Singapore: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Open-Top Bus

Planning a trip to Singapore and looking for a flexible, fun way to see the city’s highlights? This Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off experience offers a practical way to get your bearings, tick off must-see sights, and enjoy the city’s vibrant neighborhoods—all without the hassle of figuring out public transport or hailing taxis every few minutes. With a solid 4.5-star rating from over 2,300 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find this tour to be a worthwhile investment.

What we love about this tour is how it combines convenience with insider info—the audio commentary in seven languages makes it accessible for global travelers, and the option to hop on and off at your leisure means you can customize your day. Plus, the night tour upgrade promises a memorable, guided look at Singapore’s stunning skyline and lively food scene after dark. That said, it’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup and drop-off, so you’ll need to plan your transportation to the designated stops.

This kind of tour is perfect for first-time visitors who want an overview of the city’s top attractions, or travelers with limited time who prefer a flexible approach to sightseeing. If you love the idea of a guided experience that lets you explore at your own pace, this is definitely worth considering.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing with hop-on, hop-off access to two scenic routes
• Audio commentary available in 7 languages enhances understanding of the sites
• Includes popular landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Chinatown
• Option for a night tour that features sunset views and local food sampling
• Great value for the price, especially with a 2-day pass
• Accessible and family-friendly, with wheelchair access and free rides for children under 2

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Big Bus Experience

The Singapore Big Bus tour offers a straightforward way to see many of the city’s highlights without the stress of navigating public transit or negotiating taxi fares. For around $50 per person, you get a ticket valid for 1 or 2 days, giving you the freedom to hop on and off at your favorite spots. The buses run on two routes—the Red Heritage Route and the Yellow City Route—each covering different parts of the city.

The Routes and Sights

The Red Route, focused on Singapore’s cultural districts, takes you through Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. These neighborhoods are treasure troves of pre-World War II shophouses, colorful temples, and traditional trades. We loved the way the commentary brought these areas to life, explaining their significance and history in a way that’s perfect for first-time visitors.

The Yellow Route covers the more modern and scenic side of Singapore—think Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and the Singapore Flyer. This route is where you’ll find the glossy, glass-clad buildings and attractions seen in movies like Crazy Rich Asians. The buses also stop at the UNESCO-listed Botanic Gardens, a peaceful outdoor escape away from the city bustle.

The Experience on Board

Traveling on an open-top double-decker bus is a highlight in itself. We found the buses to be clean, comfortable, and frequent enough that waiting times are minimal. The included audio guide is available in seven languages, providing entertaining and informative commentary. Some reviews noted that the audio, while generally good, can be a bit repetitive if you do both routes back-to-back, but overall it offers enough context to understand what you’re seeing.

Travelers can expect comfortable seating, with the option to sit upstairs for the best views. The headphones provided are a thoughtful touch, ensuring clear audio even when the bus is busy.

Flexibility and Hop-On, Hop-Off Feature

The real value of this tour is in its flexibility. You can hop off at any stop to explore a site more thoroughly—say, spending extra time at Gardens by the Bay or browsing through the boutiques along Orchard Road. One reviewer pointed out, “This is a great way to see a lot in a short amount of time,” highlighting its efficiency.

With a 2-day pass, many travelers appreciated the extra time to discover neighborhoods at their own pace. They also took advantage of the night tour upgrade, which includes a 3-hour guided trip featuring sunset views, a food tasting at Lau Pa Sat hawker market, and the breathtaking Garden Rhapsody light show at Gardens by the Bay.

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A Closer Look at the Top Stops

Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay

These two landmarks are likely the most photographed in Singapore. The Marina Bay Sands hotel and its iconic infinity pool are impressive, but on the bus, you’ll get a fantastic view of the entire complex from a distance. Gardens by the Bay, with its Supertree Grove, is a must-see. The light and sound show here is especially popular if you opt for the night tour.

The Merlion and ArtScience Museum

The Merlion Statue is Singapore’s emblem—a fish with a lion’s head—located at Merlion Park. It’s a classic photo stop. Nearby, the ArtScience Museum offers innovative exhibitions (though the tour focuses on the outside sights).

