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If you’re married or in a relationship, keeping things fresh can be rather tricky. Even if you’re going on a first date with someone, you might want to avoid certain clichés in order to keep things interesting. Since Valentine’s Day is just around the corner (14 February), we’ve decided to help you by compiling a list of five places where you can have a romantic time without breaking the bank.
Camp and adventure
This first one is not a specific place, and may seem like an old idea. But if you’re the type who likes being out in nature, yet values privacy, camping is a viable option. East Coast Park, West Coast Park and Pasir Ris Park are all suitable spots. As long as you have proper camping equipment and sufficient food and drink, you’re all set to stay the night and catch the sunrise. You can also precede it with a romantic picnic – all you need is simple food such as sandwiches, and perhaps a bottle of wine, whatever tickles your fancy. To make things more fun, you can include activities such as cycling and skating. Downtown East, near Pasir Ris Park, is an excellent place to indulge your sporty side.
Pasir Ris Park.
Simple ingredients, great recipe
If you have simple tastes and would rather not do anything elaborate or fancy, dinner and drinks afterwards is a straightforward, low-stress plan. But instead of going for expensive V-Day packages at hotels and restaurants, why not check out lesser known but no less excellent places? Stuttgart Blackforest Boutique S-Café is one such example. Located at 141 Middle Road, it is at once impressive and inviting. Cozy but not cramped, the café serves mainly affordable German fare and has a wide selection of beers not commonly found in Singapore; their signature blackforest cake is a must-try. And if you want to head elsewhere for drinks, the many bars and pubs along Prinsep Street are but a short walk away. Call 6336 8675 for reservations, and visit www.scafe.com.sg to see their menu.
Signature blackforest cake. (Source: Stuttgart Blackforest Boutique S-Café Facebook page)
Feed your body…and your mind
Dinner and a movie may sound like a cliché, but what if you could watch a movie of your choice and have a meal inspired by its theme? At Screening Room at 12 Ann Siang Road, you can choose from tapas, burgers and charcoal-grilled dishes, and watch a film of your choice afterwards. The five-story venue, whose tagline is “where food meets film”, features two bars, a restaurant, a film theatre and a multi-function events studio where you can cozy up with your date while watching a film on one of the venue’s 12 screens (including one on its rooftop). Visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/screeningroom.sg for information on movie schedules and screening times, and call 6532 3357 or email info@screeningroom.com.sg for reservations.
Photo by Jason Adams. (Source: The Screening Room, Singapore, Facebook page)
Meals among wheels
If you have a penchant for cycling and all things vintage, Wheeler’s Yard at 28 Lorong Ampas is the place for you. Situated away from the city, the café has a laidback vibe and has a brunch and dinner menu featuring affordable burgers, pasta, snacks, soups and salads. Coffee, tea and juices are also available. At the same time, you can buy bike accessories, or rent bikes at an hourly rate for a romantic ride around the neighbourhood. Visit www.wheelersyard.com, or call 6254 9128 for enquiries; Wheeler’s Yard emphasis on spontaneity means it only entertains walk-ins, no reservations.
Wheeler’s Yard.
Naturally romantic
For a fuss-free, romantic evening that is also easy on the wallet, what better place than Henderson Waves? Part of the Southern Ridges, a nine-kilometre trail connecting parks along Singapore’s, well, southern ridges, the 274 metre-long Henderson Waves is 36 metres above Henderson Road, making it the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. The bridge connects Mount Faber Park and Telok Blangah Hill Park, and its unique wave-like design is composed of curved steel ribs dipping below and rising above its deck in an alternate fashion. This forms alcoves that are also sheltered seats, making it the perfect location for not just a relaxing stroll but also quiet moments of rest and privacy. The LED lamps that light the bridge from 7pm to 2am daily add to the romantic ambience of the bridge.
Night shot of Henderson Waves.
Article and images contributed by Cheryl Tay.
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