Top 19 'Road-Trip-Ready' Starter Routes to Explore for New Drivers Who Crave Scenery Without the Stress - Goh Ling Yong
So, you’ve passed your test, you’ve got the keys, and the open road is calling your name. That glorious feeling of freedom is often followed by a wave of anxiety. The dream of a scenic road trip—windows down, music up, amazing views stretching to the horizon—can quickly be overshadowed by the fear of tight mountain passes, chaotic city traffic, and confusing navigation. What if I get lost? What if the road is too difficult?
Don't hang up your driving gloves just yet. The secret to becoming a confident road-tripper isn't to dive into the deep end by tackling a treacherous mountain road on day one. It's about starting smart. Think of it like a video game: you begin on Level 1 to learn the controls before you take on the final boss. These "starter routes" are your Level 1—designed to be high on scenery and low on stress, helping you build muscle memory and confidence behind the wheel.
Here at Goh Ling Yong's blog, we believe that driving should be a joy, not a chore. That’s why we’ve curated this list of 19 incredible, beginner-friendly road trips from around the world. These routes feature well-maintained roads, clear signage, and plenty of places to pull over, take a breath, and just enjoy the view. It’s time to turn that road trip dream into a reality.
1. The Urban Oasis: Singapore's East Coast Parkway (ECP)
For the absolute beginner, the ECP is the perfect first "road trip." This smooth, multi-lane expressway offers stunning views of the Singapore skyline on one side and the calm sea on the other. It’s straight, predictable, and exceptionally well-maintained, making it an ideal environment to get comfortable with highway speeds without the stress of complex interchanges.
The drive itself can be as short or as long as you like. You can cruise from the city towards Changi Airport, watching the planes take off and land, or simply enjoy a short loop. The minimal traffic during off-peak hours provides a forgiving practice ground for lane changes and maintaining a consistent speed.
Pro-Tip: Plan your drive to end at East Coast Park. There’s ample parking, and you can reward yourself with a walk along the beach or a seafood dinner. It turns a simple practice drive into a memorable outing.
2. The Historic Jaunt: Kuala Lumpur to Melaka, Malaysia
This is a classic Malaysian road trip for a reason. The journey from the bustling capital to the historic port city of Melaka is almost entirely on the North-South Expressway (PLUS), a wide, well-paved highway. The signage is clear, and the numerous Rest and Service Areas (R&R) are perfect for a new driver to take a break, grab a snack, and refuel.
The drive itself is relatively straightforward, allowing you to focus on the fundamentals of long-distance driving. As you leave the KL cityscape behind, the scenery shifts to endless palm oil plantations, offering a surprisingly meditative experience. Arriving in UNESCO-listed Melaka, with its rich history and incredible food scene, is the ultimate prize.
Pro-Tip: Use a navigation app like Waze, which is extremely popular in Malaysia and provides real-time traffic updates and police checkpoint alerts. Aim to leave KL before 8 a.m. or after 10 a.m. to avoid the worst of the city's notorious traffic.
3. The Island Loop: Penang Island, Malaysia
While George Town can be tricky with its narrow streets, the coastal ring road of Penang island is a fantastic drive for building confidence. Start from Batu Ferringhi and head west, following the road as it winds through lush jungle, past quiet fishing villages, and alongside beautiful, secluded beaches.
The road quality is generally good, and outside of the main city, traffic is light. This route introduces gentle curves and elevation changes without being overwhelming. It teaches you how to handle the car on varied terrain while rewarding you with constant, breathtaking sea views.
Pro-Tip: The stretch between Teluk Bahang and Balik Pulau is particularly scenic and quiet. Stop at a roadside stall for fresh durian (in season) or a refreshing coconut drink. It’s the perfect way to experience local culture on your drive.
4. The Beach Escape: Johor Bahru to Desaru Coast, Malaysia
Need a dose of sun and sand? The drive from JB to Desaru Coast is a breeze, thanks to the Senai-Desaru Expressway (SDE). This modern, relatively new highway is smooth, wide, and often surprisingly empty, making it one of the most stress-free drives in the region.
You'll cruise through a landscape of rolling hills and lush greenery for about an hour before the sparkling blue of the South China Sea appears on the horizon. The destination is a cluster of pristine beaches and family-friendly resorts, perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. This route is all about the simple pleasure of a smooth ride leading to a beautiful place.
