9 Unique And Romantic Date Ideas That Will Have You Falling In Love All Over Again
If you’re in a relationship, you’ll most likely have heard your significant other (SO) ask this dreaded question plenty of times, “What to do next weekend?” After all, good date ideas are few and far between.
Sure, with many popular attractions like the Singapore Zoo and Universal Studios Singapore, it seems like Singapore is a never-ending city of fun. But what happens when you do exhaust that date ideas list of ‘Best places couples can go on a date’?
With this article, we’ll bring you date ideas that will make you go, ‘Why didn’t I think of that before?” Here are 9 that will surely up you and your SO’s street cred.
1. Arteastiq
I have art… I have tea… Ugh… Arteastiq! (Sorry, we just had to.)
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Image Credit: Working With Grace[/caption]
This place is a paradise for those who have a passion for both the arts and food. With free canvases, unlimited art supplies and a free drink courtesy of 
Image Credit: Arteastiq[/caption]
Arteastiq has a one-for-one deal on Monday for couples, so you should probably take advantage of that.
It’s totally killing two birds with one stone because you can chase those Monday blues away.
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Image Credit: Arteastiq[/caption]
Trade away your teh-si and kaya toast for one day and enjoy some high tea.
Arteastiq
Mandarin Gallery, #04-14/15
Weekday, 11am – 10:30pm; weekend, 10am – 10:30pm
6235 8705
Plaza Singapura, #03-70/72
Daily, 10am – 10pm
6336 0952
2. Kayak
Escape the concrete jungle for a real jungle!
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Image Credit: Asian Detours[/caption]
If you’re a stranger to kayaking, you need not worry. At [email protected]
3. Stargaze
If you’ve heard or even used the line, “I see stars in your eyes” then you’ll want to come here.
At the 
Image Credit: Scrobbers
These sessions, called Night Sky Ramblings are free. The activity takes place every Friday from 7.45pm to 10pm. The Science Centre also offers free solar observations if that’s your kinda activity.
Depending on the month you go, you might be able to see Jupiter, Mars, Saturn and Venus.
So why not pop over on a Friday night and gaze at something besides your SO’s eyes for once?
Stargazing @ Science Centre
From now – 18 Nov 2016; From 1 Jan 2017 onwards
Every Friday, from 7:45pm – 10pm
The Observatory at the Omni-Theatre building
Solar Observation @ Science Centre
22 Nov 2016 – 30 Dec 2016
Every Tuesday and Friday, from 10am – 12pm
The Observatory at the Omni-Theatre building
Website 
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Though these dive spots are no Great Barrier Reefs, there is no shortage of beautiful sea creatures like the Fan-bellied Leatherjacket and the Ocellated Pipefish.
At Look! I found Nemo! OrpheusDive Also, read 6 Absolutely Beautiful Spots In Singapore That You Can Actually Dive In It’s like cafe-hopping, but with islands. And yes, in Singapore too! Did you know that Singapore is actually part of an archipelago? Singapore is made up of 63 islands with both natural and artificial islands. Well-known islands include Sisters island, Kusu island and St Johns island. Some of these islands are accessible by boat and will make for a nice relaxing day trip. However, pack your own food as most of them don’t have food places. An excuse to have a nice romantic picnic! There are also lagoons around some of the islands where you and your date can take a dip and chill. If your date wants to you to bring them overseas, bring them here! I mean it is over the seas right? Also, read Singapore’s 63 Islands! Here Are 6 Islands You Can Visit To Get Away From The Crowd Not dinosaurs obviously. What were you thinking? You’ve heard of the famous goat farm and alligator farms but a turtle/tortoise museum? At this museum, you’ll be able to learn all about these ancient creatures and also, have a hand at feeding them. Look out for rare creatures like the matamata (No, not the police!) and the snake headed turtle. The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum Ever experienced a blackout and had to eat in the dark? Well, at The restaurant is located at Beach Road and is reservation only so make sure you call before you head over. Nox – Dine in the Dark Old but gold. Nothing beats feeling the wind while cycling down a slope. There’s also no other feeling like hanging out with your love. Combine the two together and you have a nice cycling date in one of Singapore’s most popular islands. You can even try the coconuts from the famous Pulua Ubin ah ma. Or head down to the quarry – a piece of Singapore’s past and check out the scenery at the same time! Take a break from hunting Pokémon and explore animals like boars and tide creatures at the nearby Chek Jawa. Wearing matching clothes isn’t the ‘hip’ thing anymore – smelling like each other is the new black! At Je taime, you’ll be able to blend all kinds of fragrance ingredients to create your very own scent. Both you and your partner will be required to take a personality quiz to determine the right kinds of scent for you. Or you could always go with your imagination and mix away! Feels kind of like a science experiment but with a ton of nice smelling chemicals, no? When you’re done with your concoction, you’ll probably be like this: We know it’s difficult to plan a really good date so we’ve taken the initiative to help you out. You’ll thank us one day when everyone starts commenting on those Instagram photos with #relationshipgoals! Header Image Source: Huffington Post Also, read 6 Romantic & Secluded High-Tea Spots That Your Date Will Surely Approve Of!
