thomson Road serves as a good entry point to Singapore’s green belt, and continuing on to Mandai Road allows the rider to leave the concrete jungle behind. The scenery transforms into one of forests, reservoirs, and nature. This Singapore motorcycle route is a good riding route for first-time motorcycle adventurers in Singapore seeking a different terrain. Together with Thomson Road, Mandai Road and the reservoirs in the vicinities offer a welcome change from skycrapers and traffic jams. A rider can extend the ride to the Upper Peirce Reservoir or ride through the MacRitchie and Bukit Timah areas. While it is not a mountainous road, the changing scenery offers a different view.
Best for: Greenery, reservoirs, and a more unhurried riding pace in the mornings.
Rider’s verdict: ★★★★☆
3. East Coast Parkway (ECP): Skyline Bikes
The ride: Skyline views.
If dramatic views of the Singapore skyline are what you seek, then a motorcycle ride on the East Coast Parkway (ECP) is in order. This road offers a unique perspective of this global city as you ride on a highway that cuts through the heart of Singapore. As you travel on the ECP, you can see the iconic Marina Bay Sands and the Gardens by the Bay – but from a vantage point that only a motorcycle can provide. While the ECP is best ridden at night when the city skyline is aglow with lights, this road is not recommended for fast riding due to traffic and posted speed limits. The ECP is all about the views and the experience.
Best for: Skyline views, night riding, and motorcycle photography.
Rider’s verdict: ★★★★☆
4. Lim Chu Kang Road: The 40 Lamp Posts Ride
The ride: Open roads, rural wilderness, and farms.
Things start to get interesting as you head north towards northwest Singapore and the famed Lim Chu Kang Road. This road has its own charm that has made it a local favorite among riders. The open views are a sharp contrast to the urban scenery found elsewhere in the island state. Farmlands, forests, and even military installations take the place of high-rises and dense traffic. The road is also known locally as the 40-lamp posts highway due to the distinct roadside markers along the way. In addition, the road has served as a temporary landing strip for military aircraft at one point in time. As a rider, the 40-lamp post road offers a less busy road with a sense of openness that is not found elsewhere in the city. Take note, however, that speeds must still be kept within the tolerable limits as the road is still within the confines of Singapore.
Best for: Open road riding, scenery, and photography.
Rider’s verdict: ★★★★★
5. Neo Tiew Road to Kranji: Countryside Motorcycling
The ride: Quiet backroads and open wilderness.
If riding on the Lim Chu Kang road makes you feel that you are in another world altogether, the Neo Tiew road will confirm that feeling. This road cuts through some of the most rural parts of Singapore, making it a favorite among locals who want to experience the pace of the country. This road has been described as one of the last country roads in Singapore. The scenery is more open, the pace is slower, and the traffic is virtually non-existent – all of which contribute to a more laid-back riding experience. As you continue on to Kranji, you have the option of stopping by the Kranji Reservoir to watch the sunset. The combined ride of the Neo Tiew and Lim Chu Kang roads can also be considered as a longer weekend motorcycle riding adventure in the countryside.
Best for: Countryside riding, sunsets, and motorcycle photography.
Rider’s verdict: ★★★★★
Motorcycle Rental Singapore: Do You Need One?
If you do not have your own motorcycle in Singapore, you are in luck. There are several local motorcycle rental shops that offer this service to both locals and foreign visitors. Due to local licensing requirements, however, you should bear in mind that requirements may vary depending on the chosen shop and motorcycle. Some shops, for example, may require you to present a passport together with an International Driving Permit (IDP) with motorcycle category or a relevant foreign license in English. In addition, you may be required to provide proof of minimum riding experience or age, depending on the rental shop’s requirements.
According to Singapore’s Traffic Police, a foreign visitor staying in Singapore for less than 12 months needs a valid foreign driving license and an IDP from an approved country or an official English translation of the foreign license if an IDP is not available. Foreign visitors from ASEAN countries, on the other hand, do not need an IDP but must present a valid foreign driving license.
Before booking a motorbike rental in Singapore, make sure to confirm the following:
• Eligibility requirements such as the foreign license category.
• Whether an IDP is required or not.
• Minimum age and riding experience requirements.
• Coverage, excess, and insurance.
• Security deposit.
• Availability of helmets.
• Mileage and fuel policy.
• Whether the motorcycle can be taken outside of Singapore or not.
Do not assume that just having a foreign car license qualifies you to ride a motorbike in Singapore. You will need a motorcycle license of the appropriate category for the motorcycle in question. Furthermore, riding a motorcycle without a valid license is a serious offense in Singapore.
The Best Singapore Motorcycle Routes & Ride: Small Island, Big Adventures
Singapore may not have the challenging mountain passes of Northern Thailand, the scenic coastal roads of Vietnam, or the Himalayan adventure riding of India. But that is not why you are here. A motorcycle ride in Singapore is all about contrasting views > one moment you are riding through the busy city, and the next, you are finding yourself on a backroad coastal ride in Changi, surrounded by greenery in Mandai, or taking in the views of farms in Neo Tiew. And that, perhaps, is the best part about motorcycle riding in Singapore! Having a sense of adventure without the need to travel great distances.
Jason Lee
Pic: Mehrab Zahedbeigi
Disclaimer: Routes, road conditions, traffic regulations, licensing requirements, and motorcycle rental policies in Singapore may change from time to time. Always check the latest information with the relevant Singapore authorities and your motorcycle rental provider before setting out. RouteAndRider.com does not accept responsibility for changes to routes, regulations, rental terms, or any loss, damage, or inconvenience resulting from reliance on the information provided in this article.
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