Valentine’s Day with a Twist

Set aside the dinner-and-movie formula and explore these exciting activities instead.

By Lin Peishan

Valentine’s Day is coming up, but it doesn’t have to be about overpriced roses and expensive chocolates. Here are some ideas for to spend your Valentine’s Day with a twist.

Line up a par-fect date at Holey Moley Golf Club
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For a quirky yet laid-back rendezvous, hit the turf at Holey Moley Golf Club – a mini golf course, restaurant and bar, all rolled into one. The cheeky and colourful mini golf courses are reminiscent of settings from well-known TV series and movies, including Game of Thrones, Wizard of Oz, and The Simpsons. When all that putting makes you and your partner “thirst-tee”, swing by the Caddyshack Bar to try wild signature cocktails, such as the Candy Man, which throws candy floss and blended jelly beans into a margarita, and Sugar Caddy, a vodka-and-fruit juice mix topped with a candy kebab.

Address: 3B River Valley Road, Clarke Quay

Make a jump for it at Airzone

Embrace your inner child at Airzone’s suspended playground. This complex of elevated nets simulates the feeling of walking on the moon, letting you bounce weightlessly at great heights. Various themed zones enrich the experience, and there are features like a maze and a ball pit. For a bit of friendly competition, race each other by climbing to the top of this six-storey playground. These nets are designed to catch and hold immense weight, so you can also jump on them to your heart’s content.

Address: Level 2 (North Atrium), City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Road

Sweat it out at Augmented Reality Bouldering

Let ‘Em Play by the WOW Experience brings you bouldering with a twist: interactive games projected onto the walls for you and your partner to compete in. Play virtual ping pong with your hands and feet, or twist and stretch to avoid getting zapped by laser shapes. You can even map out challenging routes for each other using the graphics on the wall. An afternoon of Augmented Reality Bouldering is sure to test your agility and reflexes – perfect for athletic couples who enjoy some friendly competition.

Address: 18 Boon Lay Way, #01-105 Tradehub 21

Explore Pulau Ubin on kayaks
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If you and your significant other are nature lovers, an adventure into the mangrove swamps of Pulau Ubin might just be the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Cruise along the island’s tranquil waters together, and look out for its treasure trove of wildlife, from various birds to mangrove jellyfish and even otters. Asian Detours offer guided mangrove kayaking expeditions at two difficulty levels: beginner-level Mangrove Kayaking Adventure and the more challenging Ubin Bisect Kayaking Adventure. Confident kayaking couples can rent their own kayaks from places such as Adventure Paddlers.

Getting to Pulau Ubin: Board a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal at $3 per person.

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Indulge your senses at NOX – Dine in the Dark

Are candlelight dinners too cliché for your other half? Forget the lighting altogether and try a unique dining experience in total darkness. NOX – Dine in the Dark serves up a tantalising and constantly updated three-course menu. Here’s the catch: you can’t see what is served. Let your other senses take over, and savour unexpected flavours, aromas and textures. As you feast, enjoy uninterrupted conversations together without the distractions of your phones. Special Valentine’s Day packages are available with pre-purchased reservations.

Address: 269 Beach Road