12 Valentine’s Day Date Experiences That Don’t Involve Dinners And Movies
Don’t get us wrong, the dinner and movie date will always be a classic. But if you’ve been together for a while now, you must be a little bored by this date combination.
This special occasion, Valentine’s Day, is when couples should spend time together doing something more memorable. Shake things up by taking your pick amongst these fun, relaxing and romantic activities guaranteed to give both of you quality time. You’ll make memories to keep for a lifetime.
Make this Valentine’s Day an extra special one, with these 12 date experiences you won’t forget!
1. Live Music at the Botanic Gardens
If the standard picnic isn’t quite special enough for you, try one where you and your date are serenaded by incredible live music, against the backdrop of a moonlit sky.
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Image credit: Families For Life[/caption]
The Singapore Botanic Gardens Bandstand will be showcasing a series of melodic live acts the weekend before Valentine’s Day. So grab your sweetheart and a picnic mat for two unforgettable nights of soul soothing indie pop in the middle of a natural scenic setting.
What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with good music, lush greenery and a sky full of stars? Head down with your loved one early enough to grab a good spot and catch the sunset together before a relaxing night.
Valentine’s Day 2017 @ Botanic Gardens
Where: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Bandstand
Date: 10-12 Feb 2017
Time: 6pm to 10pm
Price: Free
Website
2. Marina Bay Sands Light & Water Show
If you haven’t seen the Wonder Full Light and Water Spectacular at Marina Bay Sands yet, this is something uniquely Singaporean that you and your loved one have to experience together at least once. This is one majestic water-fire-light show that’ll take your breath away.
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Image credit: Skyscraper City[/caption]
The show begins with a single drop of water, signifying the beginning of life, and matures into a vibrant extravaganza–so much like your ever growing love. Fall in love again amidst the amazing convergence of light, music and sound, with the stunning cityscape of Singapore lit up in the backdrop.
If you’re enjoying a post dinner stroll along the Marina Bay, be sure not to miss this majestic show that will add that spark to complete your romantic and breezy evening at the waterfront.
Wonder Full Light and Water Show
Where: Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza at the Promenade
When: Sunday-Thursday 8pm, 9:30pm; Friday-Saturday: 8pm, 9:30pm, 11pm
Price: Free
Tel: 6688 8868
Don’t just promise your beloved the moon and the stars–show it to them! If there’s a most stereotypical romantic nighttime date, stargazing has to be it. And yes, you can do that right here in Singapore.
Image credit: Telegraph[/caption]
For one night each week, the Science Centre Observatory offers free star-gazing sessions. Peer at the surrounding constellations in both the northern and southern celestial hemispheres through their super telescopes, and perhaps catch a meteoroid shower while you are it. Andromeda is also a lesser-known observatory where you catch glimpses of star clusters in the Andromeda Galaxy.
For a little more privacy, you can also try West Coast Park, Fort Canning Hill, (or any secluded spot far from the city lights, really!) in the evenings to immerse yourselves in the celestial spectacle.
Science Centre Observatory
Where: Singapore Science Centre Omnitheatre, 21 Jurong Town Hall Road
When: Every Friday, 7.30pm to 10pm
Price: Free
Website
Andromeda Observatory
Where: Woodlands Galaxy Community Club, 31 Woodlands Avenue 6
When: Every Friday and Saturday, 7.30PM-9.30PM
Price: $1 per visit
4. Couple Spa
Noticed that work has been taking a toll on your loved one? Stress can take away the sweet moments you’re supposed to be spending together, so take this Valentine’s Day to relax and pamper yourselves at with a couple spa package!
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We recommend Auriga Spa specially for this V-day. Chill in one of its four couple spa suites that come with their private garden. Their PS I Love You head-to-toe treatment starts with a relaxing foot massage with rose scrub, followed by a indulgent full body massage.
A candlelit bath–yes, with rose petals and the lot–and two glasses of champagne round off your intimate session.
Auriga Spa
Address: Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls, Singapore 098297
Open: Daily 10am-10pm
Tel: 6591 5023
Price: PS I Love You Treatment $688 for two/165 minutes
Website
Also, read Nothing Above $60 – Indulge In An Affordable Full Body Massage
5. Perfume Workshop
Embrace your chance to create a custom fragrance with your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day. At Je T’aime Perfumery’s couples perfume workshop, you’ll be able to design the perfect blend of unique ingredients based on you and your partner’s traits and preferences.
