Thinking of staying at The Bus Collective? I spent a night sleeping in a bus at Changi Village and here’s what happened.
When it comes to our public transport system, I’ve always preferred buses over MRTs. There’s something magical about staring out the window, feeling like the star of a music video, or soaking in the scenic routes while flipping through the pages of a good book. But have you ever wondered what it’d be like to sleep overnight in a bus? That question lingered in my mind until I spent a night at The Bus Collective – a quirky bus stay concept in Changi Village.
The Bus Collective review: An overnight adventure on wheels
Did you know Singapore’s public buses have a life span of 17 years? Once they’ve reached the end of their journey, many buses are sent to the scrap metal yard, never to be seen again. A lucky few get a second lease of life, finding new purposes as educational tools or unique creations.
One such transformation is The Bus Collective, a staycation concept in Changi Village. Here, 20 decommissioned public buses were refurbished into fancy guest rooms named after familiar roads and places in Singapore. The rooms cover 45 square meters, with various sleeping configurations and in-room amenities like separate showers and washrooms. Some original parts like the steering wheels, driver seats, and windows are preserved.
I arrive on a lovely Tuesday afternoon via private hire, which takes around 20 minutes from my place in Tampines. Pro tip: don’t bother taking public transport, ‘cos you’ll spend too much time commuting. Driving or getting a private hire is the way to go; there are parking lots available at the site. After a breezy check-in, I’m led to my room for the night. Was I excited? Slightly. But mostly, I was curious to see how they’d transformed a bus into a livable space.
So I slept inside a bus…
As I was doing the staycation solo, the team placed me in the Duxton Twin bus. Can you remember what single-deck buses look like? Now, picture all the seats removed, replaced by a calming neutral palette that transforms the space into a cosy retreat. The back section is elevated to accommodate two single beds, while the space behind the driver’s seat (aka the priority seats and standing area) is fitted with a sofa bed, a shower, and a washroom.
The first thought that comes to mind as my eyes sweep across the room is, “Wow, it’s really narrow.” It feels like there’s barely any room to manoeuvre, and that’s with only me, a skinny legend, in the space. According to the website, the Duxton Twin can accommodate three people; I shudder to think what it’ll be like if there were two other persons in the room with me. It’d feel like playing a never-ending game of Twister.
Let’s talk about the ‘bedroom’. Firstly, the stairs leading up to it are a little steep, so I advise taking it easy when you’re going up and down. I’m not fond of the beds – they’re too low for my liking, the mattresses aren’t as comfortable as I would’ve liked (between too soft and too hard, they’re tipping more towards the latter), and the pillows are flat. If you ask Goldilocks, she’d probably share my same sentiments.
Before you label me a hater, there are some things I like about the room. It’s a brilliant idea to retain the driver’s seat, which serves as a good photo spot and can keep children occupied for a while. For a boutique accommodation, I thought the shower and washroom looked pretty luxe. When you close the doors, you might forget you’re staying on a bus.
All rooms come with a cute patio deck featuring a barbeque pit. You can get marinated meats, sambal seafood, satay, and kebabs, along with BBQ necessities such as wire mesh, tongs, charcoal, and paper plates from Busking, a Thai-themed eatery located on-site.
Great food options… and that’s it?
After settling into my room, I decided to explore what Changi Village had to offer for dinner. Busking not only provides barbeque staples but also serves familiar faves like nasi lemak, roti prata, and Western food. The prices are a little steep, and anyway, you wouldn’t eat here since there’s a well-known food centre nearby. Obviously, we’re referring to the one and only Changi Village Hawker Centre. A small side gate leads you to the sprawling complex, where you can get your fill of beloved local dishes.
Beyond these options, Tang Tea House and 89.7 Supper Club are great supper spots for dim sum and hearty dishes. Oh, that’s not all: Changi Village is home to cool cafes and hip watering holes, too! Head down to Chock Full of Beans or Ciclo e Caffee for copious cuppas that’ll keep you awake till the wee hours, or swing by Little Island Brewing Co in the evening to sip on local brews while you sit under the stars.
My companion popped by in the evening after work and we decided on 89.7 Supper Club for dinner. As we settle into our meal, our excitement for the neighbourhood dissipates to disinterest. “It’s a quaint neighbourhood – like a kampung or olden Singapore – but it’s not a place where you willingly want to visit,” my partner tells me as we walk back to the bus hotel. Sadly, even the best supper places couldn’t save the overall vibe.
Is The Bus Collective worth the stay?
As the night winds down, I take a moment to reflect on the experience. Sleeping in a bus is undoubtedly a creative idea, and The Bus Collective deserves credit for giving these old buses a second lease on life. But beyond the novelty, I find myself weighing the practical aspects. The narrowness of the space, the less-than-ideal bedding, and the steep stairs are worth considering if you’re planning a stay.
And there’s the noise. Situated close to Changi Airport, the bus sits right under a flight path, which means planes occasionally soar overhead. During the day, it’s a cool experience, adding to the “travel” vibe of staying in a repurposed vehicle. However, come nighttime, it can be a tad disruptive – especially for light sleepers. Earplugs are a must if you want to enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.
I went into this staycation thinking it’d be a fun twist on traditional accommodations, and in many ways, it delivered. The attention to detail, like preserving the bus’s original features, is impressive, and there’s a certain charm to the space’s rustic simplicity. However, I also learnt that a bus hotel might be better appreciated when you’re fully unplugged from work and open to embracing its quirks.
Will I recommend it? Perhaps – for the curious, for families with kids who’d love the novelty, or for a group of friends who enjoy quirky adventures. But if you’re someone who values comfort over concept, this may not tick all your boxes. I’m just happy to say I’ve lived the dream (or satisfied the curiosity) of sleeping on a bus. Now it’s time to hop back on an actual bus, book in hand, ready to channel my inner main character once again.
The Bus Collective, 5 Telok Paku Road, Singapore 508883