Image Credit: KT Tan[/caption]
16 Zion Road, Singapore 247733
6887 3631
Monday to Friday, 12pm to 8pm; Saturday & Sunday, 12pm to 6pm5. Island hop
Source: The Smart Local[/caption]
Source: The Smart Local[/caption]
6. Feed some prehistoric creatures
Image Credit: The Wacky Duo[/caption]
Image Credit: Trip Advisor[/caption]
1 Chinese Garden Road, Singapore 619795
6268 5363
Daily, 9am – 6pm
Image Credit: Nox[/caption]
Image Credit: Nox[/caption]
269 Beach Road Singapore 199546
Monday to Friday, 6pm to late; Saturday, 5pm to late; Sunday, 5pm to 11pm
6298 07088. Cycling in Pulau Ubin
Image Credit: Viator[/caption]
9. Custom make your very own perfume
Image Credit: Minorinc[/caption]
Image Credit: Trip Advisor[/caption]
6 Absolutely Beautiful Spots In Singapore That You Can Actually Dive In!
Surprising to many, Singapore is not just a stopover for feasting and shopping. Do you know what we also have a range of diving sites? You probably thought that we have no marine life at all, but our research has proved us wrong!
It doesn’t matter whether you are a seasoned or novice diver, check out our list of diving sites in Singapore. Get your game on for your next adventure!
1. Sisters’ Island Marine Park
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Image credit: islandcruise.com.sg[/caption]
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Image credit: sistersislandmarinepark.blogspot.sg[/caption]
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Opened to the public recently, scuba divers are now able to register to explore the underwater trails at the Sisters’ Island Marine Park. A wide range of marine life has actually been found in the waters and NParks has developed a first dive trial. It’s located at Pulau Subar Laut or the Big Sister’s Island. Divers have spotted huge seafans and many seawhips along the dive trail.
How to get there: Check out the Dive Trail schedule by NParks here.
2. Pulau Hantu
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Image credit: WaikikiDive[/caption]
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A 30-minute boat ride from Singapore, Pulau Hantu is a popular diving site for local recreational divers due to its accessibility and sheltered reefs. Pulau Hantu is made up of 2 islands, Hantu Besar and Hantu Kecil. Visitors are able to walk between the islands during its low tide season.
Although Pulau Hantu is located in close vicinity to the Pulau Bukom’s refineries, divers are able to spot rich marine life and reef collection. The high density of divers has led to some coral damage. However, it is still the best and nearest spot for diving in Singapore.
How to get there: Join one of the many dive groups that organise regular trips to Pulau Hantu.
3. Kusu Island
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Image credit: flickr[/caption]
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Unlike Pulau Hantu, the reefs of Kusu Island are not as well known to recreational divers. This island is great for divers looking for a less crowded setting. Located just 5.6km from Singapore, Kusu Island houses a 8.5 hectare holiday resort. The island is home to one of the highest densities of anemones and anemonefishes known in Singapore!
How to get there: Ferries depart daily from Marina South Pier. Prices for a two-way trip are fixed at $18 for adults and $12 for children aged 1 to 12 years old.
4. Pulau Salu
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Image credit: colorclouds.blogspot.sg[/caption]
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Image credit: colorclouds.blogspot.sg[/caption]
Pulau Salu is a small island located to the South of Jurong Island. The coast consists of many coral formations and is a popular spot for scuba diving. Divers would be able to see sharks, barracudas and even dolphins if you’re really lucky. However, currents here can be quite strong thus you must be an experienced diver.
How to get there: There are no scheduled ferries to the island. Charter your own private boat or join dive groups that organise trips to Pulau Salu.
5. Pulau Jong
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Being a tiny island, one would not expect Pulau Jong’s waters to be filled with rich marine life and reefs. Black-tip sharks and schools of parrotfishes which are rarely seen on our reefs in Singapore are often spotted in Pulau Jong. Recently, pipefish has also been found there. It’s a new sighting and record for Singapore’s waters.
