16 fun outdoor date ideas in Singapore

Not your usual date venue, this free weird and wonderful park opens its gate to multi-coloured statues and tableaux that depict scenes from Chinese history and mythology. Don't miss out on the Ten Courts of Hell (responsible for childhood nightmares for generations of Singaporeans) where small-scale tableaux show human sinners being punished in a variety of hideous and bloodthirsty ways – in extremely gory and graphic detail. This rather morbid option can be fun for the skeptics, but definitely not one for the faint-hearted.

Siloso Beach amps up the romance with a whole new light with a new immersive light and sound show, Magical Shores. Taking centre stage are two islets across the waters, illuminated with lights, dreamy fog, and tranquil music. A light and sound symphony brings the trees to life, accentuating the beauty of Sentosa's landscape. The multi-sensory experience also welcomes both of you to interact with light art on the sandy beach, inspired by diverse elements ranging from water flow to marine creatures.

Surround yourself with the flora and fauna of this national – and natural – treasure in the west. The gardens include Lakeside Garden, Chinese and Japanese Gardens and Garden Promenade – previously known as Jurong Lake Gardens West, Jurong Lake Gardens Central and Garden Promenade respectively. Take a walk on the bridge by the waters, chill out in hammocks overlooking the pagodas, or unleash your inner kid at the obstacle course and playground.

Show your date how fast you're willing to move – you know, if taking things slow ain't your thing. The Karting Arena bills itself as ‘Singapore’s first-ever permanent electric karting track’. To let the numbers do the talking, the track is 545m long, 8m wide, and has 11 turns, including a hairpin and a chicane. The karts here are electric – meaning they produce no fume and little noise – but we are promised that they can reach speeds of 30 to 50km/h, and can outperform their gasoline-powered brothers. And even if you don’t know how to drive, it’s all good. No license is required, so get ready to hit the tarmac and channel your inner Lewis Hamilton.

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.

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 40-metre-long Skybridge with see-through sections, the 42-metre Vertical Skywalk, and of course, taking the 47-metre plunge down looking over Siloso Beach.

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.

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 outdoor art gallery Gelam Gallery at Kampong Glam, go on a hunt for street art (as well as sculptures and public art) around the city. Bonus points if you manage to make a game out of it.

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.

If your beau leaves you starry-eyed, take it up a notch at Science Centre Singapore's The Observatory. Look past the artificial illumination of the city and to the stars light-years away with its 40-centimetre mega-telescope. Because this observatory is one of the few in the world located so close to the equator, it offers stargazers views of both the northern and southern hemispheres. Don't forget to make a wish when you spot a shooting star.