The most romantic places in Singapore

For the old souls

Step back in time at Kampong Lorong Buangkok, Singapore’s last surviving village. A quick respite from the city, the last kampung in Singapore will give you a glimpse into how simple life used to be. There’s also plenty of photogenic spots for you to snap a photo with your significant other. Please note that you have to be respectful when visiting as there are still families living in the kampongs.

For the cool culture cats

Dinner and a movie? Sure. Drinks and a movie at an abandoned Thai disco-turned-arthouse cinema. Swipe right. If you and your partner are the sort to geek out about an A24 film, Projector X: Riverside might  Start the evening with some cool cocktails and light bites at the bar which overlooks Clarke Quay then settle down for an indie flick.  

For the social media-savvy couple

Spend a day or two at Dempsey Hill, a serene and beautiful enclave located outside the city centre. In the past, Dempsey Hill used to be a nutmeg plantation and British army barracks. Now, it is home to cool boutiques, cafes, restaurants, shops, spas and so much more. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Dempsey Hill and take a stroll along their walking trails while admiring the lush greenery.

For the nature lovers (City edition)

Spanning 101 hectares, Gardens by the Bay is hands down, Singapore's most ambitious and well-manicured park. But there's some rustic and natural element to it too! Over the years, otters and various species of birds have been spotted in and around the park – and some even call it home. Besides the air-conditioned domes which make a perfect date spot, there are other themed gardens that hit the sweet spot too if you don't want to spend a dime. Explore the lush Kingfisher Wetlands and get to the water's edge for stunning views. End the date with a refreshing scoop of ice cream at Mylo's. 

For the nature lovers (Neighbourhood edition)

The town park is also lovingly called Little Guilin because the main attraction of the park looks similar to that of Guilin in China. The beautiful granite formation sitting in the lake is why most people visit this small nature park in the west side of Singapore. It also makes a picturesque setting for couple and wedding photos. After a snap or two, walk along the banks of the lake or sit in one of the dome-shaped shelters that overlook the lake to admire the gorgeous view.

For the fitness duo

Popular among hikers, MacRitchie Reservoir is home to landmarks such as the TreeTop Walk and Jelutong Tower that offers scenic views of nature. Take a stroll along the boardwalk and peer out at the serene waters. Go bird watching and spot some exotic feathered friends like the Asian Red-eyed Bulbul and the multi-hued Van Hasselt’s Sunbird. If you and your partner are the sporty type, try tackling the hiking trail or rent a canoe to share an intimate moment together.

For the traditional date

While Singapore has a number of date-worthy spots, spend a day at Chijmes, where the buildings exude romantic charm. The timeless icon has made a graceful transition from a former school to now, a dining and entertainment space. Its green lawns, courtyard gardens and neoclassical building make the area such a great place to chill and unwind. Visit Chijmes in the day, and you will feel a sense of tranquillity in the peaceful oasis. At night, have a romantic dinner at the restaurants serving everything from modern zi char to Spanish delicacies.

For the young-at-heart

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.

For the sci-fi fans

A stunning piece of architecture surrounded by foliage, the award-winning Marina One features two 34-storey residential towers, two 30-storey office towers, a retail podium, and an open, heart-shaped core known as Marina One Green Heart Garden. The futuristic green stunner has multiple stepped gardens, winding walkways, waterfalls and over 386 plant species. Beyond the lush greenery, the Heart also houses a myriad of shopping, lifestyle and gastronomic outlets.

For the first date

If you're not a museum type on your own, perhaps going with someone would make the experience better for you. Museums are the perfect place for a date – the quiet spaces (and great lighting) encourage deep conversations between the two of you as you glide around together taking in beautiful art. Switch it up and whisk your dead to the lush rooftop garden for some fresh air and views of the civic district. 

For the cottagecore couple

The former marshland area has been spruced up so that it looks like a lush English garden with a pond – complete with lily pads – now. The rustic feel of the park lends an air of romance and charm – where the two of you are away from the crowds and have all the time in the world. Settle down for a picnic on the deck overlooking the pond or take a walk around the park and the surroundings while you get to know each other. 

For the lovebirds

Make your way up Mount Faber for a bird's eye view of Singapore at the peak of Faber Point. Delight in the breathtaking panoramic view which stretches to the southern islands – you might even catch a glimpse of Batam. While you're at it, snap a cheeky selfie with your boo and the three-metre-tall Merlion before visiting Poland’s Bells of Happiness. These commemorative bells were gifted by Poland to Singapore as a symbol of diplomatic relations between both countries, and now, it is widely believed that those who ring them can enjoy everlasting bliss and joy.

For the seaside sweethearts

Take a romantic stroll under a blanket of stars down the boardwalk at the western end of Changi Point. Start at Changi Creek in the east before traversing the 2.2-kilometre stretch which looks out to neighbouring Johor. At sundown, the path is illuminated with pretty lights. In the day, you can catch bumboats taking day-trippers out to Pulau Ubin, and some wildlife as you pass by Changi Beach. It also makes a great vantage point of the stunning sunset. What could be more romantic than gazing into each other's eyes with the crashing yet calming waves in the background and the sea breeze in your hair?