Pro-Tip: The highway is a toll road, so make sure your Touch 'n Go card is topped up before you start. There are fewer rest stops on this expressway compared to the North-South, so plan your bathroom breaks accordingly.
5. The Architectural Tour: Putrajaya Loop, Malaysia
If you want to practice driving on wide, impeccably maintained, and almost empty roads, head to Putrajaya, Malaysia's federal administrative center. The city was meticulously planned with grand boulevards, stunning bridges, and magnificent modern Islamic architecture.
Driving a loop around the city's core is a surreal and low-stress experience. You can practice navigating large roundabouts (traffic circles) and multi-lane roads with very little traffic pressure, especially on a weekend. The sheer scale and beauty of the buildings, like the Putra Mosque and Perdana Putra, make it a sightseeing tour from the comfort of your driver's seat.
Pro-Tip: Park near the Seri Wawasan Bridge at dusk. The way the city's iconic buildings and bridges are lit up at night is spectacular and offers a fantastic photo opportunity to commemorate your drive.
6. The Confidence Builder: Ipoh to Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
This one is a step up in difficulty, but a fantastic "Level 2" starter route. The first part of the journey from Ipoh is easy highway driving. The real adventure begins at the Simpang Pulai turn-off, where you start your ascent into the Cameron Highlands. The road is modern, well-paved, and wider than the older Tapah route.
While the road is winding, the curves are generally long and sweeping rather than tight hairpins. It’s the perfect place to learn how to manage your speed and steering on inclines and declines. The reward is watching the landscape transform into lush tea plantations and the air turn cool and crisp.
Pro-Tip: Drive slowly and stay in your lane. Don't be intimidated by faster local drivers; simply pull over at one of the many scenic lookout points to let them pass and enjoy the view of the verdant valleys below.
7. The Padi Field Parkway: Kuala Selangor to Sekinchan, Malaysia
Escape the city and experience the tranquil beauty of Malaysia's countryside. This route takes you on flat, straight federal roads through a landscape dominated by vast, emerald-green paddy fields. It’s a completely different kind of scenic drive—less about dramatic mountains and more about wide-open spaces and rural charm.
The drive is incredibly straightforward and low-stress, with minimal traffic. In Sekinchan, known as the "rice bowl of Selangor," you can visit the Paddy Processing Factory and Gallery to learn about rice cultivation. The vibrant, quirky fishing village of Pantai Redang is also worth a visit.
Pro-Tip: The best time to go is from March-May or September-November when the paddy fields are at their greenest. The sight of the endless green carpet under a blue sky is truly unforgettable.
8. The Laid-Back Island: Langkawi Island Drive, Malaysia
After arriving by ferry (or renting a car on the island), a driving tour of Langkawi is a must. The "Jewel of Kedah" offers a ring road that is generally quiet and easy to navigate. The island's duty-free status makes car rentals affordable, and the slower pace of life translates to the roads.
You can cruise along coastal stretches with beautiful beaches, drive through sleepy villages, and explore the lush, jungle-covered interior. The roads are well-signposted, and because it's an island, it’s very difficult to get truly lost. It’s the perfect place to feel like a seasoned explorer without any of the real-world stress.
Pro-Tip: Take the road up to the Gunung Raya, the highest peak on the island. It’s a winding but manageable drive, and the panoramic views from the top are absolutely worth the effort.
9. The Iconic Intro: Monterey to Carmel-by-the-Sea, USA
Driving the entire Pacific Coast Highway can be daunting. So, start with one of its most beautiful and manageable sections: the 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach. This privately-managed road is impeccably maintained, has a low-speed limit, and is designed for sightseeing.
You'll pay a small toll, but it's worth it for the stress-free environment and world-class scenery. You’ll see dramatic coastal cliffs, iconic landmarks like the Lone Cypress, and multi-million dollar mansions. The drive is short, sweet, and gives you a taste of the PCH legend without any of the highway anxiety.
Pro-Tip: The entrance fee is often reimbursed if you spend a certain amount at one of the Pebble Beach restaurants. Consider planning your drive around a lunch stop for a truly luxurious experience.
