Dating & Relationships

9 New First Date Ideas For 2019 That Will Guarantee A Follow Up After Valentine’s Day

Fun couple activities to nail a second date

Valentine’s Day may be a season of romance for some, but for others who are single and apprehensive about making the first move, we understand the anxiety that comes with contemplating all the possible ways the date could go haywire. This includes the silent struggles of trying not to be awkward and the risk of being disappointed when you have your hopes up.

To counter this, here are some activities so exciting, they’ll relieve you of the pressure to think of what to say. Fellow introverts, the next time you wanna shrink back into your shell, just remember that this list was specially curated for you, so that you’d be open to the idea that forging meaningful relationships can actually be pretty fun and isn’t that scary after all.

Check out our guide to quiet date activities in non-crowded places in Singapore too.

1. Holey Moley – score a hole-in-one at this quirky mini-golf cocktail bar

If you wish to step up your game, you’ve come to the right place with Holey Moley, a mini-golf cocktail bar. Before you swing to the conclusion that golf is a boring sport, wait till you see the 27 uniquely themed zones laid out for you and your bae to knock out.

Spanning across 2 levels, the space has 3 courses in total with 9 holes each to conquer.

Hit it off in the bar’s glow-in-the-dark golf courses like Children Of The Pawn

The surroundings are vibrantly lit and covered from floor to ceiling with pop-culture references, including courses themed after shows like The Simpsons, Flintstones, E.T. and even Game of Thrones.

The mini-golf stages are intentionally designed to double up as photo props, so get your camera and smiles ready!

If all that swinging has got you tired out, indulge in some delicious grub and drinks at The Caddyshack Bar. Wolf down The Hole In One Burger ($25) which features a tender beef patty, pulled beef brisket, cheddar and smokey BBQ sauce in between two pieces of toasted buns – it’s great for sharing too.

To cleanse your palette, try out their signature over-the-top cocktails such as Electric Blue ($21). The drink presents a good mix of ingredients such as Cointreau, Ketal One Citron and fresh lemon juice before being topped with whipped cream and a candy kebab.

Chocolate Passion ($19), Fresh as a Birdie ($19) and Sugar Caddy ($19) are the bar’s other star cocktails.

Read more about our Holey Moley experience here.

Address: 3B River Valley Road, Singapore 179024
Opening Hours: Mon-Wed: 12PM-1AM, Thurs-Sat: 12PM-2 AM, Sun: 10AM-10PM
Telephone: 800-492-2410
Website

2. Art Jamming and Sand Art Sessions for couples at Streaks n Strokes


Image credit: The Noteway Art Studio

A picture paints a thousand words. Streaks n Strokes’ newly launched “art jamming with a twist” sessions allow you to illustrate your love for your partner through hand-painted masterpieces.

To kick things up a notch in the romance department, couples can also opt to paint on a plain t-shirt to design their own couple tees. Don’t worry if you have no prior art experience, art jamming is meant to be a chill activity to get your creative juices flowing regardless of skill level. Plus, there’ll be designs provided as references to help you along the way.

You can also opt to create your own designs so don’t be afraid to get creative! As spots fill up fast, be sure to chope your spot with bae here. Couples looking for an even more hands-on activity can check out the studio’s sand art workshops too.


Image credit: The Noteway Art Studio

You’ll be given a jar that you can fill up with multi-coloured layers of sand. But here’s the kicker, instead of using sand particles, you’ll be using salt. Why? The particles are a lot finer, allowing you to create colour gradients that are even more natural and seamless. To inject vibrant colours to your mini sand dune, mix the white salt with different colours of chalk provided during the session.

Address: 29 Tai Seng Avenue #06-09, Natural Cool Lifestyle Hub, Singapore 534119
Telephone: 8587 8884
Website

3. Vintage Camera Museum – visit the largest antique camera collection in Singapore

The vintage camera is also the largest camera shaped building in the world

“We keep this love in a photograph, we make these memories for ourselves.”- Ed Sheeran, 2K14.

Indeed, the best way to capture that precious moment of love is with a photograph. On that note, take your soon-to-be sweetheart to the Vintage Camera Museum which houses Singapore’s largest collection of antique cameras.

Unlike other museums that only allow us to observe their cams, we get to touch and play around with the cameras here!

Amassing over 7,000 different cameras from mini spy cams to ginormous 6m cameras, these treasures were collected over the course of different eras, with some dating as far back as the 1800s.

The neat way the cameras are arranged on shelves acts as a pretty hipster backdrop for photos too.

Be sure to also check out the 6-metre long Mammoth Camera in the hallway – which you can’t miss.