Due to its location and size, Pulau Jong’s reefs can experience strong and tricky currents of up to 3 knots. There may also be choppy waters in bad weather conditions during the monsoon season. Do check the weather before heading out to dive in Pulau Jong.
How to get there: There are no scheduled ferries to the island. Charter your own private boat or join dive groups that organise trips to Pulau Jong.
6. Labrador Reef
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Image credit: labradorpark.wordpress.com[/caption]
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Image credit: wildshores.blogspot.sg[/caption]
Labrador Reef remains as our last stretch of coral reefs on the mainland. This spot is a popular destination for students, nature lovers and recreational divers who want to explore a natural shore. Even at high tide, interesting marine life is spotted here.
As Labrador is a Nature Reserve, diving there requires the prior permission of NParks. Under NParks regulations, dives are allowed at Labrador reef, but dive trainings are not to be conducted.
How to get there: Labrador Reef is located South of the mainland island.
Nothing beats the thrill of diving in our very own Singapore waters! Call all your diving kakis and make a trip down to one of these islands. They’ll definitely amaze you!
(Header image by WaikikiDive)
Also, read There Are Wild Dolphins In Singapore’s Waters? We Did The Research & Uncovered The Spots.
Free Diving In Singapore – How Long Can You Hold Your Breath Underwater?
A “free” diving course? This sounds too good to be true – and it is. The “free” in free diving (or freediving) actually refers to diving without standard scuba gear. Instead of having an oxygen tank strapped to your back, free divers simply hold their breaths and explore the depths of the ocean with minimal equipment! Yes, it is actually possible!
One of our writers checked it out! Here is his experience:
This “minimal diving” concept appealed to the practical and penny-pinching side of me: diving with less scuba gear would mean that I get to save on equipment rental! While there might be some incentive in this, it was definitely not the main motivating factor that pushed me to try this elusive (and borderline sceptical) sport.
Free Diving v.s. Yoga
It was my love for yoga – not the vast blue ocean or a burning passion for diving – that drew me to this sport. As I began to read up more on free diving, I became increasingly fascinated by the parallels between the two disciplines.
For example, proper breathing techniques are fundamental in both yoga and free diving. Body awareness is something yogis are always striving to improve on. This is also equally important to free divers who need to relax their muscles and hold their breaths underwater for a long period of time.
I would say that certain parts of my freediving experience were extremely similar to meditation in yoga.
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Convinced that this sport has sufficiently piqued my interest, I signed up for a free diving course with Sitting through a lecture on safety procedures and free diving theories gave me shuddering flashbacks of my university days (just kidding). But it was interesting to learn more about the history of free diving. It was first practised by people who engaged in spearfishing!
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While I did enjoy this almost meditative part of free diving, my buddy, a water polo player, did not share the same sentiments.
“Wah lao, this must be the only sport where you can get good from doing nothing,” he had said. Although he does have a valid point, a lot of what we do goes on internally.
When I was underwater, I felt like I had a heightened awareness of my body as I actively tried to relax every muscle. When the urge to surface for air intensified, I willed myself to refrain from surfacing, training my underwater resistance.
Dynamic Apnea
The aim of Dynamic Apnea is to swim as far as we can in a single breath. Though I did perform slightly better than my buddy at Static Apnea (his timing was about 2 min 40 secs), he beat me hands down at Dynamic Apnea.
My buddy managed to swim 50m on his first try while I barely made it to the 30m mark. Although the activity was still primarily on breath-holding, I found it significantly harder than Static Apnea.
For one, I had difficulty controlling my buoyancy. I was either constantly hitting the floor of the pool, or bobbing up to the surface. As I swam deeper down the pool, the pressure build-up in my ears also began to hinder my movement.
Gradually, with some help from my instructor Bernard, I managed to overcome these obstacles and swam 50m by my final try.
Freediving in Open Waters
Though I did not get to dive in open waters on this half day course, I appreciated that we were able to undergo basic free diving training in a safe and controlled pool environment. I doubt I would push myself as hard or remained calm enough to work on my breathing techniques if we were to undergo training in choppy, open waters.
Now that I have completed the beginner course, I am more than ready to head out to the ocean and descend 15m underwater without any bulky scuba gear.
What a liberating experience it will be! Free diving may seem daunting at first, but it is definitely an activity that will push you out of your comfort zone. It also rewards you with a surreal underwater experience.
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Bounce Your Way To A Stronger Core And Toned Muscles – Trust Us, It’s SUPER Fun