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Image credit: The Nanyang Chronicle[/caption]
For starters, you’ll be given a perfume personality questionnaire. Shake things up by filling it in for each other, and you may be surprised by the results! You can then use that as a guide to match the oils in olfactory families and create the formula for a signature scent only you two will have. #couplegoals
Je T’aime Couples Perfume Workshop
Where: 90 Good Man Road, Block O, #01-57 Singapore 439053
When: Monday & Tuesday 10am to 4pm; Wednesday-Sunday 10am to 8pm
Price: $250
Tel: (65) 91814871
Email: [email protected]
Website
6. Island Hopping
Thinking of a short getaway with your sweetie?
Spend the day on one of Singapore’s scenic Southern islands, or explore the lot of them! Singapore Island Cruises runs daily ferrying services to Singapore’s many secretive islands off the coast.
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Image credit: The Smart Local[/caption]
Kusu Island boasts Malay shrines, a Chinese temple, tortoises and beautiful beaches, while Sisters’ Island allows for camping and snorkeling. St. John’s Island has great trekking, swimming and fishing, while Lazarus Island is perfect for suntanning and picnicking.
No matter where you go, you’re bound to feel like you’re on vacation.
Try island hopping to create an exclusive and memorable Valentine’s Day for you and your beloved!
Singapore Island Cruise
Where: #01-04 Marina South Pier, 31 Marina Coastal Drive, Singapore 018988
When: See site for individual ferry schedules
Price: $18 per two-way ticket
Tel: 6534 9339
Here Are 6 Singapore Offshore Islands You Can Visit To Get Away From The Crowd!
7. Say It With Love
Celebrate Cupid’s season with your loved one by heading down to The Meadow at Gardens by the Bay for Say it with Love–an assortment of activities to enjoy with your partner, and even friends and family.
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Image credit: Time Out[/caption]
Create a field aglow with dreams by penning your wishes for each other on a glow-in-the-dark windmill to plant on an expanse of green.
You can also art jam with artists from Band of Doodlers, buy a unique handcrafted item for a good cause, or create a gift for that special someone at fun workshops. The highlights of the event are the cosy evening picnic and movie under the stars.
Pack your own picnic or get a couple’s picnic bag ($60-$65), which comes with a mat, snacks and a choice of either wine, a platter of finger food or a box of sandwiches.
Say It With Love
Venue: The Meadows, Gardens By The Bay
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
When: Friday 24 Feb 2017 Saturday 25 Feb 2017
Price: Free
8. Dance Classes
Venture out of your comfort zone and learn something new together this Valentine’s Day by signing up for a couple dance class! John & Josephine Dance Creative offers Latin, Waltz, Cha Cha and many other styles for you to Tango the night away.
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Image credit: Hitched Wedding Planners Singapore[/caption]
Partner dances are beautiful, intimate, and require much communication and coordination. That should pretty much strengthen your relationship, and we promise that you will have a ball of a time!
Ballroom dancing may be a good one to start with, since you’ll have to learn to do it at your wedding anyway. Hint hint.
John & Josephine Dance Creative
Where: John & Josephine Dance Creative, 1 Sophia Road, #06-27/28, Peace Centre, Singapore 228149
Open: Monday-Friday 12 noon to 10pm, Saturday-Sunday 12 noon to 6pm
Price: $100 per Lesson (per couple), $350 for 4 Lessons
Tel: 6334 6230
Email: [email protected]
Website
9. Pasta Making Workshop
The couple that cooks together, stays together.
That’s why Plentyfull has put together a pasta-making workshop specially for the month of February. You and your partner will follow Head Chef Victor Loy in learning how to make gnocchi from scratch!
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Image credit: Plentyfull[/caption]
Each of the three workshops showcases something different: Russet Potato Gnocchi with Mushroom & Spinach (14 Feb), Pumpkin Gnocchi with Kale & Pecorino (21 Feb), and Gratinated Gluten Free Gnocchi with Anchovies & Capers (28 Feb).
Drop by to pick up a new recipe for a hearty, wholesome, home-cooked meal you can make together for dinner!
Plentyfull Pasta Making Workshop
Where: 9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-79/80 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596
When: 14, 21 & 28 February 2017
Price: $38 per person
Tel: 6493 2997
Email: [email protected]
Facebook
10. Walk in Nature
With so many green spaces in Singapore, a leisurely stroll amongst our ample greenery makes for a great date idea. You can share a peaceful day in your own world, traipsing through leafy shrubs under the shade of the towering trees.
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Image credit: One Three One Four[/caption]
Take your pick from the many walking guides provided by NParks.
Take your love to new heights at the MacRitchie TreeTop Walk, relive history amongst the Changi Heritage Trees or Fort Canning Park, or go completely off the beaten track at Pulau Ubin.
Hike hand in hand through these walking trails and reconnect in the wilderness this Valentine’s Day!
NParks Walking Guides
Website
11. Cosmic Bowling
Remember the good old days dating at the bowling alley? How about some late night, glow-in-the-dark bowling this Valentine’s Day?
It’s as cool as it sounds. Luminous balls and pins, blasting dance music and disco lighting will surely make for a date night to remember.
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Image credit: The New Age Paren[/caption]
Choose amongst Rock, Retro, Kpop and R&B themes on separate nights, and head to your favourite. Get pumped up be prepared to bowl your partner over with your moves both on the alley and the dance floor!
Orchid Bowl Cosmic Bowling
Where:
SAFRA Yishun, 60 Yishun Avenue 4 Singapore 769027
The Chevrons, 48 Boon Lay Way, Singapore 609961
E!hub, Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Cl, Singapore 519599
When: Saturdays; individual dates listed on website
Price: $24.50 (SAFRA members), $30 (non-members)
Tel: 6752 6219
Email: [email protected]
Facebook
12. AcroYoga Classes
Yes, you too can be one of those cool couples on Instagram who are always trying fun new things.
This Valentine’s Day, take an Acroyoga class with your loved one! The dynamic aerial postures not only increase core strength and flexibility, but more importantly unites your mind, body and spirit.
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Image credit: Mark Adams[/caption]
This zen sport calms you down, reduces stress and anxiety, and puts you in a better mood. Partner yoga in particular deepens the practice by including your lover in postures where breathing and moving together is key.
At the end of it, expect improved levels of communication, deeper expressions of postures and higher levels of trust.
Acroyoga Jam Singapore
Where: Raffles Place on the outdoor grass lawn in front of The Providore, Raffles MRT
When: Every Thursday 8pm to 10pm, Sunday 4pm to 6pm
Facebook
Shelve your dinner and movie plans, have them another day instead. This Valentine’s Day, we’ve suggested special date night (and day) plans for you already.
Take this chance to spend some good old quality time bonding with your special someone, with some of these memorable activities you can experience as a couple. All you’ve got to do is grab your sweetheart and head to these romantic events happening all throughout the sweetest month of the year!
Also, read 8 Awesome Valentine’s Day Dinner And Gift Ideas For A Truly Special Date
[Review] Yunomori Onsen @ Kallang – The Place To Soothe All Aches
This spa, Yunomori Onsen @ Kallang, has been making waves around social media as of late. It has only been open recently. However, the hype surrounding it made us curious about its offerings. We decided to head down early one Wednesday morning to see what having an onsen in sunny Singapore would be like.
Yunomori Onsen @ Kallang – Hot water in the forest
The name Yunomori means hot water in the forest, and since Singapore is a garden city, I suppose it is quite fitting.
The interior is very evidently a nod to Japanese culture – clean, white and neat. But there’s a little sign on the warming list that says no yakuzas allowed inside the Onsen. That made me laugh out loud.
Yunomori Onsen @ Kallang – Shower facilities & onsen
The men’s and women’s sections are predictably segregated.
Yukatas are available at the counter as you enter each area. Yunomori Onsen @ Kallang recommends onsen users to experience it the Japanese way by going commando. However, women have the option of requesting for disposable underwear if they are uncomfortable going in commando. When we were there, many younger women covered themselves up but the older women seemed to be very comfortable in their own skin.
