Every relationship starts off the same way: gazing into each other’s eyes, nervous butterflies in your stomach, and late-night texts. But inevitably, the honeymoon phase comes to an end, and we’ll reach a stage where we’d rather hang out at home than glam ourselves up for a date.
For me, it’s been 8 years and counting – and boy, are we running out of romantic things to do in Singapore. If it’s been too long since you left your house for a proper paktor sesh, here are 9 romantic ideas for your next date:
Heading to the beach for a quiet picnic with your partner might sound like a cute way to spend a Saturday afternoon, but you’ll both enjoy it more at night when there’s a cool breeze and starry skies. And of course, there no need to worry about a sunburn.
Image credit: Families for Life
For couples who enjoy their fair share of the artsy and fartsy, consider the “I Still Do” Couples’ Picnic for a romantic night with plenty of activities for you and your loved ones. Start the evening with a scrapbook activity, where you can design your own keepsake. Couples can also create digital caricature of themselves while here.
Dazzle your partner in a dance workshop where you can to learn how to waltz, or for those with two left feet, you can sway along to a live Jazz performance. End the night with an outdoor movie screening.
What’s more, you can come down early and stand a chance to walk away with attractive prizes at the early bird draw! Couples can win plenty of goodies (total worth up to $2000) including a hotel staycay at Sentosa, shopping vouchers, and tickets to other “I Still Do” events like Couples’ Cook Off and Couples’ Day Out.
Date: 4PM – 9:30PM, 24 February 2018 (Saturday)
Admission: Free (Register online via www.familiesforlife.sg)
Location: Fort Canning Green
P.S: Remember to drop off your name and contact number at the Information Booth by 4.45PM to be eligible for the early bird draw!
Singapore’s filled with scenic bicycle trails, but the most unique cycling path of all would be at the Singapore Water Sports Centre where you can try pedal biking on water. To all sporty couples who are constantly on the lookout for new things to try: this is something worth saving your weekend for.
With two bicycles balanced on connected boards, you and your partner can pump those pedals to skim across the Kallang. It takes some team effort to sync your pedalling, but hey, you know you guys have got it covered. You can rent a double Pedal Bike for $8.40/hour during non-peak hours or $10.40/hour during weekends.
Head down during the early hours of the morning or late evening when the sun is still low on the horizon so you can enjoy the breeze.
Address: Singapore Sports Hub, Water Sports Centre, 8 Stadium Walk, Singapore, 397699
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 7AM – 8PM, Public Holidays: 7AM – 10PM
Image credit: Families for Life
We all have dreams of being a domestic god or goddess in the kitchen but there’s only so much you can impress your partner with if the only dish you’re able to whip up is a bowl of Maggi Mee. Instead of squinting at an online recipe and fumbling around, join the “I Still Do” Couples’ Cook Off with your partner for a hands-on cooking class led by professional chef at an exclusive rate.
The finesse of atas dishes like Nicoise Salad will no longer be foreign territory – you’ll be slicin’ and dicin’ those tuna tataki and anchovies like a pro. Complete the 3-course meal with a Herb Roasted Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Chocolate Fondant served with Vanilla ice-cream.
Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the fruit of your labour as you enjoy the restaurant-level home cooked meals with your loved ones at the end of the workshop.
Date: 2PM – 6PM, 17 March 2018 (Saturday)
Address: At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy, 28 Tai Seng Street, Level 5, Singapore, 534106
Price: $100/couple (Register online via www.familiesforlife.sg)
At the “I Still Do” Lunch And Dinner Dates, local marriage gurus will be there to offer their expert advice for time-stretched couples while enjoying a meal together. Jot the day into your calendars now – you don’t wanna miss your chance to learn more about your partner.
Image credit: Families for Life
Helpful tips from these marriage experts means that arguments about who’s right or wrong will be a thing of the past. These workshops are almost like a counselling sesh, but with a full meal from restaurants like The Connoisseur Concerto (TCC) and Plentyfull.
Lunch Date
Date: 12PM – 1PM, 1 March 2018 (Thursday)
Address: The Connoisseur Concerto (TCC @ Circular Road), 51 Circular Road, Singapore, 049406
Price: $30/couple. Price includes a 2-course lunch set (Register online via www.familiesforlife.sg)
Dinner Date
Date: 7:30PM – 9PM, 16 March 2018 (Friday)
Address: Plentyfull @ Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-79/80, Millenia Walk, Singapore, 039596
Price: $50/couple. Price includes a 2-course dinner set (Register online via www.familiesforlife.sg)
Image credit: @igiconti
Heights can certainly be scary, but take your relationship to a new level with an adrenaline-fuelled date at the Yishun Safra Canopy Skywalk. Those who are scared of being suspended 15 metres in the air can take comfort in the fact that they won’t be doing it alone. All safety equipment will be provided, including climbing gear, safety harness, and helmet.
Take the full three hours to dangle among the treetops, with obstacles like a Cargo Net Trail, Broken Bridge, Island Walk, and Flying Fox.
Address: Yishun SAFRA Adventure Sport Center, 60 Yishun Avenue 4, Singapore, 769027
Telephone: 6852 8200
Rate: $30/person
You’ve been together for quite some time now and that ain’t a simple feat in this Tinder-age. Celebrate your love with the “I Still Do” Couples’ Day Out, set against the vibrant blooms of the Flower Dome in Gardens by the Bay.
Take the chance to unveil your innermost thoughts at an interactive couple workshop, where you’ll be guided by marriage experts to understand each other’s emotional needs. Or later in the evening, join in the Renewal of Love activity to pledge your love for each other – a tea reception will be provided too.
As part of the awesome package, both of you will also receive free admission tickets to the Sakura Matsuri display at the Flower Dome!
Date: 3.30PM – 7PM, 24 March 2018 (Saturday)
Address: Gardens by the Bay, Flower Dome, Flower Field Hall, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore, 018953
Price: $50/couple, ticket also includes admission to the Flower Dome for 2 (Register online via www.familiesforlife.sg)
Image credit: @firestarlet
Heads up all Wes Anderson fans out there, this new hotel is giving off The Grand Budapest Hotel vibes with its pastel decor and neon signages. The Great Madras is right in the middle of bustling Little India, with cafes and bars on both sides.
Image credit: @garethseah
You can expect retro themed rooms from the hotel – go all out by booking their best rooms for a romantic weekend. The Courtyard starts from $165/night and comes with its own courtyard and balcony, while The Great Suite is slightly steeper at $186/night, and has a circular tub for a steamy, hot bath.
The hotel houses old-school barber The Golden Rule, where unheard-of services like Beard Sculpting ($68) are made available. They’ve also got regular services like a Full Cut and Wash ($48) for those without the scruff. Girls, consider treating your guy to a luxurious haircut or beard sculpt – it’ll be well-appreciated!
Address: 28 Madras Street, Singapore, 208422
Telephone: 6914 1515
Rate: Starting from $99/night
Marriage educators for the Marriage Preparation Talk, Boaz and Claire Nazar. Image credit: ilovechildren
It’s been said a gazillion times: communication is key. Many arguments come about because we aren’t communicating effectively – although we think we are – but everything ends in a great big mess. Don’t angst over it, you can avoid all that unnecessary drama by making your way to one of the “I Still Do” Marriage Talks in Community.
These talks are held in various languages, including English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. Besides improving your communication skills, you’ll also learn how to resolve conflicts in healthy ways. So long and farewell to nights when you go to bed furious at each other.
Those who are on the cusp of marriage can go to the “I Still Do” Marriage Preparation Talk – designed as an interactive workshop, couples get to learn and practice key skills to enhance their relationship, identify potential relationship risk factors and learn communication and conflict resolution skills and strategies.
“I Still Do” Community Talk (in Mandarin, Malay and Tamil)
Date: 10AM – 12PM, 3 March 2018 (Saturday)
Address: Multiple venues
Admission: Free (Register online via www.familiesforlife.sg)
“I Still Do” Marriage Preparation Talk (in English)
Date: 1PM – 3PM, 24 March (Saturday)
Address: Gardens by the Bay, Flower Dome, Flower Field Hall, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore, 018953
Price: $16 per couple (Register online via www.familiesforlife.sg)
Image credit: @waterventure
If pedalling around the Singapore river isn’t enough of a challenge, you can try paddling your way to a local kelong with a 2-person kayak.
A veteran kayaker from D’Resort will guide you to Smith Marine, a modern kelong that houses a seafood restaurant so you can reward yourself with a satisfying meal. Look forward to a delish set meal that lets you choose between Fried Rice, Seafood Hor Fun, or Curry Noodles.
As there’s a minimum requirement of 4 participants, make it a double date with your fellow couple friends! It’s a scenic journey that’ll take two to three hours, so you have plenty of time for deep and meaningful convos.
Find out more about the kayaking programme here.
Address: Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close, Singapore, 519599
Rate: $86/person
Although you’ve gone for so many dinner and movie dates that you’ve lost count, there’s still plenty of unique and romantic things for couples to do in Singapore.
Families for Life’s “I Still Do” 2018 is keeping romance alive and well in Singapore from 24 February to 24 March. In celebration of love and marriage, Families for Life has planned a series of events that’ll relight the spark in your relationship, and marriage workshops to prepare both of you for the road ahead.
Don’t let the hustle and bustle of daily life get to you, and spend some quality time together at their “I Still Do” Couples’ Picnic, Couples Cook Off, and Couples’ Day Out – there’s plenty of romance to go around!
This post was brought to you by Families for Life Council.
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