Cultural Districts: Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam

These neighborhoods are the tour’s cultural heart. Expect a vibrant mix of flavors, sights, and sounds. The commentary provides context about their history and significance, making each stop more meaningful.

Historical and Modern Landmarks

From St Andrews Cathedral to the National Gallery of Singapore, the tour offers a quick glance at the city’s artistic and religious heritage. The Raffles Hotel is another noteworthy stop, famous for its colonial architecture.

The Night Tour: A Memorable Addition

The upgrade to the Explore Ticket includes a 3-hour live-guided night tour departing at 6:15 pm. This experience begins with sunset views from Marina Barrage, followed by a food tasting at Lau Pa Sat, and ends with the spectacular Garden Rhapsody light show.

Multiple reviews rave about this tour, with one noting, “The night tour was wonderful,” and another calling the guides “very helpful and knowledgeable.” It’s a fantastic way to see the city in a different light, both literally and figuratively.

Pricing and Value

At $50 per person, the tour offers quite good value, especially when considering the flexibility of a 2-day ticket and the additional night tour. Travelers who want to see multiple districts without paying for numerous taxis or tours will find this package economical. Many reviews commend the excellent coverage of the main attractions and the informative commentary that enriches the experience.

Some mention that, while not cheap, it’s a worthwhile way to get orientated, especially for first-timers. The 2-day pass is particularly popular, as it allows you to break up your sightseeing over two days—ideal if you want to explore at a relaxed pace.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The buses are wheelchair accessible, which is an important consideration for travelers with mobility needs. Children under 2 travel free, making this a family-friendly option. You can start your tour at any designated stop or at the Suntec City Mall, with clear instructions and a mobile QR code for easy boarding.

Note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your arrival at the designated stops accordingly. The Big Bus app helps track buses in real time, ensuring you’re not waiting around unnecessarily.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re visiting Singapore for a limited time and want a rundown of the city’s most iconic sights, this hop-on hop-off tour is hard to beat. It’s particularly valuable for first-timers wanting to get their bearings and explore at their own pace. The audio commentary and multiple routes make it more engaging than just riding a bus, and the night tour upgrade adds a lovely evening option to see the city in a different light.

Travelers who appreciate comfort, flexibility, and insightful information will find this experience rewarding. It’s especially suited to those who enjoy guided narration combined with free time to explore. If you’re on a budget but want good value and a memorable overview, this tour ticks the boxes.

However, if you prefer personalized guided tours with hotel pickups or have specific interests outside the major sights, you might want to consider other options. But for most visitors, this Big Bus experience offers a balanced, enjoyable way to get a broad taste of Singapore’s diverse neighborhoods and modern marvels.

FAQ

Does the ticket include hotel pickup and drop-off?
No, this tour does not include hotel transportation. You start at designated Big Bus stops or the Suntec City Mall, so plan your transit accordingly.

How long is each ride on the bus?
The bus routes are designed to cover the major sights efficiently, with buses arriving frequently—so you won’t have long waits, and each route takes enough time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Can I hop off and on as many times as I like?
Yes, with your valid ticket, you can hop on and off at any of the designated stops along the routes during your ticket’s validity period.

What languages are available for the audio commentary?
Audio guides are available in 7 languages, including English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Korean.

Is the night tour suitable for families?
Absolutely. The 3-hour night tour is family-friendly, providing a relaxed way to see the city’s evening atmosphere and enjoy the light shows.

Are children under 2 free?
Yes, children aged 2 and under can travel free of charge and do not require a ticket.

How do I start the tour?
You can begin by boarding at any designated stop or visit the Big Bus counter at Suntec City Mall to redeem your voucher with a representative.

Is this a good value for the price?
Many travelers agree that considering the coverage, commentary, and flexibility, the tour offers good value—especially with a 2-day pass and the added night experience.

In the end, this Big Bus hop-on hop-off tour in Singapore offers a practical, engaging way to see the city’s highlights comfortably and at your own pace. It combines informative commentary, scenic routes, and flexible timing, making it ideal for first-time visitors eager to orient themselves or those who want an easy, stress-free way to explore Singapore’s diverse neighborhoods and iconic sights.

You can check availability for your dates here: