Splurge or save? Fun guaranteed!
Spend less time planning your date and more time enjoying it with these activities for every budget.
By April Zara Chua
Singapore may be one of the most expensive cities to live in but look closer and you’ll also find activities that are not only wallet-friendly but are also a great way to bond with your date. Budget not an issue? Then take your pick from our suggested list of indulgent activities to help keep the flame going strong.
SPLURGE: When you want to go all out on your date
EAT
Indulge in a luxurious sky dining experience from the comfort of your private cable car onboard Stardust Cabin. Enjoy the magnificent views of Singapore's city skyline as you and your date soak in the romantic ambience and savour a four-course meal.
For something closer to town, Odette at the National Gallery Singapore is also a terrific choice. This modern French restaurant has recently been awarded 2 Michelin stars and certainly lives up to it – diners are advised to make reservations a month ahead. The restaurant’s interior decor is also something to gush over and is definitely worthy of that #nofilter Instagram shot.
SEE
Don’t miss the chance to experience an enchanting evening of ballet at the luscious Fort Canning Green. This year marks the 23rd edition of Singapore's most celebrated outdoor dance event, Ballet Under The Stars. It's time to dine and dance under the stars with your date (31 August - 2 September & 7 September)!
Relive your childhood memories of Mufasa and Scar at Disney's The Lion King musical. Winner of over 70 major international theatre awards, the landmark musical event is set to redefine your expectiations of theatre. Catch the Broadway musical at Marina Bay Sands (27 June - 26 August).
PLAY
Get your hearts racing with a friendly match or two at Go-Kart Racing. Karting is a lot easier than it seems and is an exhilarating activity even non-drivers can enjoy. Decide which circuit to visit –Kranji or Jurong – check their website for their latest schedule, come dressed in the appropriate gear and put the pedal to the metal!
For a more relaxed activity that’s closer to nature, join the Sentosa Segway Eco Adventure. Choose between a casual 30-minute tour or a 60-minute scenic tour that will take you along Sentosa’s beautiful beaches. Your first time on a Segway? There’s nothing to be afraid of as you’ll be led by trainers and the tour comes with a short training session.
SAVE: When you have a budget in mind and plan to stick to it
EAT
They say the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach, so why not start with a hearty brunch? Tucked away in the Kovan heartlands is the quaint Lola's Cafe serving yummy comfort-food brunches that’s friendly on the pocket (mains from SGD14). You can save on the cab fare, too! Lola’s is just a stone’s throw away from Kovan MRT station.
If you’re on a tighter budget, you can never go wrong with a romantic picnic at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Make your own sandwiches, grab a bottle of wine, add a couple of desserts, and you’re good to go. Packed too much bread? Head over to the pond and feed the ducks together!
SEE
Plan a date at the National Museum of Singapore and examine the original blueprints of the iconic mosaic playgrounds through The More We Get Together: Singapore's Playgrounds 1930 - 2030 (20 Apr – 30 Sep). From the iconic dragon playgrounds of the 1970s to today’s modern inclusive and community-built versions, discover how these playground designs have evolved over the years and have a hand in creating Singapore's future urban playgrounds!
You may also choose to end your date on a high note with some live music by catching one of the free concerts regularly held at The Esplanade.
PLAY
Join the world’s largest treasure hunt with Geocaching Singapore. All you need is your smartphone and an eye for reading GPS coordinates and clues. It’s simple enough: download the Geocaching app, follow the instructions, head to the various locations and search for the cache. It may not be as easy as it looks but it sure is rewarding writing your names on the logbook hidden inside the cache. Ready to start? Head to the Geocaching Singapore Facebook page for more information.
Prefer to just soak it all in? Simply rent one of the bike-sharing bicycles and go for a leisurely and romantic sunset ride around the Marina Bay. You can also opt for a more adventurous date with a thrilling hike at the Southern Ridges. All you need are your hiking shoes and your water bottle!