There is also a Click Art section where you and that special someone can interact with painted portraits and take photographs from a unique perspective
Image credit: @vintagecameramuseumsingapore

So the next time you’re looking to get a memento for your loved one, just remember that a photo’s the perfect gift that’ll fit inside the pocket of your ripped jeans. 😉

Price: $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens and children below 12
Address: 8C & 8D Jalan Kledek, Singapore 199263
Opening hours: 10.30AM- 9.30PM daily
Telephone: 6291 2278
Nearest MRT station: Bugis (5min walk) or Lavender (7min walk)
Website

4. Headrock VR – experience virtual reality games and horror rooms

Headrock VR is a virtual reality theme park located within Sentosa. Split into 3 zones – Green, Blue, and Orange – this attraction has a total of 11 digital exhibits. These include thrilling rides, video games and even a horror room – which let’s just say, left us pretty shook.

We’d recommend starting from the Green Zone, a casual gaming area to get beginners familiar with the world of virtual reality.

Secretly we know though, that bae’s the real target. 

For those who are hardcore thrill addicts, head to the Blue Zone where the rides are more intense… the stomach-dropping kind of intense.

Check out the Flying Dive, where you’ll be dangled over a volcano pit with lava bubbling below as the harness cheekily drops without you expecting a thing. And if you’re both up for heart-stopping scares, the Horror Room in the Orange Zone is your definite go-to.

You may not be faint-hearted, but you can always pretend to be and get the opportunity to cuddle with bae out of “fear” 

And while you’re here, stop by the Extreme Train. This ‘train wreck’ even features stampeding dinosaurs waiting to blow fire into your face. The best part lies at the end though, as viewers get to see familiar views of Singapore, including the Merlion and Supertrees from Gardens by the Bay.

You can find the full price list here.

Address: 26 Sentosa Gateway, #01-38/39, Singapore 098138. Next to Trick Eye Museum.
Opening hours: 10AM-8PM daily. Last admission at 7PM.
Telephone: 6963 4609
Website

5. Marina Bay Carnival – have a go at thrilling rides and old-school games

For a non-cliche option coupled with free entry, make a dash to the Marina Bay Carnival that runs until 24 March 2019.

While the carnival has over 40 thrilling rides and games, it’s the Wave Swinger that’s sure to swing all lovebirds off their feet.

If you look closely, the ride contains murals of global attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, Gardens By The Bay and Marina Bay Sands.

Other rides include Jumper Jumper, which gives you panoramic views of the city, and Spring Break. The latter features a ginormous claw machine that clutches willing victims in its “claws” before it lifts off and swings you around.

There are also many fun games to be played, like Hook A Bag. This activity requires you to “fish” out a shopping bag of your choice with your prize in the bag. Get help from bae and hook your chosen bag together – it’s also an opportunity to get some unassuming hand-holding action into the picture.

Standing side by side to fish for a gift together, what a sneaky way to initiate body contact.

While entry may be free, the rides, games and food can be enjoyed when you purchase credits*. But don’t worry, it’s definitely a pocket-friendly option since most rides and games start from as low as $5.

Price:
$25 for 25 credits
$50 for 50 credits
*(Note: $1=1 credit. Redeem on carnival grounds)
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 4PM-11PM, last entry: 10:30PM
Address: Bayfront Event Space, 12A Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018970
Admission: Free
Website

6. Minimalism: Light. Space. Object – take some couple shots for your IG feed

Image credit: @todayweexplore

IG boyfriends and girlfriends would understand how challenging it is to find a clean and sleek background in Singapore. Thankfully, there’s an entire exhibition based on minimalism happening right now, so get your cameras ready for a full day of shoots. On display until 14 April 2019, the ArtScience Museum and Singapore National Gallery will be hosting Minimalism: Light. Space. Object.

Image credit: @joshxaviertang

This exhibition showcases more than 130 artworks about the origins of minimalism and how it has changed over time. Some of the artists featured include Yayoi Kusama and Jeremy Sharma. One of the most popular installations is Tatsuo Miyajima’s Mega Death – a digital art piece with fluorescent blue lights.

With so many exhibits to explore, take your time to enjoy your visit – that’ll be a great way to stretch the date too.

ArtScience Museum
Price: Tickets start from $10
Address: 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 10AM-7PM (Last admission: 6PM)
Telephone: 6688 8888
Website

National Gallery Singapore
Price: Tickets start from $15
Address: 1 St Andrew’s Rd, Singapore 178957
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs: 10AM-7PM, Fri: 10AM-9PM
Telephone:  6690 9400
Website

7. K Bowling Club – visit Singapore’s first cosmic-themed bowling alley

Just when you thought bowling couldn’t possibly be a romantic activity, K Bowling Club rolls into the picture and changes things up. K Bowling Club is Singapore’s first cosmic-themed bowling alley. If that’s not impressive enough, they’ve also got an arcade, a darts station, a bar, pool table and KTV booths all under one roof.

