Date Night Activities in Singapore

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Published: July 18, 2024
Young couple taking a selfie on a date in Singapore

The sheer variety of activities in Singapore makes it an ideal choice for romantics in search of the perfect date night. This diminutive diamond-shaped island is full of heart – and that’s not all. Stunning gardens, world-class spas, hipper-than-thou indie cinemas, swoonsome sunsets and stunning street food are just some of our ideas for date night activities in Singapore (though admittedly you may want to avoid leaning in for a cheeky smooch too soon after that plateful of chili crab). Swipe right for our pick of the most romantic nights out in town, including:

  • A Singapore sightseeing river cruise
  • Cocktails at the iconic Raffles Hotel
  • Couples’ massage at the Banyan Tree Spa
  • Traditional tea for two
  • The best steamboats and hotpots in town
  • Sunsets to make you swoon!

Go on a Singapore River Cruise

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Nothing says romance quite like bobbing gently along the river on a cute Singapore bumboat – stop sniggering at the back please! Take to the water with your boo on a sightseeing cruise that ticks off a number of the city’s bucket-list attractions, including Marina Bay Sands, the Old Parliament House and the legendary Raffles hotel. Cruises run well into the evening, so hopeless romantics can catch the golden hour as the sky turns flamingo pink and burnt orange at sunset and lights twinkle on across town.

Sip a Singapore Sling at Raffles

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A Singapore institution of some 135 years standing, the colonial-style Raffles Hotel has hosted a who’s who of glamorous household names down the years: Elizabeth Taylor, Charlie Chaplin, Christian Louboutin, Rudyard Kipling and even Queen Elizabeth II, to name-drop a few. In other words, you’re in pretty good company. The hotel’s signature Singapore Sling, that punchy tropical cocktail of cherry brandy, gin, grenadine, pineapple lime and bitters, was invented right here in 1915. Toast your date with one (or two) on a romantic date in the hotel’s legendary Long Bar.

Soothe your Soul at the Banyan Tree Spa

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Singapore date night activities don’t come much better than this: a pampering experience par excellence at the top of the Marina Bay Sands Resort. Here, 55 stories up in the Banyan Tree Spa, couples can surrender themselves to complete serenity thanks to an extensive menu of Balinese, Thai and Oriental massage complemented by fresh fruit, soothing pots of jasmine tea and sky-high views of the bay and Singapore skyline.

Get Hot and Steamy over Dinner

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If you’ve been to Singapore and haven’t tried hotpot, have you really been to Singapore? Also known as steamboat, these boiling broths are served with a variety of thinly sliced meats, fish and vegetables for dipping and sharing at your table. You’ll find all sorts of broths out there, from spicy Sichuan to – for the bold gourmand only – stinky tofu. Dip ingredients including marinated wagyu beef, freshly caught shrimp, pickled cabbage and smoky shiitake mushrooms for the win. A steamy evening is guaranteed.

Tea for Two

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That Queen Elizabeth sure got around, didn’t she? Not content with drinking the bar dry at Raffles, here she is again at Tea Chapter, a celebrated Singapore tea house she visited for a spot of Imperial Golden Cassia with hubby Phil back in 1989. Treat your queen (or king) to a date to remember in this lovingly converted three-storey pre-war shophouse, a zen haven of ornate Chinese architecture where you too can indulge in a tea appreciation ceremony. Rest assured that the blends you’ll sample will also be made using tea leaves that are – quite literally – fit for a queen.

Date Night at the Movies

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Singapore isn’t short of great movie theaters, with options for catching all the latest Hollywood blockbusters or – if Scarlet Johansson and The Rock don’t float your boat – cool arthouse cinemas for the in-the-know in-crowd. The huge GVMax screen (once the biggest in Asia, fact fans) at the Golden Village VivoCity multiplex is a good bet for the hottest new releases. Head to Projector X: Riverside for under-the-radar indie flicks paired with cool cocktails or to the futuristic ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands where a curated selection of arthouse films, documentaries and Hollywood classics is screened in its state-of-the-art cinema. Now, pass the popcorn.

Go Wild on a Night Safari

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You may find yourself playing third wheel when your boo falls for the Night Safari’s Sunda pangolin, a super-cute crepuscular critter that seems engineered to steal the heart of anyone who lays eyes on it. Operated by the same group that runs the wildly popular Singapore Zoo, this fun nighttime experience is the first of its kind to be 100% devoted to nocturnal animals. Step inside the 86-acre reserve and wander its zones (or hop on the complimentary tram) to spot Malaysian tapirs, Asian elephants, white African lions and more as they go about their nightly business.

Make a Dinner Date with a Difference

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If dinner with a view doesn’t quite set your date’s heart aflutter, these sky-high dining experiences just might. Soaring to a dizzying 541 feet, the Singapore Flyer is one of the planet’s tallest observation wheels with showstopping views of the bright lights of Singapore and Sentosa. Two rotations of the wheel is just enough time for a private dinner in your pod with a glass of champagne and, who knows, maybe even a proposal of marriage. Equally fun is dinner and drinks on board a private cable car across the bay as you and your partner fall in love all over again on the ride from Singapore to Sentosa. Again, two rotations ensure there’s no need to rush dessert.

Watch the Sunset Together

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Trying to identify the best sunset spot in Singapore is like attempting to find the best chili crab in town, i.e. near impossible – there are just so many great places to choose from! Our pick? Head for Marina Barrage next to the Gardens by the Bay. Here, not only can you watch the extraordinary free nightly light show in Supertree Grove thanks to those panoramic 360-degree views, you can also catch some of the most spectacular technicolor sunset views in town. Take a picnic blanket, a bottle of bubbly and some fresh passion fruit with you and that perfect Singapore date night is all but guaranteed.

Save on date night activities in Singapore

Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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What to do in Singapore in October

Singapore in October? Really? It’s certainly true that pre-monsoon October sees more rain than the months of June to September. Heavy showers generally break in the afternoon, clearing streets for an hour or two, along with the worst of the city’s humidity. However, the mix of indoor and outdoor attractions means you won’t ever be short of things to do in Singapore in October. Plus, reduced traveler demand promises a great value stay. Add to this a packed program of events, and you’ll soon realize that the off-season is anything but. October in Singapore? Absolutely yes! Here’s why... Fascinating cultural events Thankfully, Singapore’s October rain doesn’t put a stop to any of the city’s cultural events. Foremost among them is the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. Spanning more than a week, it’s celebrated by Taoists. It begins at East Coast Park, where adherents ritually wash religious artefacts housed in Charn Mao Hern Kiu Huang Keng Temple. They are accompanied by the sound of gongs, and flowing movement of lion dancers. Rather different is Singapore’s Fall Fashion Week, an annual celebration of all things couture at the end of October. It’s where Asia’s major fashion houses first show their latest collections to the public. Events take place in malls across the city. The end of October is also marked by Halloween, an event which has taken Singapore by storm. Many top attractions take on a spooky air. Look out for ghost ships sailing the waters around Sentosa. Other scary takes include nightclubs draped in cobwebs and costume balls to die for. Finally, there’s Oktoberfest. It’s a long way from the festival’s traditional home in Munich, but great fun nonetheless. An increasing number of bars, restaurants, and hotels are getting involved with special menus and deals. But you shouldn’t forget about Singapore’s home-grown beer either. A Tiger Brewery Tour takes visitors behind the scenes of a lager available in 60 countries. That’s despite none of the main ingredients being native to the island! