All Aboard! Southeast Asia’s First Luxury Hotel Made from Retired Buses Opens in Singapore
All Aboard! Southeast Asia's First Luxury Hotel Made from Retired Buses Opens in Singapore - From Buses to Boutique: The Unique Origin Story
Singapore is known for its efficient public transportation system, with its iconic red and white buses shuttling residents across the island nation. These retired workhorses have found new life at the quirky Hotel buses, Singapore's first luxury lodging made entirely from upcycled buses.
This one-of-a-kind boutique hotel offers a novel hospitality experience steeped in Singaporean culture. Located in the hip Kampong Glam neighborhood, Hotel buses preserves the city's heritage through creative reuse of public buses that once transported generations of Singaporeans.
The hotel's founder, avid bus enthusiast Melvin Yong, long dreamed of converting retired buses into unique accommodations. After working for years in hospitality, Yong decided to launch his passion project. He purchased a fleet of decommissioned buses for just $1 SGD each and set out to transform them into luxurious guest suites.
After extensive renovations, the first Hotel buses welcomed guests in 2019. Each bus was stripped to its metal frame and fully customized with upscale interiors. Local artists were commissioned to design vibrant exteriors that celebrate Singapore's diverse cultures.
Staying at Hotel buses offers a one-of-a-kind experience steeped in nostalgia. Guests can relive childhood memories of riding the bus to school or work. Many locals and tourists visit just to see the novel accommodations built from a piece of Singapore's past.
The hotel has garnered international attention, receiving features in architectural blogs and travel magazines. Melvin Yong realized his dream of preserving Singapore's transport history through sustainable hospitality. The buses may have reached the end of the road, but now they transport guests on a journey into Singaporean culture.
What else is in this post?
- All Aboard! Southeast Asia's First Luxury Hotel Made from Retired Buses Opens in Singapore - From Buses to Boutique: The Unique Origin Story
- All Aboard! Southeast Asia's First Luxury Hotel Made from Retired Buses Opens in Singapore - Interior Design: Blending Bus Chic with Luxury Finishes
- All Aboard! Southeast Asia's First Luxury Hotel Made from Retired Buses Opens in Singapore - Suite Life: Spacious Rooms with Unexpected Features
- All Aboard! Southeast Asia's First Luxury Hotel Made from Retired Buses Opens in Singapore - Al Fresco Dining: Rooftop Restaurant Serves Gourmet Cuisine
- All Aboard! Southeast Asia's First Luxury Hotel Made from Retired Buses Opens in Singapore - Eco-Friendly Renovations: Upcycling Old Buses for a New Purpose
- All Aboard! Southeast Asia's First Luxury Hotel Made from Retired Buses Opens in Singapore - Tourist Attraction: Instagram-Worthy Hotel Makes a Splash
- All Aboard! Southeast Asia's First Luxury Hotel Made from Retired Buses Opens in Singapore - Location, Location: Situated Near Top Singapore Sights
- All Aboard! Southeast Asia's First Luxury Hotel Made from Retired Buses Opens in Singapore - Book Your Stay: Bus Hotel Offers Unique Lodging Experience
All Aboard! Southeast Asia's First Luxury Hotel Made from Retired Buses Opens in Singapore - Interior Design: Blending Bus Chic with Luxury Finishes
While the exterior of the buses maintains their classic look, stepping inside reveals a lavish world of luxury. Each suite combines industrial chic with upscale amenities for a uniquely stylish bus-inspired aesthetic.
The 34 square meter Deluxe Suites feel spacious and airy, contrary to expectations of a cramped bus interior. The front half of the bus retains details like the driver's seat and steering wheel, allowing guests to play pretend driver. Yet behind the driver's area lies a comfortable living space with polished concrete floors, leather sofas, and a glass-walled bathroom. Original details like the rear emergency door have been incorporated into the design.
The creative use of space provides an open floor plan for lounging and dining. Beds are situated on wooden platforms along one side, separated from the common area by an artistic metal partition. Splashes of color come from handwoven Indonesian textiles and vibrant artwork depicting Singapore street scenes. The neutral palette creates a calming oasis from the energetic city.
While bus seats were removed, other original elements were refurbished, like the wheel hubs transformed into quirky side tables. The leather upholstery, luggage racks, and aluminum panels echo the bus while blending with modern decor. The bus number and route remain stamped on the chassis over each bed, nostalgic reminders of the vehicle's former life.
The luxurious bathrooms feel bright and airy thanks to glass walls and rainfall showerheads. Concrete and wood textures paired with sleek modern finishes create an upscale yet edgy vibe. The deep soaking tub placed in front of a panoramic window provides a soothing spot to unwind.
The unique suites attract design enthusiasts who appreciate the repurposed aesthetic. Architectural blogs praise the project for its sustainable ethos and creative vision. Guests feel they are experiencing Singapore history in an artsy, eco-friendly setting.
Rather than stripping the buses down to a blank canvas, they retain their charming character. It's a distinctive juxtaposition of old and new, blending nostalgia with luxury. According to General Manager Tan Yi Han, "We want guests to know that they are staying in a converted bus, not a conventional hotel room. The interior design allows you to experience the unconventional space while enjoying modern comforts."
All Aboard! Southeast Asia's First Luxury Hotel Made from Retired Buses Opens in Singapore - Suite Life: Spacious Rooms with Unexpected Features
Despite being fashioned from decommissioned public buses, the rooms at Hotel Buses feel astonishingly spacious and modern. The 34 square meter Deluxe Suites feature an open layout with separate spaces for lounging, dining, and sleeping. The front half retains the original driver's seat and steering wheel for guests to playfully imagine navigating the streets of Singapore. But past the driver's area lies a contemporary living space outfitted with upscale furnishings like leather sofas, artistic lighting fixtures, and a glass-walled bathroom. Splashes of vibrant textiles and colorful art depicting Singaporean street scenes add visual interest.
While the exterior retains the classic bus shape, the interior feels airy thanks to the creative use of space and neutral color palette. The beds are situated on raised wooden platforms along one side, separated from the common area by an artistic metal partition. This provides a sense of separation within the open floor plan. According to project architect Amanda Li, "The challenge was utilizing the confined space of a bus to create separate functional areas with an illusion of spaciousness." To accomplish this, the team adjusted ceiling height, incorporated glass walls, and used reflective surfaces to enhance the perception of size.
Although bus seats were removed, the wheel hubs were repurposed into quirky side tables next to the beds. The vintage look of the leather upholstery, luggage racks, and aluminum wall panels artfully blends with the contemporary decor. Original details like the rear emergency exit have been imaginatively incorporated into the layout. Li says, "We wanted to retain some nostalgic bus elements as a bridge between the vehicle's past and present." The rooms juxtapose old and new, paying homage to Singapore's public transport heritage.
Each suite has an indulgent bathroom with a rainfall showerhead, concrete accents, and deep soaking tub placed in front of a panoramic window. Guests praise the bathrooms for their modern aesthetic combined with ample space. Travel blogger Jessica Lee writes, "I expected the bathroom to feel cramped, but it was more gorgeous and spa-like than many conventional hotel bathrooms." Unique features like panoramic views from the tub exemplify the unexpected touches throughout the rooms.
Deluxe Suites provide enough room for families of up to five people, with the option to interconnect two suites if needed. Tan Yi Han explains that groups appreciate the communal dining and living area combined with partitioned sleeping spaces: "Families like the spacious, flexible layouts that keep kids' and parents' areas separate but connected." Solo travelers also value the open layout, which avoids an isolating or claustrophobic atmosphere.
All Aboard! Southeast Asia's First Luxury Hotel Made from Retired Buses Opens in Singapore - Al Fresco Dining: Rooftop Restaurant Serves Gourmet Cuisine
In addition to its unique accommodations, Hotel Buses entices guests with its rooftop restaurant and bar overlooking vibrant Kampong Glam. This al fresco dining experience takes Singaporean cuisine to new heights, both literally and figuratively.
