If you are into novel travels or parents whose kids love "The Wheels on the Bus", this is a "hotel" you should not missed. It is quite new so it is relatively unknown, but somehow the husband spotted this and I found a good deal on Klook. Currently Klook offers the lowest price. With the discount code "Babynfamklook", I managed to get it at a more reasonable price of "below S$300 a night", so off we were.
We have read a few reviews ahead, so we kinda of had some expectations. We knew there will be frequent planes flying ahead (but no, the soundproofing was pretty good at night), we expected the ants/ bugs (so we brought our own mozzie patch, insecticide spray) and we anticipated the poor ventilation (just on the aircon throughout noon to keep your bus cool). To be honest, none of these were deal-breakers or even much of a big deal.
We took a 4-bedder bus so we could squeeze more people in it (more value for money). :P Mandatory thing we did was to do our check-in photos! Whether in the day or night, the kids were clamoring over the bus seat. Although the bus was no longer functioning, most of the buttons could still be jabbed on and the steering wheel could still be turned. Even at night the photos turned out great!
We were assigned the bus closest to the restaurant area. It was not the most private bus but we suspected that the discounted Klook buses were a reserved few, that were not as premium in their location . Not that it was a problem because there were not many who patronised the inside dining area. Given that we had a stroller, the less aesthetic cement path was easier to navigate instead of a pebbled path. And we always had a clear view of the sky at our outdoor deck when the planes flew by.
If you have checked on their location, you will know how isolated this place is. True enough, there is nothing much within walking distance in that area. Within half day, we knew we have exhausted the "things to do" around there. We did a 3D2N and basically, we still found enough things to do, just that most were day activities. There was a playground right at the doorstep but it was pretty worn. The one at the Pier is way better.
Because I think we have quite a solid plan, I am going to share our itinerary here:Day 1:- Lunch at Smith Marine Floating Restaurant (Singapore's only kelong)- Check in at The Bus Collective- Prepare for BBQ in the afternoon
Day 2 - Realised Pulau Ubin was not very suitable for the kids and replaced with horse riding at Gallop Stable (read or review here) instead.- Explore Changi Village Hawker Centre- Explore Pulau Ubin and the pier area- Dinner at Cosford Container Park
Day 3- Breakfast at Changi Village Hawker Centre- Check out at 11am
** Use the discount code "BABYNFAMKLOOK" for 5% Discount For All Klook Activities with min. spend of SGD50. Discount capped at SGD15.
As for the playground, there is one right at the doorstep of The Bus Collective. However, I found it a bit old. The playground at the pier was definitely worth a walk to. As for the BBQ, you should opt for it if you don't intend to go out. Most reviews were not very informative on this. Basically, you could either bring your own food/supplies or purchase from the restaurant within or the BBQ store at the Changi Village.
The staff will not help you to set up the pit (not electric by the way) whether or not you purchase from their restaurant. The items sold within are quite limited though very reasonably priced, so consolidate a list and purchase from the BBQ to prevent multiple times there (My husband went there 3 times LOL!)
Generally, our staycay to The Bus Collective was a good recharge as it felt like we went overseas without the over-zealous packing. I would describe it as an atas chalet which also came with a novelty factor. I think we might actually go again, but with a few years break in-between. To note, there can be quite a bit of ants because it is quite an outdoorsy thing and especially if you bring food/ milk (like us). It was still bearable but you just need to remind yourself not to leave food out in the open.
Another thing I did was to toss food waste (and diapers) into our outdoor bin instead of our indoor bin and that helps greatly. And for those who wonder, every night I would collapse the stroller and park it within the bus. Lotsa space! Hope this review helps those who are planning a trip there!