Located within 313@Somerset, the centrality of this place makes it a convenient meet-up spot for you and your date too!

For couples who prefer good old fashioned arcade games, check out their classic basketball stations where you’ll get to shoot some hoops. There’s also a claw-machine where you and bae can attempt to catch a favourite plushie together.

Before leaving, stop by the bar and give their delicious food and drinks a try.

Their chicken bites ($18) are a popular choice for those who just want a quick bite.

For drinks, we’d recommend their Cosmic Signature cocktail ($12 before 7PM, $18 after), which contains Laplandia vodka, triple sec, cranberry and lime juice.

The bar’s Singapore Sling ($18 before 7PM, $25 after) and Lychee Martini ($12 before 7PM, $18 after) are other popular choices

Price: Mon-Thurs: from $8/ game | Fri-Sun: from $10/ game
Address: 313@Somerset, #03-27
Opening hours: 10AM-12PM
Telephone: 6737 5313
Website

8. Eagle Wings Cinematics – have a luxurious movie experience at pocket-friendly prices

Let’s face it, the cinemas are going to be packed with lovey-dovey couples come Valentine’s Day. To avoid the crowd and stand-out as an awesome date who’s ahead of the game, bring your special person to Eagle Wings Cinematics, which might just be Singapore’s classiest cinema to date.

Every hall features a different swanky theme, here’s the Eagle Platinum theatre.
Image credit: Eaglewings Cinematics

The place is a perfect combination of luxury, but at pocket-friendly prices. We’re talking gold class kind of seats that roll out and allow you to lean back, with mini tables and special menus for you to order drinks and food during the movie.

There are 4 halls in total: 2 Eagle Classic halls (60-63 seater), 1 Eagle Platinum hall (18-seater), and 1 Eagle Gold hall (12 seater). Just pick a movie hall depending on how intimate you wish for your movie-watching experience to be.

For full price listings, click here.

Address: 9 King Albert Park, #01-58, Cinema Box Office Atrium, KAP Residences Mall, Singapore 598332
Opening hours: 
10AM-12PM daily

Telephone: 9848 7777
Website

9. K Star Karaoke – belt it out at Korean-themed KTV rooms

If starting a conversation isn’t your forte, try singing your heart out at K Star Karaoke instead. But rest assured that this Korean inspired KTV bar located along Orchard Road isn’t your normal karaoke lounge.

You’ll find vibrantly coloured Mini Rooms of various themes here – our favourite’s the one with palm leaves and flamingos!

For those who prefer something a little more spacious, K. STAR offers different room types from Premium Rooms (max 10 pax, from $28/hour) to the VIP Party Room (max 35 pax). Some of these spaces even include a pool table, dart station and a 6-metre projector screen within!

While you’re singing your heart out, remember to soothe your voice with cooling drinks such as Honey Lemon Tea ($3) and Green Tea ($2). The bar also serves speciality bites including Edamame ($7.50), Fried Chicken ($6.90), and Popiah ($10).

Read more about our experience here.

Address: 181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central #05-01, Singapore 238896
Opening hours: Sun-Thu: 12PM-3AM | Fri-Sat: 12PM-6AM
Telephone: 6634 2801
Website

More than just paktor ideas

Valentine’s Day may be a popular day to do something especially extravagant for your boo, but it is equally important to remember that love is more than doing special things only on selected days. Spending quality time with your significant other on any other day is just as precious.

For those who are single, take heart because you definitely aren’t alone. In fact, Vday just might be your chance to change things up in the love department by discovering the numerous opportunities out there to meet new friends and create special relationships.

Check these out for some interesting places to explore and fun things to do:


This post is part of an initiative to show Singaporeans new and fun dating spots around Singapore.

Joanne Chim

Recent Posts

17 Things To Do In Taichung, An Underrated City In Taiwan With Photoworthy & Family-Friendly Spots

Taichung is only an hour by High Speed Rail from Taipei or Taoyuan station.

November 21, 2024

100 Christmas Gift Ideas To Cart Out During The Black Friday Sale 2024, Sorted By Categories

No more stressing over what to get your loved ones for Christmas.

November 21, 2024

11 Best Photo Studios In Singapore For Unique Themed Family Portraits & Couple Shots

Gone are the days when family photoshoots used to be boring and extra formal.

November 21, 2024

15 Things To Do This Weekend In Singapore – 22th-24th November 2024

Here are all the best things to do this weekend in Singapore.

November 20, 2024