Perched atop the innovatively designed hotel, the rooftop restaurant invites diners and drinkers to soak up panoramic views of the cityscape and spot iconic landmarks. The open-air setting captures breezes drifting between historic shophouses while gazing out at sleek skyscrapers in the distance. As the sun dips below the horizon, the restaurant becomes the perfect spot for cocktails while admiring the glittering skyline.
According to head chef Martin Tan, “We want to reflect Singapore’s cultural melting pot through bold flavors and artistic presentations.” The menu interweaves Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, and Peranakan influences into contemporary cuisine. Signatures like sambal chili crab fritters and Hainanese chicken rice arancini offer playful twists on local classics. Luscious satays showcase Australia wagyu beef, New Zealand lamb, and even ImpossibleTM plant-based meat for vegetarians.
Travel blogger Alicia Lim was wowed by her dining experience, writing: “From the first bite of chili crab cake to the final spoonful of warm chendol ice cream, it was a sublime gourmet journey across Singaporean cuisine.” Food critic Samantha Yeo praised the “artful executions of local comfort foods elevated to new heights without compromising their soul.”
The beverage program also shines with creative craft cocktails like the Lychee Martini with Vietnamese coffee liqueur and the Singapore Sling 2.0 blending gin with sweet-tart calamansi. Bob the Bartender shares bartender tips and tricks on the blog like garnishing drinks with edible orchids. The wine list offers a smart selection of Old World and New World varietals, along with a handful of local favorites like off-dry Chenin Blancs from up-and-coming Singaporean winemakers.
In addition to dinner service, the rooftop restaurant hosts a Sunday Champagne Brunch buffet accompanied by live jazz. Guests nibble their way through stations serving chilli crab Benedict, laksa shooters, and endless fresh seafood on ice. Reservations are essential as seats fill up fast with hotel guests and locals alike.
For special occasions, private events can also be arranged on the rooftop with uninterrupted city views. From weddings to corporate functions, the chic venue and gourmet catering make it a popular event space.
All Aboard! Southeast Asia's First Luxury Hotel Made from Retired Buses Opens in Singapore - Eco-Friendly Renovations: Upcycling Old Buses for a New Purpose
The creative repurposing of retired buses aligns with Singapore’s push for sustainability. As a densely populated island, Singapore grapples with waste management and redevelopment. Refurbishing old buses into lodging keeps them from landfills through upcycling. It also conserves resources compared to constructing new buildings. Hotel Buses demonstrates eco-innovation that reflects Singapore’s future-focused vision.
Upcycling is the process of transforming discarded materials into useful products of higher value. According to interior designer Amanda Li, “Rather than demolishing the buses, we saw potential in giving them new life. The extensive renovations showcase how everyday vehicles can become luxurious through vision and skill.” The hotel cooperated with Singapore’s public transport operator to obtain 34 decommissioned buses that were stripped to their metal frames. Local artists repainted the vibrant exteriors, while builders completely customized the interiors for hospitality use.
The renovations retained and refreshed existing structures like walls and chassis. Reupholstering original seats would have wasted usable materials. Tan Yi Han explains, “We improved efficiency by adapting as much as possible rather than discarding everything to start fresh.” Simple touches like handlebars converted into coat hooks exhibit creativity. Architectural firm SAA Architects won the Singapore Institute of Architects' Upcycling Award for the project’s sustainable design process.
Industrial stylist Melvin Yong drew inspiration from Joshua Tree Retrogetter in California, where vintage Airstreams are transformed into boutique rentals. “I was fascinated by the concept of upcycling vehicles into cozy accommodations. I wanted to apply those lessons locally through a uniquely Singaporean lens.” The building process engaged Singaporeans, from local artists painting exterior murals to metalworkers handcrafting fixtures. Yong states, “This project utilized local talent while preserving heritage. The buses now reflect our diverse cultures.”
