The hype
Families love the novelty and the free snacks, but many feel the price is high for what is essentially a glamped-up trailer park.
The Bus Collective
$150-250/ night
Book this if You have kids obsessed with vehicles or you're a novelty-seeker who wants to sleep in a repurposed public bus.
Why People Love It
- The driver's cabin is fully intact (steering wheel, pedals, dashboard) for kids to play in
- Located directly next to the legendary Changi Village Hawker Centre
- Complimentary minibar with snacks and drinks replenished daily
Quick Take: It's a cool novelty for one night, but the 'resort' label is a stretch given there's no pool and you're sleeping under a flight path.
Reviewed by @lifeofsayaka: I stayed at The Bus Collective and it was such a vibe! The room is actually an old public bus, but they renovated it beautifully. My favorite part was soaking in the tub while watching TV, and obviously, I had to take a selfie in the driver's seat.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The novelty wears off when you realize the walls are thin, the floor is uneven laminate, and the bathroom sink is tiny.
- You are a bus enthusiast or have children who are
- You want immediate access to some of Singapore's best street food
- You plan to visit Pulau Ubin early in the morning
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7
- Housekeeping: Daily housekeeping is generally good, but they sometimes miss dust in the driver's cabin area.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean, but the design causes wet floors. Some reports of aging toilet seats and minor grout issues.
- Maintenance: Mixed. It's a new hotel but the buses are old; expect some peeling paint, uneven laminate floors, or stiff windows.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and standard hotel quality, though some guests found the pillows too soft/flat.
- Odors & scents: Generally fresh, but rooms near the hawker centre can catch whiffs of cooking oil or smoke.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Changi Airport flight path (overhead planes)
- Neighbors walking on the timber decking
- Nearby hawker centre bustle
Before you book
Good to know
- The BBQ pit requires a minimum spend of SGD 70 on their food packages; you cannot bring your own raw food.
- Check-in is at 2:00 PM and Check-out is strictly 11:00 AM.
- The location is far from downtown Singapore (approx. 30-40 mins by car).
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs (for the planes)
- Mosquito repellent (you are next to nature/parks)
- Slip-on shoes (for going between the bus and the patio)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Adams Drive (Family Room) - Features a King bed plus bunk beds, perfect for families.
- King George - Includes a bathtub inside the room for couples.
- Hamilton Place - The only wheelchair-accessible unit with an external accessible toilet.
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms closest to the hawker centre boundary if you are sensitive to food smells or crowd noise.
- Ground floor units near the entrance if you value privacy (patios are very exposed).
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am staying with young children and would love a room where the driver's cabin is in the best condition for playing. Also, please prioritize a unit further from the main road/hawker centre for noise reduction.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a swimming pool?
No. Do not be misled by the 'resort' title or third-party listings; there is absolutely no pool on the property.
Is it noisy?
Yes. You are near Changi Air Base and Changi Airport. Plane noise is frequent and loud until about 11 PM.
Is breakfast included?
Depends on your rate. If not, it costs ~SGD 30, which is steep considering the world-class cheap food next door at the hawker centre.
Can I park my car there?
Yes, but it costs SGD 20 per day and spaces are limited. You must reserve in advance.
Are the buses real?
Yes, they are decommissioned Scania public buses from SBS Transit, repurposed into suites.
Is it pet friendly?
No, pets are not allowed.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast and walk 2 minutes to Mizzy Corner at the hawker centre for their famous Nasi Lemak.
- ✨
The 'Hamilton Place' room has an external toilet, which is unique but might be annoying if it rains.
- ✨
You can rent bicycles directly from the hotel to explore the nearby Changi Coastal Walk.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'driver's seat' is a magnet for kids, but it can be dusty and some buttons/levers are worn out.
💡The air conditioning is actually very strong (two units per bus), so you won't melt.
💡The toilet floor often stays wet because the shower separation in some buses is minimal.
💡You might see hornbills (large tropical birds) flying around the property in the morning.
💡The 'patio' is just a timber deck with a table; it offers zero privacy from neighbors walking by.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Bus Collective is located and what's nearby.