The dressing room area is equipped with a hairdryer, cotton wool and buds, and a Yunomori branded moisturiser for after the onsen experience.
The showers are very much like the ones you see in Japan. They come with a stool for you to sit on. Before and after the Onsen experience, you are expected to take a shower at these shower areas. It was quite an odd experience as I don’t sit while showering. But huge bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash were readily available at each shower stall.
Yunomori Onsen @ Kallang – Men’s sauna & onsen
For some reason, the men have a much larger open shower area (pictured below) right next to the sauna. Women do not have access to the sauna. It is believed that women’s skin is too delicate for the extreme heat.
The men have a total of 6 pools, one more than the women do. The men have an additional pool, known as the hot bath, in which the temperature goes up to 44 degrees Celsius.
Yunomori Onsen @ Kallang – The pools
Apart from that, the rest of the pools are the same. There is the soda bath, featuring Japanese imported technology, and the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. The 38.5-39.5 degree Celsius water in the soda bath is enriched with a high concentration of natural carbon dioxide. The CO2-rich water is said to increase blood oxygen levels, improve circulation, reduce high blood pressure and also detoxify the blood.
The Silk Bath is hot water (38.5-39.5 degrees Celsius) reacting with large amounts of micro-bubble containing hydrogen. These jets of tiny bubbles give the water a sensual and silky texture, which makes the skin really smooth. The soothing nature of the bath is said to relax the muscles and alleviate problems like rheumatism, arthritic aches and pains, as well as mental stress.
Other baths include the Bubble Bath, imbued with the nutrients of carefully balanced minerals. It feels just like a jacuzzi, except you will be stewing in water of about 38.5-39.5 degrees Celsius.
The Jet Bath consists of full-body jet streams of air that is said to help stimulate blood circulation. This bath is slightly hotter at 39.5-41 degrees Celsius. Personally, I find it best to start with the lower temperature pools then move up to the Jet Bath last before taking a dip into the last pool, the cold bath.
The Cold Bath is an invigorating jolt to the senses and almost has a numbing effect as the water is set at 17-19 degrees Celsius. The almost icy cold water will stimulate the body’s natural energy and nerve endings. It is also touted to boost anti-ageing effects by closing the pores and tightening the skin.
Yunomori Onsen @ Kallang – Steam bath
Both the men and women also get to enjoy the steam bath, with sea salt scrub readily available in a huge wooden bucket. The steam bath is set to 100% humidity, up to 49 degrees Celsius.
You would think, after all of the heat in Singapore, you’d be used to it. But there’s really nothing better than taking that final dip into the cold bath.
After that, guests are welcome to lounge at the lounge area, complete with pillows and blankets. Otherwise, a cafe is also available to serve meals to hungry clientele.
Yunomori Onsen @ Kallang – Other services
Other services include:
- Thai Traditional Massage (starts from $88+ for 60 mins): With techniques developed over thousands of years, this massage is steeped in physiology and traditional oriental medicine. Using an ancient mix of body rocking, rhythmic acupressure and stretches, therapists will help you balance your essential energies, improve flexibility and stimulate circulation.
- Aroma Oil Massage (starts from $138+ for 90 mins): This therapy blends the best massage techniques around the world. Fragrant essential oils boost the effects of the massage with their natural healing benefits. Alleviate problems such as headaches, muscle and tendon injuries as well as aches and pains.
- Herbal Compress (Add-on, $38+ for 30 mins): This is an art that has been preserved for thousands of years. It combines the benefits of Thai massage and Thai herbal remedies to create a stimulating yet soothing therapy. Aromatic medicinal herbs are cocooned within a cloth and steamed to release their healing properties. These remedies are known to help with stress, anxiety, chronic pain and arthritis.
