It's all about the unconventional with our alternative guide to out-of-the-norm date night ideas in Singapore. Life's too short to stay within the box!
We’re all for splurging on romantic meals and post-dinner drinks at fancy cocktail bars, but sometimes taking the road less travelled can be rewarding too. And we’re not talking about jetting off to a cool destination or a spot of Netflix and chill – if you look hard enough, there are lots of attractions and things to do in Singapore that can be unconventional yet romantic. Scroll down for alternative date ideas that are totally out of the box!
Unique and alternative date ideas in Singapore
1. Explore underrated neighbourhoods
So you think you know every inch of Orchard Road’s malls. What about the charming stretch of Emerald Hill? It’s home to beautiful shophouses, touches of Peranakan heritage, and cool bars. P.S. we’re also shining the spotlight on Tai Seng and its hidden cafe gems, as well Clementi and Boon Keng.
2. Awaken your artsy side
Museums are here to stay, but art exhibitions come and go. To keep things fresh, keep up with the art world by planning a date to get your dose of culture. Even if your partner isn’t into art, at least you’ll have something to talk about afterwards!
3. Live the yacht life
Don’t own a yacht? No problem. Simply rent one and impress your significant other with a gorgeous day out on the seas. You can even make it a double or triple date, get an adrenaline shot with water sports, and make it a weekend getaway to nearby destinations like Malaysia or Indonesia.
4. Show off your sporty skills
Are things getting a little dull in the dating arena? Try picking up a new sport together – it can be anything from tennis to axe throwing to archery. If you fancy yourself skilled on wheels, try ice skating, rollerblading or skateboarding. Make it a double date for double the fun!
5. Bring the romance to another dimension
Is it real life or is it fantasy? Transport yourself and your date to a different world at virtual reality arcades. You’ll be teaming up to solve puzzles, escape from zombies, survive storm blizzards, shoot down dinosaurs and more. It’s perfect for a first date because once your adrenaline gets going, any awkwardness will just melt away.
6. Explore the islands
Get out of this island and enjoy an offshore adventure! This city is surrounded by scenic ones that are just a ferry ride away. From tortoise homes to haunted grounds, you’ve got loads to discover with an afternoon of island-hopping. Plan a fun day out to explore natural beauties and step out of your comfort zone.
7. Show love to animals
Want to extend your love beyond the both of you? Spend quality time with some furry friends. Singapore houses a wide range of dog-friendly hangouts and cat cafes, as well as farms and animal shelters. It’ll be a treat for animal lovers! Create special and wholesome memories with your partner while enjoying cuddle time with these adorable creatures.
8. LOL together
You know the saying: Couples who laugh together stay together. Well, if you’re looking to tickle your funny bone and potentially get made fun of, check out belly-aching stand-up comedy shows or watch ’em on Netflix for a cuddly night in.
9. Dine in a pitch-black room
This is a fun one: go on a culinary journey through taste, smell, touch and sound with your date at Nox. The catch? You’ll be doing this in total darkness. Take in this unique multi-sensory dining experience with your other half (and laugh what a klutz you were afterwards).
Nox – Dine in the Dark, 83 Club Street, Singapore 069451
10. Let off some steam
Whoever said relationships are a walk in the park hasn’t been in one, and sometimes venting your frustration in a healthy way might just bring you a little closer. So for your next date, head to The Fragment Room where you and your boo can break, smash or destroy things like wine glasses, bottles, plates and bowls… without any repercussions.
The Fragment Room, 490 Macpherson Road, Singapore 368198
11. The fault is in the stars
It’s not every day we get to see a starry sky with our naked eye. But with the help of sophisticated telescopes, you can be treated to beautiful constellations in the Lion City. Head down to the Science Centre Observatory for a star-studded experience. The fact that it’s one of the few in the world to be located next to the Equator means you’ll be marvelling at a greater number of vistas in the sky.
Science Centre Observatory, 21 Jurong Town Hall Road, Singapore 609433
12. Camp in comfort
Get in tune with nature without giving up any comfort by going glamping. You don’t have to travel to an exotic island to try this one-of-a-kind camping experience, especially with companies like GlampingCity doing all the work for you. As you settle into chic tents and enjoy picnics by the seaside under the starry skies, you and your boo can sit back and focus on what matters – your love for each other.
13. Any night owls in the house?
We’ll admit, it’s not really a novel or unusual date idea, but if you’re all about getting into bed by 10pm fully moisturised, then it’s time to live a little. Extend your date by heading out to a late-night joint for supper or let loose all your secrets when you get sloshed at after-hours bars that serve tipples till early morning.
14. Something wicked this way comes
You don’t have to wait till Halloween for a spine-chilling date. There’s always Haw Par Villa and its Hell Museum! Our Little Red Dot is also riddled with urban legends, scary stories and even sightings of the supernatural. Dare to stir the cauldron at Singapore’s most haunted places with your boo? Check our list of spooky spots and ghost tours, but proceed with caution.
15. Paint me like one of your French girls
You don’t have to be Picasso or Vincent van Gogh to wow your partner; it’s all about spending time together with your bae and doing something out of the ordinary. Get artsy fartsy at art jamming studios to create a masterpiece that’ll make a great gift.
16. Learn the art of body language
For more alternative date ideas, turn up the passion by throwing some shapes. Whether you’re looking to learn sultry salsa, racy pole dancing or sexy Bollywood dance, you’ll be communicating with your partner through the wordless art of body language. Just scroll through our dance studio guide for some inspiration.
17. Three’s a crowd
For the adventurous couple, add a little (vibrating) fun to your bedroom. Don’t worry, we’ve already done the (dirty) work for you. From organic lubes to luxurious vibrators to bondage kits, our comprehensive guide on adult toys will have you and your partner exploring each other in a whole new way.
18. Let’s get physical
When you’re in love, there’s a good chance you’ll start to pack on the pounds, what with all the romantic bars and restaurants at your disposal. Here’s our suggestion: ditch the white tablecloth affair for something more invigorating. Put on your trainers and hike your way through our rugged round-up of hiking trails or work up a sweat by trying out alternative workouts that involve trampolines and surfboards.
The next time you’re fretting over how to plan a date night, check out our list of alternative ideas!
[This article was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2024 by Benita Lee.]