10. The Aussie Classic Taster: Torquay to Lorne, Australia
Like the PCH, Australia’s Great Ocean Road is epic in its entirety but has perfect starter sections. The drive from the surfing capital of Torquay to the charming seaside town of Lorne is the ideal introduction. This part of the road is wider and less challenging than the sections further west.
The road hugs the coastline, offering incredible views of famous surf breaks like Bells Beach. There are dozens of designated pull-outs where you can safely stop to take photos, watch the surfers, or just marvel at the Southern Ocean. It’s all the beauty of the Great Ocean Road in a digestible, beginner-friendly package.
Pro-Tip: Look for the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch just after the town of Aireys Inlet. It’s a classic photo op and a great place to stretch your legs.
11. The Mountain Majesty: Sea-to-Sky Highway, Canada
Connecting Vancouver to the ski resort of Whistler, the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Following the coastline of Howe Sound, this road offers a stunning combination of ocean and mountain vistas. Don't let the "highway" name fool you; it feels more like a scenic parkway.
The road was significantly upgraded for the 2010 Winter Olympics, so it's a modern, well-engineered route with clear markings and safety barriers. The gradual climb and sweeping turns are perfect for getting comfortable with mountain driving. As Goh Ling Yong often advises, a smooth road allows you to focus on the scenery, and this drive delivers.
Pro-Tip: Stop at the Sea to Sky Gondola near Squamish. The ride to the top offers a breathtaking perspective of the sound and the surrounding peaks, giving you an even greater appreciation for the landscape you just drove through.
12. The Emerald Isle Snippet: Killarney to Kenmare, Ireland
The full Ring of Kerry is a narrow, winding, day-long adventure often crowded with tour buses. For a far more relaxing experience, drive the smaller, more manageable section from Killarney, through the Killarney National Park, to Kenmare.
This route takes you past stunning sights like Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, and the famous Ladies View lookout point. The road is well-paved and, while winding, it’s not as intimidating as other parts of the Ring. You get all the classic Irish scenery—shimmering lakes, ancient forests, and rolling green hills—in one memorable, low-stress trip.
Pro-Tip: Drive this route counter-clockwise (Killarney to Kenmare) to go in the same direction as the tour buses. This means you won’t have to face them on a narrow turn, which can be a huge relief for a new driver.
13. The Rolling Hills of Tuscany: Chianti Road (SR222), Italy
Forget the stressful Amalfi Coast. For a true taste of la dolce vita, drive the Chiantigiana, or SR222, from Florence to Siena. This road meanders gently through the heart of Tuscany, offering the postcard-perfect scenery you’ve always dreamed of: rolling hills, cypress trees, ancient stone farmhouses, and endless vineyards.
The road is a simple two-lane affair that encourages a slow, leisurely pace. You’ll pass through charming wine towns like Greve and Panzano, each one an invitation to stop for a coffee or a glass of Chianti Classico (for the passengers, of course!). It’s a drive that’s more about soaking in the atmosphere than conquering a difficult road.
Pro-Tip: Rent the smallest car you’re comfortable with. While the main road is fine, exploring the small towns will involve navigating very narrow medieval streets where a smaller vehicle is a massive advantage.
14. A Taste of Aloha: The First Miles of the Hana Highway, Hawaii
The full Road to Hana on Maui is a legendary but challenging drive with 620 curves and 59 bridges, many of them single-lane. But you don't have to do it all to experience its magic. A fantastic starter trip is to drive just the first section from the surf town of Paia to the Twin Falls.
This short drive gives you a perfect sample of the Hana Highway's character—lush rainforest, bamboo groves, and beautiful waterfalls—without committing you to the most difficult parts. The road is still winding, but it’s a great introduction. Twin Falls is the first major stop, with an easy-to-access waterfall and a farm stand selling fresh smoothies.
Pro-Tip: Start early! Even this first section can get busy. Hitting the road by 7:30 a.m. means you’ll have a much more peaceful and enjoyable drive.
15. The Grand Canyon of France: Verdon Gorge North Rim
The Verdon Gorge is Europe’s answer to the Grand Canyon, and driving its rim is an unforgettable experience. For new drivers, the key is to stick to the northern rim (the D952 road). It is wider, better maintained, and generally less terrifying than the narrow, winding southern rim road.
