Whether at one of Singapore’s many romantic restaurants or waterfront cafes, most couples will celebrate their love on 14th February with fancy dates and lavish gifts. But take it to the next level this year with these Valentine’s Day date ideas that express your affection with an extra dose of adrenaline, nostalgia and luxury – surely the best way to say “I love you”.
For a peaceful island getaway, private movie screening or to reminisce about younger, more carefree times, level up your itinerary with these eight things to do on Valentine’s Day:
Check out our other articles for more Valentine’s Day date ideas:
If you’re looking for some quality time alone with your significant other, hop on a ferry to St John’s and Lazarus Island for an outdoors escape from the hustle and bustle. Located 45 minutes from the mainland, rides cost just $14 and you’ll depart from the centrally-located Marina South Pier.
There, nature-lovers can explore the many trails and intertidal walks, or get a crash-course on the biodiversity of our Southern Islands at the Marine Park Outreach and Education Centre. Campsites on the island have also just recently reopened for online booking, but if you’re not keen on an overnight jaunt, pack a picnic lunch to make the most of the peaceful surroundings.
Pro tip: For a truly memorable Valentine’s Day, use these picnic services for an IG-worthy setup.
Check out our comprehensive guide to St John’s and Lazarus Island
Agatha Christie fans might be rearing to visit the Orient Express exhibition that has hit our shores, but you don’t have to be a crime novel buff to appreciate the old world charm of the authentic carriages that date back to the 1930s. Plying the route between Paris and Istanbul, this train service has since become synonymous with luxury travel and adventure.
Strike up your best period-appropriate Audrey Hepburn impression on the elegant dining carriage, and investigate the “body” in the baggage car that pays homage to “Murder On The Orient Express”. There’s also a museum showcasing artefacts used on the train service, but the highlight for a romantic date would be a chance to dine in a 1925 Anatonilla dining car replica.
Savour Parisian pastries at the High Tea ($78++/pax), or go the whole nine yards for the love of your life with the Dinner menu (from $298++/pax) prepared by double three Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alleno.
Check out our feature on Once Upon A Time On The Orient Express
Image credit: MuveeSpace
Movie dates are some of the most romantic ways to spend time with boo, so skip the crowds and take it up a notch with a private screening at MuveeSpace. There, you’ll get to binge on your screenplay of choice in high-res 4K and on a massive 150-inch projection, accompanied by immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound – a sure upgrade from most home setups.
In addition to access to Netflix and Viu streaming platforms, MuveeSpace has an extensive library of movies. They’ve also got a HDMI input for you to BYO – plug in your laptop or even a Nintendo Switch for some competitive fun – great for group dates as rooms accommodate up to five. Bookings start from $68 for weekdays and cost $78 on weekends for 2-hour slots.
Image credit: MuveeSpace
Telephone: 8101 1688
Muvee Space website
Image credit: ORTO
Sprawling an area larger than seven soccer fields, ORTO is open 24/7 and offers outdoor experiences with a laid-back kampung atmosphere. There’s something for everyone: competitive couples can hit the road at Maximum Drift (from $18/10 minutes), a go-karting arena that puts a spin – literally – on this high-octane sport.
Otherwise, cast your line at Prawning @Orto (from $20/hour), and spend a lazy afternoon snagging prawns and yabbies. Aspiring anglers can hit more open waters at Fishing Paradise @ORTO (from $12/hour) to reel in bigger fish like catfish and stingray that weigh up to 30KG.
Cap off a romantic evening at the open seating area with the Special Mookata Set For 2 ($40++) that includes highlights like pork collar, scallop and crayfish. Top it off with a range of skewers ($0.90) from Kamikaze Asian Tapas Bar or boat noodles ($0.80) from BKK Bistro & Bar, and wash it down with a bucket of four bottles of Hoegaarden ($35) from Quench.
Check out our feature on ORTO at Yishun
Dates to the ice skating rink might be a great excuse to shyly hold hands or to “accidentally” recreate your favourite K-drama scene, but trade the frost for a hip 80’s disco atmosphere at Hi-Roller. You’ll find separate areas for beginners and pros, so inexperienced skaters can step to the beat while more seasoned ones can show off their fakies and crossovers.
Enjoy 2-hour sessions from $12 for adults and $10 for students, or book a day pass at $40. Skate rentals cost $5/session, but you’re free to BYO. Do remember to take along thick mid-calf-length socks if you’re renting.
Check out our feature on Hi-Roller
With its soaring high elements, Adventure HQ is the perfect spot for a date: whether your SO is terrified of heights or is quite the adrenaline junkie, he or she will definitely remember this unique date for years to come. The All-Access Pass that allows for a 3.5-hour session starts at $58 for SAFRA and PA members and $68 for the public.
There’s plenty of attractions around to keep the two of you thrilled throughout the day – from Singapore’s tallest indoor slide with a drop of 4.5 storeys, to an aerial glider that lets you zip around sharp corners just like on a rollercoaster. There are also plenty of high elements, rock walls and Ninja Warrior-inspired obstacle courses to satisfy your inner monkey.
Check out our feature on Adventure HQ at HomeTeamNS
Some of us might reminisce about the carefree hours spent at the arcade after school – duking it out with buddies over Daytona or Dance Dance Revolution. You can recreate some of that childhood magic with your better half at one of the many arcades in Singapore, but take it a step further at these joints that offer unique experiences.
At New World Carnival, set your heart racing with their VR escape room, which transports you to the interior of an uncanny dollhouse as you and your sidekick solve problems and riddles against the clock. Tag up for a couple date over at Timezone Vivocity to fight off aliens in the four-player Halo: Fireteam Raven, or go ham in their bumper car arena ($8/ride) for a wild ride.
With the scent of the ocean spray in the air and the wind in your hair, it’s little wonder that East Coast Park is such a popular cycling destination for couples, families and friends. But if you’re looking to dodge the crowds, head instead to Woodlands Waterfront Park for a waterfront route known for its sunset view with Johor Bahru in the distance.
Apart from cycling, this stretch of coast is also known to be a great spot for fishing. Bring your evening to a close with hearty halal zi char-style grub at Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant. A floating restaurant located at the end of a jetty, this joint serves up seafood like steamed fish and prawns, along with Malay cuisine like satay.
Check out our feature on Woodlands Waterfront Park
Whether you’re long-time lovers or on the first legs of your journey together, level up your Valentine’s Day this 2021 with these creative date ideas for some quality time together. Dodging the crowds for extra alone time together, you can be sure that this paktor session will definitely be a memorable one.
Check out our other articles on relationships:
Cover image credit: TheSmartLocal
From a monochromatic-themed cafe to romantic vibes with fairy lights, here are 8 cafes in…
So it's been 2 years since you last stepped foot into Bangkok. Well, here are…
Whether your mum likes chocolate, cookies & creme or durian flavours, here are seven bakeries with Mother’s Day…
Finally, ramadan bazaars and pasar malams are back in SG - and we've got you…
From beautiful hikes to diving with dolphins, Melbourne is surrounded by plenty of dreamy attractions.…
Besides conquering Mount Kinabalu, try out these 8 unreal things to do in the countryside…