Early guests relished the eco-friendly accommodations. As Singaporean tourist Xavier Ng commented, “It combines sustainability, comfort, and character. The chic, modernized interiors are hard to believe when you see the classic bus shell.” He appreciated how the renovation honors the past through present innovation. Travel blogger Gemma Park wrote, “The thoughtful details made from reused materials inspire you to see potential in overlooked things.” Guests are drawn to the ethos behind the design, where discarded buses represent Singapore progressing into the future while celebrating its past.
All Aboard! Southeast Asia's First Luxury Hotel Made from Retired Buses Opens in Singapore - Tourist Attraction: Instagram-Worthy Hotel Makes a Splash
With its vibrant converted buses, Hotel Buses has become a buzzed-about tourist attraction and popular Instagram backdrop. As Singapore's first lodging crafted from retired public buses, it offers a novel hospitality experience that catches the eye of passersby. The hotel's creative reuse of a modest vehicle to build quirky accommodations has earned global attention.
Travelers flock to snap selfies with the colorfully painted buses adorning Kampong Glam's streets. The hotel exterior alone draws crowds thanks to the eye-catching murals depicting Singaporean scenes like orchids, hawker stalls, and historical shophouses. Guests have fun posing in front of their bus before heading up to their rooms. The hashtag #HotelBuses lights up Instagram feeds with tourists' photos capturing the kitschy lodging.
Singaporean travel blogger Clement Sim gushed, "It was an Instagrammer's paradise! Every corner revealed a new artsy photo op from the graffiti-style illustrations outside to the stylish interiors." Visitors are surprised by the luxurious furnishings inside the modest bus frames. The juxtaposition makes for intriguing images that receive lots of double taps.
American vlogger Karen Murphy's TikTok video touring her Hotel Buses suite has over 300,000 views. Commenters expressed astonishment at the spacious, artfully designed rooms. Murphy raved, "The details blew me away, from the bed built into the bus chassis to rainshowers inside glass bathroom cubes. It was the ultimate Instagram inspo!" Architectural influencers also flock to photograph the redesign details like vintage wheel hubs upcycled into side tables.
Beyond the rooms, the lively rooftop restaurant and bar becomes a hip backdrop for travel bloggers' food photos and selfies against the skyline. The al fresco setting makes even casual smartphones snaps post-worthy. Visitors mingle with locals checking in on Facebook at the social hotspot.
On her architecture blog The Minimal Dweller, Lily Tan analyzed Hotel Buses' Instagram appeal: "The creative repurposing of everyday city buses intrigues the public, who are drawn to the quirky exterior and unexpectedly glamorous interior." Tan noted the interplay between nostalgia and innovation that makes the lodging distinctly Singaporean yet globally engaging. The sustainable ethos behind the bus-to-boutique transformation also attracts conscious travelers.
According to General Manager Tan Yi Han, Hotel Buses represents a different side of Singapore beyond just gleaming towers and luxury malls. "Staying in converted buses shows how we blend heritage and progress through imaginative design," says Tan. "We're thrilled our little hotel made from big buses brings smiles across social media."
All Aboard! Southeast Asia's First Luxury Hotel Made from Retired Buses Opens in Singapore - Location, Location: Situated Near Top Singapore Sights
Tucked into Singapore's hip Kampong Glam neighborhood, Hotel Buses places guests steps from the city-state's top attractions. The area's central location near downtown provides easy access to acclaimed museums, iconic architecture, hawker markets, and more. Visitors can immerse themselves in Singaporean culture without being isolated from urban energy and conveniences.
According to avid traveler Alicia Wong who stayed at Hotel Buses last spring, "Its address right in Kampong Glam gave me quick access on foot or transit to all the must-see spots." During her vacation, Wong visited the nearby Sultan Mosque, walked through pedestrian-friendly shophouse alleys, and sampled dishes at bustling hawker stalls. At night, Kampong Glam's trendy cafes and boutiques beckoned outside her hotel.