- Foot Massage (starts from $38+ for 30 mins)
- Head & Shoulder Massage (starts from $38+ for 30 mins)
Yunomori Onsen @ Kallang – Prices
Onsen:
- Adult – $38 ($40.66 w/gst)
- 15 year-old & below OR 65 year-old & above – $28 ($29.96 w/gst)
Onsen & Spa Packages:
- Onsen + 60 mins Thai Massage – $118 ($126.26w/gst)
- Onsen + 90 mins Thai Massage & Herbal Compress – $156 ($166.92 w/gst)
- Onsen + 90 mins Aroma Oil Massage – $168 ($179.76 w/gst)
- Onsen + 120 mins Aroma Oil Massage & Herbal Compress – $206 ($220.42w/gst)
- Onsen + 30 mins Foot Massage – $68 ($72.76 w/gst)
- Onsen + 30 mins Head & Shoulder Massage – $68 ($72.76 w/gst)
10 Things You Never Knew You Can Do At Changi Airport! #7 Is A Must Try!
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The Shopping Experience
We’re all aware that there’s shopping to be done at Changi Airport, but did you had any inkling as to how much shopping can be done? The airport carries no less than 400 brands of products from Uniqlo to Cotton On, and the only worry for the shopaholic should be to keep an eye on their boarding time.
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Enjoy A Massage
Whether machine-operated or a fish spa massage, Changi Airport offers both for the weary traveller. Those yearning for a human touch can find manicures and pedicures at an Airport Wellness Oasis near Gate D on Level 2.
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Resting Areas
The resting areas are scattered across every terminal of the Changi airport for passengers looking to catch a quick forty winks.
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Splash Around In The Rooftop Pool
Located at Terminal 1 on Level 3, Changi Airport’s swimming pool boasts a view of the airport runway and parking bays, where hotel residents can order light refreshments at a poolside bar and get a suntan. Non-residents are required to pay a fee of $13.91 for the use of this deluxe pool.
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Greenery Within Changi Airport
Singapore is referred to as a ‘Garden City’, so is it any surprise that its very own airport is in abundance of gardens? The national flower deserves its very own garden.
Orchid Garden (Terminal 2 Level 2, Transit Area)
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Sunflower Garden (Terminal 2 Level 3, Transit Area)
Where better for a sunflower garden to be situated than above the airport’s long runways?
[caption id="attachment_241" align="aligncenter" width="844"]Cactus Garden (Terminal 1 Level 3, Transit Area)
Where intellectual thinkers go to do some hard thinking.
[caption id="attachment_242" align="aligncenter" width="940"]Butterfly Garden (Terminal 3 Level 2 and 3, Transit Area)
A beautiful home to hundreds of butterflies, where you’re likely to witness a birth of a butterfly if you’re patient enough.
[caption id="attachment_243" align="aligncenter" width="941"]Enchanted Garden (Terminal 2 Level 2, Transit Area)
A technogically-operated garden with LED lightings and motion sensors that’s giving natural gardens a run for its money.
- Peranakan Woodblock Rub
The Peranakan woodblock rub stations, located in Terminals 1 – 3 at the Changi Airport, is a remembrance to a popular artform in the early days of Singapore where artists used the technique to print text and images onto paper before the invention of modern print. You can make your own woodblock print with icons inspired by pop culture.
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Singapore’s Tallest Slide
‘The Slide’ is well, the not-so-witty name of a four storey tall tube in Terminal 3, apparently Singapore’s tallest slide according to Changi Airport themselves. A must-ride for the children and the young at heart, or if you’re just fed up with how slow the escalators are.
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Socialise At The Social Tree
At an airport this lavish, anyone would be brimming with urgency to document their experience. The Social Tree is an interactive structure made up of dozens of television sets and aluminium bars as its ‘trunk’, allowing visitors to capture pictures of themselves and store them as virtual memories via the eight interactive booths surrounding it. Unlike natural trees however, The Social Tree is closed 1am – 5am daily for maintenance purposes.
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Watch a movie in the Entertainment Deck (Terminal 2 Level 3, Transit Area)
Cinemas opened 24/7, decked out with the proper theatric sound systems, cushy seats, the whole works, all free-of-charge. If it was anywhere else, you would have to see it to believe it. You’ll find video gaming consoles too.
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Changi airport is almost an art museum in itself
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Bonus: A free city tour of Singapore
If you are a transit commuter, you can also register for a free two-hour tour with a selection between the Heritage Tour or a City Lights Tour. Tourists can choose to experience our cultural diversity at the streets of Little India or Chinatown, or if they’d rather, the Singapore Flyer, Esplanade and Gardens by the Bay. But with an airport this magnificent, why bother leaving for the city?
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