11 fun outdoor date ideas in Singapore
From planning your own hawker safari to glamping and star-gazing, score major brownie points by taking your date outdoors. By Charlene Fang
Whether you’ve just swiped right – and now getting a case of the first date jitters – or running out of #Fridate ideas, there are always better options than the typical dinner and movie. Shake things up and take your date outdoors to get to know them – before you take them (ahem) indoors.
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Get your scream on
Nothing says YOLO more than committing to a bungee jump. For thrill seekers, the AJ Hackett at Sentosa offers a number of adrenaline-spiking ways to bond with your beau. There’s the 40m long Skybridge with see-through sections, the 42m Vertical Skywalk, and of course, taking the 47m plunge down looking over Siloso Beach.
Go on a romantic hike or stroll
You know what they say – how a person walks speaks volumes about their relationship style. Do they keep pace, charge ahead, or linger behind? Work it out on a walking or hiking date, but don’t be too obvious about it. Interactive elements will keep the vibe punchy and the conversation flowing. Take on the Treetop Walk trail at MacRitchie Reservoir for an easy hike. Get a breathtaking panoramic view of the forest’s lush vegetation. If you’re lucky, you and your bae might even get glimpses of the native birds that live among the greenery.
Seek out public art
Who says Singapore’s art scene is dead? Away from the museums (save this for a rainy day), there’s art everywhere you look. From the wall murals by Yip Yew Chong – there’s one on Amoy Street – to the graffiti art found all around Haji Lane and Bali Lane and down Waterloo Street, go on a hunt for street art around the city. Bonus points if you manage to make a game out of it.
Make a trip down to Marina Bay
There’s always something happening down by the bay – and it usually involved lights. Plant yourselves along the Marina Bay promenade and witness its spectacular light and water show Spectra. Held every night at various timings, the fancy lasers and accompanying soundtrack makes for a little night magic. The Marina Bay district also often holds events such as the annual i Light Marina Bay (happens every March), which features interactive light art installations. Perfect for that date night snap to show off on the 'Gram.
Embark on a hawker centre dinner safari
Take advantage of the fact that you’re never too far from a hawker centre and draw up your own dining safari. Start with a sunset satay session at Lau Pa Sat (order the duck satay from Stall 7 and 8), before walking down to Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre for some Michelin-starred soya sauce chicken (Stall #02-126) and hearty claypot rice (Stall #02-198/199). End the night at Maxwell Food Centre with a bowl of tummy-warming porridge (Stall 45/46) or if you get there before 8pm – fry up your own hum chin peng (deep-fried dough fritters) at stall 28 and test how you work as a team.
Drink under the stars
While we see the immediate attraction of a dimly-lit bar, it’s kinda an overkill if you’ve been dating for a short while. Take the intimate tête-à-tête to a rooftop bar (we love Lavo’s view and vibe), or out to the water – we hear Caffe Fernet’s frose aka rose wine slushies are quite the treat. If you’re after more third date material, seek out Mr Stork Roofttop Bar at Andaz Singapore and settle into one of their cosy teepees.
Go fly kite
Make like a couple of kids and organise some playtime at these kite-flying friendly spots. If you haven’t got the equipment, Marina Barrage and East Coast Park are your best bet to pick up kits for $20 and upwards. Pack a picnic and a mat as a surprise, and linger on past sunset – who knows where the night will take you.
Challenge each other to a kayak race
A little competition between couples is always healthy. Marina Reservoir’s got a 500m long regatta course that’s perfect for a quick sprint chase. Think it’s still too early in the relationship to reveal your competitive side? Then just explore the picturesque bay together and bask under the sun. You can up for a water sports course here.
Plan a glamping staycation
Instead of your typical hotel staycations, take your boo out for a night out under the stars. And you don't have to worry about getting all the gear together – the folks at Glamping Society can help you with all the heavy lifting. The service provides everything from a double bed with down feather pillows, a mini bar, some mood lighting, even a rose petal bed and a flower-themed picnic. All you have to do is bring the moves.
Stare at the stars together
Alright, it may seem a lil cheesy but nothing gets more romantic than star-gazing by moonlight. The Singapore Science Centre runs weekly Friday sessions (from 7.45pm-10pm) at its Observatory Deck where you can look through the telescopes to see various planets in the sky.
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