Things to do near bus interchanges in Singapore
There are a grand total of 30 bus interchanges in Singapore, with even more terminals, depots, and integrated transport hubs. We’re told there is a difference between them, but you don’t have to worry too much since they’re pretty much used interchangeably anyway.
On top of being conveniently located all across our island, our public bus interchange system links up nicely with MRT stations and adjoining shopping malls, making hopping around super hassle-free at any time of the day. But these locations aren’t just practical: some of them are also situated alongside must-visit spots, as well as some lesser-known gems waiting to be discovered.
Here’s our list for the best spots to check out the next time you alight at a bus interchange.
Table of Contents
1. iWERKS Theatre
Singapore’s biggest flat-screen cinema at Joo Koon
Image credit: Singapore Discovery Centre via Facebook
Just a short walk away from Joo Koon bus interchange, the iWERKS Theatre is a cinema tucked neatly within the Singapore Discovery Centre. It has a massive 5-storey flat screen for a fully immersive experience, and seats 344 people for both 2D and 3D movies.
Movie tickets are only priced at $10/pax, and it’s never crowded, so you’re sure to get a seat no matter how late you book. If you’ve got the whole day to kill, complement your movie night with a free visit* to the Singapore Discovery Centre for a full day of educational fun and entertainment.
*For Singaporeans and PRs only
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2. HDB Hub
Preview your BTO at Toa Payoh
Image credit: Kuan Khoon Tan via Google Maps
For all couples (and singles reaching 35 years of age), you might already be familiar with HDB Hub. Situated right next to Toa Payoh bus interchange, this spot pulls double duty as both a shopping mall and the headquarters of Singapore’s Housing and Development Board.
Image credit: TSK via YouTube
Swing by to preview the 3D model set-up of the flat you’re planning to apply for, or get interior design inspo at My Nice Home Gallery, which will be reopening in May 2025.
3. VEGANBURG
Home-grown vegan fast food restaurant at Eunos
Image credit: Eatbook
If you cross the road from Eunos bus interchange, you’ll find VEGANBURG – a vegan fast food restaurant started in Singapore back in 2010 that has established itself as a yummy meat-free eatery for Easties.
They offer multiple meat substitutes for their patties – soy, tempeh, tofu, broccoli – and are constantly innovating with unique Singaporean flavours. Try their award-winning Chilli Krab burger ($15.90), made from shredded konjac, or their Hainanese Chickenless burger ($15.90), which incorporates all your chicken rice staples like cucumbers, fresh chilli, ginger, and dark soy sauce atop a soy protein patty.
For those wanting to make a shift towards a plant-based diet or anyone doubting if vegan fast food can be good, stop by the next time you’re taking the bus in the area, and you might just become a convert.
4. Jiak Mee
Mee hoon kueh store above Bishan bus interchange
Image credit: Eatbook
There’s no shortage of food options in Bishan, with Junction 8 as well as various kopitiams and eateries scattered around. But if you’re at the bus interchange and feeling peckish, head upstairs to the hawker centre, where you’ll find Jiak Mee – a Gen Z-run handmade noodle store that opened in early 2024.
It’s managed by a trio of friends who began it as a venture before starting university. The vibes at the store may be youthful, but the recipes remain traditional, retaining the dishes’ original flavours. At Jiak Mee, you’ll find Ban Mian and Mee Hoon Kueh, priced at $4.80 and $5.30 for their soup and dry variations, respectively. Choose to zhng your noodles with sides, like Crispy Luncheon Meat ($6), Crispy Chicken Wings ($6), and Chicken Cutlet ($6).
5. Hock Hai (Hong Lim) Curry Chicken Noodle
Michelin guide curry chicken noodles at Bedok
Image credit: @peanutloti via Instagram
Hock Hai (Hong Lim) Curry Chicken Noodle has been operating its business and satisfying customers for more than 20 years. Fun fact: the shop has appeared multiple times on the Michelin guide and has even been awarded a Bib Gourmand placement.
Serving up succulent chicken doused in a spicy and delectable coconut broth, the store at Bedok Interchange Hawker Centre has built up a loyal customer base over the years. Beyond their namesake Curry Chicken Noodles ($4), the gravy-laden Satay Bee Hoon ($4) is also a must-try.
If you find yourself at the bus interchange at Bedok, swing by, and perhaps you’ll soon become a fan yourself.
6. Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre
Recreational centre at Yishun with cafes & spaces for relaxation
Image adapted from: @iris.__.nihao via Instagram
Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre is a lesser-known recreational space in Yishun made for youths to connect with each other. At the centre, you’ll find 2 waterfront cafes – slow bakes and Jing Si Books & Cafe – where you can kick back with some pastries and tea while enjoying the views of nature outside.
Image credit: Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre
The centre also has a quiet study area with free WiFi and charging ports for students and remote workers, as well as a boutique pilates studio that has classes available for booking every week.