Starting from the beautiful town of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the D952 offers numerous designated viewpoints (belvédères) where you can safely pull over and gape at the impossibly turquoise Verdon River snaking through the canyon thousands of feet below. The scale is immense, and the drive is pure scenic overload.
Pro-Tip: Drive the loop from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie along the D952 towards Castellane, then take the "Route des Crêtes" (D23) for even more spectacular views before looping back. Just be sure to drive this smaller loop in a clockwise direction, as parts of it are one-way.
16. The Alpine Postcard: Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook, New Zealand
If you want a drive that delivers maximum scenic impact for minimum driving effort, this is it. The road from the stunningly blue Lake Tekapo to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand's South Island is jaw-droppingly beautiful and incredibly easy.
For most of the journey, State Highway 80 is a relatively straight, flat road that follows the shore of the turquoise Lake Pukaki. New Zealand's highest peak, Mount Cook, looms directly ahead, growing larger and more majestic with every kilometer. The road is in excellent condition, and traffic is usually light, leaving you free to focus on the epic alpine scenery.
Pro-Tip: The road literally ends at Mount Cook Village. There’s nowhere else to go, so you can't get lost. Peter's Lookout is a mandatory photo stop along the way, offering the most iconic view of the lake with the mountain in the background.
17. The View of Fuji: Izu Skyline, Japan
Driving in Japan can seem intimidating, but its network of scenic toll roads, or "Skylines," offers a fantastic, stress-free experience. The Izu Skyline runs along the ridge of the Izu Peninsula, south of Tokyo, and on a clear day, it provides some of the most spectacular views of Mount Fuji you can get from a car.
Because it's a toll road, it's impeccably maintained and free of commercial traffic and traffic lights. The sweeping curves are a joy to drive, and there are plenty of parking areas and observatories to stop at. It’s a serene and beautiful way to experience the Japanese landscape from behind the wheel.
Pro-Tip: You’ll need cash for the tolls. Combine this drive with a visit to the hot spring (onsen) towns of the Izu Peninsula for a classic Japanese road trip experience.
18. The Lakeside Dream: Loch Lomond to Glencoe, Scotland
The A82 road from Loch Lomond up to Glencoe is the stuff of cinematic dreams (think James Bond's Skyfall). For new drivers, it offers an incredible reward-to-effort ratio. The road is a major artery, so it's well-maintained, but it cuts through some of the most dramatic and historic landscapes in the world.
You'll start by hugging the shores of the vast and beautiful Loch Lomond. The road then climbs gradually, opening up into the vast, moor-covered expanse of Rannoch Moor before descending into the legendary valley of Glencoe. The sheer scale of the mountains flanking you is humbling and will make you forget any driving nerves.
Pro-Tip: This route is popular. To avoid being tailgated by impatient locals or a convoy of tourist buses, start your drive early in the morning. This gives you plenty of time to pull over at the numerous designated lay-bys to simply soak in the view and let faster traffic pass.
19. The Desert Straightaway: Valley of Fire Highway, USA
Located just an hour from Las Vegas, the Valley of Fire State Park offers an otherworldly landscape of brilliant red Aztec sandstone. The main road, the Valley of Fire Highway, is a short, 10.5-mile scenic byway that is perfect for beginners. It's smooth, wide, and has a low speed limit, encouraging you to take your time.
The drive takes you past surreal rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, and vibrant colors that seem to change with the light. The road itself is the star in some places, undulating through the red rocks in a way that’s made it a famous spot for car commercials and photos. It's a short but immensely satisfying drive.
Pro-Tip: Go during the "golden hours" of early morning or late afternoon. The low sun makes the red rocks glow with an intense, fiery light, creating an unforgettable spectacle and making for incredible photos.
Your Adventure Awaits
The journey to becoming a confident driver is just that—a journey, not a race. Each of these routes offers a unique opportunity to practice your skills in a beautiful, low-pressure environment. Start with the one that excites you the most, prepare your car, create a great playlist, and remember to enjoy the ride.
The freedom of the open road is one of life’s great pleasures, and it’s completely within your reach. Every kilometer you drive is another bit of experience, another memory made. So, what are you waiting for?
What's the first road trip you're planning to take? Share your dream starter route in the comments below!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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