The Bus Collective in Singapore is the first resort hotel in Southeast Asia that uses 20 decommissioned public buses reconstructed and repurposed into luxury hotel rooms, located in Changi Village in eastern Singapore. The resort officially opened on 1st December, 2023.
This innovative concept of using upcycled buses by giving them a new lease of life, is a clear signal that the reuse, recycle and upcycle movement can be applied to the tourism sector. The resort hotel also contributes to the culture and ecosystem as a place to enjoy wellness and recuperate away from the city life.
Occupying over 8,600 sqm of land, the resort will plug into the vibrant Changi Village ecosystem of F&B, retail stores and attractions. The Bus Collective aims to help both domestic and international tourists discover a part of Singapore steeped in history, culinary specialties and sports activities, with the beach just a five-minute walk away.
The resort has seven distinct room categories, each with different in-room amenities. Each room covers 45 sqm, with a mix of family rooms, rooms with bunk beds or king-sized beds and bathtubs, rooms suitable for the elderly and rooms that can accommodate up to 3 or 4 adults. There is also wheelchair accessible room, equipped with an external accessible restroom and a ramp leading up to the room’s entrance.
Although these retired buses have been entirely refurbished, some features such as the steering wheel, driver’s seat, signal stick, dashboard, pedals, windows, windscreen and wipers have been preserved and are still intact!
The rooms also come with a TV and minibar that offers complimentary drinks and snacks. Standard hotel toilet amenities like hand wash, toothbrushes, shower caps are also provided. Complimentary WIFI is available and room rates are inclusive of breakfast.
Every bus also comes with its own BBQ pit, an outdoor sink, and dining table and chairs at its patio. BBQ food is not included in room rates but you can cater from the resort.
Because of the resort’s location near to Changi Airport, seeing and hearing planes flying overhead is one of the charms of The Bus Collective.
The resort also offers guided tours for guests which can be booked for a fee. One of the tours is a biking trip around an offshore island, Pulau Ubin, which includes a two-way ferry transfer to and from the island. Other experiences include a guided food tour and sailing at Changi Sailing Club.
A main highlight is the Changi Coastal Adventure Walk which is a zero carbon footprint tour that includes viewing the unique seaside flora and fauna, sighting of Oriental Pied Hornbills and otters swimming in the water, World War II heritage sites and you can try your hand at fishing at a pond.
The resort also has an Experiences Centre that offers fitness classes and mental wellness workshops.