7. The Better Scoop
Ice cream parlour with nian gao waffles at Serangoon
Image credit: @fatpigdiary via Instagram
For Serangoon residents, The Better Scoop might already be a familiar name. Neighbouring Serangoon bus interchange and Nex shopping mall, the dessert shop serves up treats with a twist like their speciality Nian Gao Waffles ($6.80). The beverages are also just as unique, with options like their Pei Pa Koa Latte with Peach Gum ($6.50) and Mung Bean Iced Latte ($5.50).
8. Yio Chu Kang Sports and Recreation Centre
Fitness hotspot at Yio Chu Kang
Image credit: ActiveSG Yio Chu Kang Sports Centre via Facebook
With a range of amenities including a gym, 5 squash courts, and 9 tennis courts, Yio Chu Kang Sports and Recreation Centre is the perfect spot for active athletes in the North. It’s conveniently located next to the Yio Chu Kang bus interchange if you’re looking to break a sweat. Try your hand at a racket sport, or work with a personal trainer at the gym to achieve your fitness goals.
Plus, it’s also right next to Yio Chu Kang Swimming Complex and Yio Chu Kang Stadium, so you’ll get to go for a few laps at the pool or head to the track to clock your steps and cardio routine.
9. Marang Trail
Hidden hiking trail at Harbourfront
Many know the Harbourfront bus interchange is where you transfer before heading to Sentosa, but you may not know that it’s also near the Marang Trail – an offbeat hiking trail that connects to the Southern Ridges, Faber Peak, and Henderson Waves.
You can plan a full day hiking itinerary starting with breakfast at Seah Im Food Centre, then heading down to the trail. Finish your trek at Kent Ridge Park and, while you’re in the area, pop by the Gillman Barracks if you’re keen to explore some hip art and food in the area.
10. Qian Hu Fish Farm
Ornamental fish farm at Choa Chu Kang with free shuttle service
Image credit: Joey Er via Google Maps
Before the S.E.A. Aquarium stole the spotlight, Qian Hu Fish Farm offered a unique spot in the west for ornamental fish lovers. Its location might be a bit ulu, but there’s a free shuttle bus from Choa Chu Kang bus interchange, and it’s also free entry for visitors.
At the fish farm, there are family-friendly activities such as longkang fishing ($7/30 min) and a fish spa ($10/30 min). There are also farm tours and fish feeding as fun educational activities for the kids. If you’re feeling inspired to raise a fish after your trip, the farm sells plenty of equipment and accessories to help you bring your very own aquatic friend home.
11. Wild Wild Wet
Water park fun & chalet stay at Pasir Ris
Wild Wild Wet is our Singaporean go-to when it comes to a day out at the water park. No matter which area of Singapore you live in, a trip to Downtown East is a perfect way to cool off on a hot day. It’s a 15-minute walk from the Pasir Ris bus interchange, but you can also head over to exit A of Pasir Ris MRT station and hop on the free shuttle service.
The water park opened in 2004 and has since expanded to twice its size. It now covers a whopping 5 football fields with plenty of rides, slides, and wave tides to enjoy. Throw a staycay at the adjacent D’Resort @ Downtown East into the mix, so you’ll get to relax and unwind immediately after a long day out in the sun.
Get tickets to Wild Wild Wet.
12. Punggol Waterway Park
Insta-worthy bridges & gardens at Punggol
Image credit: @ramesh_kurup_photography via Instagram
All the way in the northeast of Singapore is Punggol Waterway Park, a short stroll from Punggol bus interchange. The park is a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city with plenty of scenic photo spots and vantage points. You’ll find Jewel Bridge there – the perfect place for wildlife spotting, taking in the view above the water, and even grabbing a picture for your Instagram feed.
There are multiple themed areas, such as the Nature Cove, Recreation Zone, and Green Gallery. The Recreation Zone has a free sand and water play area for children to have fun frolicking about, while park visitors can enjoy therapeutic garden walks and horticulture programmes at the other respective zones.
13. Sun Plaza Park
“Cherry blossoms” at Tampines
Image credit: @ylint via Instagram
Sun Plaza Park is just a stone’s throw away from Tampines bus interchange, and, during certain months of the year, the Trumpet flowers there bloom in varying shades of pink and white. Otherwise known as Singapore’s “cherry blossoms“, these floppy flowers often leave a carpet of petals on the ground.
Visit during the flowering season, around March to April or August to September. The flowers are especially vibrant after a bout of rain, so keep an eye out for the weather to know when to head down.
The park also has a woodball course near Gate 5, where you can watch players engaging in a little competition or enjoy a spirited 12-fairway game with your friends yourself. It’s also free to use, so there’s no need to worry about having to factor this into your budget.
Don’t sleep on the bus interchanges in Singapore
Singapore’s dependable public bus transport system is great, not just for its efficiency but also for being accessible waypoints into all the nooks and crannies of our neighbourhoods. Next time you’re at one of these bus interchanges in Singapore, take a peek at what’s around, and you might be surprised at all there is out there.
For more bus-related reads:
Cover image adapted from: Singapore Discovery Centre via Facebook, @ramesh_kurup_photography via Instagram, Joey Er via Google Maps
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