For domed dinner dates

When it comes to romantic meals, it's always important to pick a place with good lighting and good food, of course. The Summerhouse excels on both counts. It sources ingredients from local, Malaysian and Australian farms and growers and celebrates farm-to-table dining. Dine in the spacious dining hall of the colonial bungalow or book one of three air-conditioned domes strategically placed in the garden. They fit up to six guests – there's a minimum spend of $300 – and are themed in different styles. We can't think of a more romantic place to pop the question.

For the cycling duo

The newly opened 3.5-kilometre Changi Airport Connector allows you to cycle – or skip hand-in-hand – to Jewel Changi Airport and the terminals from East Coast Park or any of the Park Connector Network (PCN), and vice versa. If you're a pair of dino lovers, make a pit stop at Changi Jurassic Mile, the city’s largest permanent outdoor display of life-sized dinosaurs. Take a break with an al fresco meal, surrounded by lush greenery at Hub & Spoke Café, which offers a menu that captures a colourful, multi-cultural variety – think local favourites like mee siam and mee rebus, as well as Western dishes like pasta tossed with beef and black pepper.

For the alternative

Hidden in an estate in Hougang is the largest Japanese cemetery in Southeast Asia. Established in 1891 as a burial ground for Japanese women brought here for prostitution, other civilians during the pre-war days were also buried here. The memorial park also holds the ashes of Japanese soldiers, marines, airmen as well as war criminals who died or were executed here during the war. The park is also home to a long row of archways decorated with bougainvillea – the prettiest when in bloom. While you take photos with bae, take a minute to remember the significance of this place and always be respectful.

For the sunset seekers

With a 360-degree view of the bay area – and the park being open 24 hours daily – you and your date have the opportunity to arrive as early as you want to catch the mystifying sun rising and setting over the city skyline later. Whether you set up a picnic mat, or simply taking a break on the benches, you are guaranteed a spectacular view of the open sky peppered with a kite or two – the perfect backdrop for that sneaky smooch.

For the explorers

Bring your curious minds to the corners of Fort canning Park. There's everything from old graves and colonial-era relics to the tranquil Sang Nila Utama Garden, decked with Javanese split gates and a freshwater feature. It makes a quiet respite for you to get to know your boo in a relaxing environment without the hustle and bustle of the city. While you're at it, check out the spiral underground crossing at Fort Canning Park, which makes a great backdrop for your next photo couple.

Fort the outdoorsy couple

There's just something about cosying up with your partner in the shell-like ridges on the dimly-lit, wave-shaped pedestrian bridge to watch the sunset in all its golden-orange glory. The bridge also makes a refreshing stroll under the stars, taking you from Mount Faber to Telok Blangah Hill Park, or vice-versa.

For the beach bums

Your bae is the only Bae-watch (y'know like Baywatch) you'll ever need at Palawan Beach. Located between Sentosa’s Siloso Beach and Tanjong Beach, this stretch of calm water and fine grain sand is considered the most romantic of the three. Plus, with swaying palm trees, cool breeze, tranquil waters, and a tower for a bird’s eye view of Sentosa, all while having a cocktail in hand and toes in the sand, no pair of beach bums can resist. Be sure to make a booking before heading down in your best beachwear.

For the artsy couple

While it's all romantic to admire the stunning lotus-shaped building and the city skyline in unison, nothing beats marvelling at interactive works that marry art, science, culture, and technology. Feast your eyes on a kaleidoscope of immersive digital art installations by award-winning Japanese art collective teamLab at the permanent exhibition Future World. Highlights include Transcending Boundaries, where couples can meander through the digitally-rendered garden featuring waterfalls that log in accordance with the laws of physics, butterflies that fly away upon touch, cherry blossoms that scatter as they would in the wind, and more – how romantic.

For the sea-fairing pair

Bask in stellar views with the cool breeze in your hair as you navigate the waters on a luxury yacht at Marina at Keppel Bay. If all that sailing got you and your partner working up an appetite, indulge in a lavish meal at any one of the waterfront restaurants including Ristorante Palermo, Sushi Jiro, Bayswater Kitchen, and Privé at Keppel Bay. Nothing like a dinner date with stunning views – your partner included.

For the picnic packers

Go for the classic picnic date. This timeless idea doesn't require you to travel far. Simply hit up the Singapore Botanic Gardens, lay your mats and baskets on the grassy spot, and enjoy the spectacular sunsets while gazing into each other's eyes. Otherwise, go on a nature trail around the Gardens and discover the flora and fauna that call it home.

For the fish-loving duo

Surround yourselves with the wonders of aquatic life at the dreamy S.E.A Aquarium. Not only is the vibrant sea life here a great conversation starter, but it's also tons of fun when you're trying to spot as many species as you can. What's even romantic is the Ocean Suites where both of you can spend the night with the fishes in a room that overlooks the aquarium.

For the star-crossed lovers

Aptly named Woodlands Galaxy Community Club, this space in the North isn't your typical neighbourhood centre. It's home to the Andromeda Observatory on level 6, which features a 30-centimetre telescope that gives astrophile the best view into space. With clear skies, you can catch a detailed look of the moon, a glimpse of stars, and if you're lucky, other planets too. You can take your boo to the moon and back – sort of – on Friday and Saturday from 7.30pm, with $1 admission fee.