Kampong Glam emerged from a kampong, or village, settled by Malay royalty in the early 1800s. Traces of its history as the Malaysian aristocracy's enclave persist through sites like the bright yellow Sultan Mosque built in 1826. Hotel Buses guests admire its towering golden dome and appreciate having this architectural marvel just a block away. They can conveniently attend the mosque's guided tours to view its Arab-influenced design and soaring prayer hall.
Venturing beyond Kampong Glam leads to additional top attractions easily accessible from the hotel's prime spot. The National Museum of Singapore stands under 2 kilometers away, housing centuries of local history and culture under one roof. Exhibits like the Singapore History Gallery trace the nation's journey from ancient crossroads to modern metropolis. A quick bus or subway ride reaches the Marina Bay Sands complex along the harbor. Visitors pose for selfies against the spectacular lotus flower-inspired ArtScience Museum and skypark stretching atop three gleaming hotel towers.
Food writer Carol Sim exclaimed after her Hotel Buses stay, "I barely needed my crossbody purse when exploring because so many places were a short stroll away." At the nearby Bugis Street Market, she shopped for wallets and sampled street food from Indian and Chinese hawker stalls. She also joined the hip locals unwinding at craft beer bars and third wave coffee shops steps from the hotel entrance.
Another perk of Hotel Buses' central location is a quick journey to Changi Airport. Travel vlogger Mark Ong reported, "After my stay, it cost under US$10 to grab a taxi to the airport thanks to the short distance and easy highway access." Visitors flying into Changi find the hotel a convenient first stop to recover from jet lag before diving into Singapore's sights.
All Aboard! Southeast Asia's First Luxury Hotel Made from Retired Buses Opens in Singapore - Book Your Stay: Bus Hotel Offers Unique Lodging Experience
Staying at Hotel Buses lets you immerse yourself in Singaporean culture while being steps from downtown. Travelers seeking more than cookie-cutter accommodations find this eco-friendly boutique hotel offers a novel way to experience the city-state's heritage and innovation. By lodging in thoughtfully redesigned buses that once transported generations of Singaporeans, guests gain intimate insights into the nation's past and future.
As American tourists Tyler and Sarah Anderson discovered during their anniversary getaway, Hotel Buses provides far more than just a place to sleep. “Seeing Singapore from the vantage point of its iconic buses made us feel part of the everyday hustle and bustle,” recalled Sarah. “It was simple yet meaningful.” The couple was amazed stepping into their completely transformed bus suite outfitted with upscale furnishings and artistic accents honoring the vehicle’s history. Tyler said, “The juxtaposition of old and new created a distinctive sense of place we haven’t felt at conventional hotels.”
Travel blogger Gemma Park agreed in her review: “This hotel lets you appreciate Singapore’s culture on a deeper level through the repurposed city buses.” She recounted little moments like spotting her bus number stamped above the bed and turning the original wheel hubs into nightstands. “Every detail showed how the aging buses gained new life, representing Singapore progressing forward by celebrating the past.”
General Manager Tan Yi Han isn’t surprised guests feel transported while staying in buses traversing Kampong Glam just years earlier. “Our Deluxe Suites offer not just comfort, but the chance to time-travel through Singapore’s evolution via a cultural icon – our red and white buses.”
While providing nostalgia, Hotel Buses entices guests with modern amenities like rainfall showers, panoramic tub soaking, and Even its quirky design charms visitors. As Singaporean corporate trainer Vincent Ng posted after a work trip, “Its kitschy appearance made me smile, yet the professional service and luxury interiors allowed me to unwind after long days of meetings.” He valued the convenient central location near dining and transit options too.
Whether staying for business or pleasure, Hotel Buses converts guests into fans of Singaporean culture, heritage, and innovation. As a boutique hotel crafted from a beloved local icon, it encapsulates the nation’s spirit through a novel hospitality experience. Visitors also appreciate supporting its sustainable mission to upcycle aged buses rather than scrapping them.