Singapore’s First Resort Hotel Made From Decommissioned Public Buses
The opening of The Bus Collective, Southeast Asia’s first resort hotel to repurpose decommissioned public buses into luxury hotel rooms, is the latest unique addition to Singapore’s hospitality sector. The hotel, which has 20 rooms, officially opens on Dec. 1, 2023, with bookings now available on its website.
A Sneak Peek into the Resort
Located in Changi Village, Singapore, The Bus Collective occupies 8,600 square meters of land and is in close proximity to local attractions like the Changi Village Hawker Centre, Changi East Boardwalk, and Changi Chapel & Museum. The resort hotel offers seven distinct room categories, each with different in-room amenities. Nightly room rates start at SG$398 ($296), with some rooms even boasting a bathtub and king-sized bed.
Some of the rooms, like the Pioneer North and Hamilton Place rooms, are designed with accessibility in mind, featuring handrails, wheelchair ramps, and accessible restrooms. Each room covers 45 square meters and can accommodate three to four guests. While these retired buses have been entirely refurbished, some features, such as the steering wheel, driver seat, and windows have been preserved, adding to the unique charm of the rooms.
Recreational activities are not available on the property, but The Bus Collective plans to host guided tours that guests can book at the resort hotel’s experience center. These tours include a biking trip around Pulau Ubin and a guided food tour, among others.
The Inspiration Behind the Project
The Bus Collective was founded by WTS Travel & Tours, a Singaporean travel agency, in collaboration with partners LHN Group and Sky Win Holding. The project aims to showcase the convergence of tourism, nature, and environmentalism, serving as a catalyst for creating unique and exciting new experiences.
According to Micker Sia, the managing director of WTS Travel, the project also seeks to establish a precedent for eco-conscious practices in construction and hospitality, setting a new standard for sustainable luxury. While The Bus Collective currently operates only in Singapore, Sia expressed openness to exploring opportunities for growth and innovation in the future, potentially expanding to other locations within the Asia Pacific region.
The project represents a creative approach to repurposing disused transport infrastructure, exemplifying the potential for sustainable, environmentally conscious initiatives within the hospitality industry. As The Bus Collective opens its doors, it brings a fresh perspective to luxury accommodation, offering guests a truly unique and sustainable travel experience that is sure to capture attention and set a new standard for eco-luxury.
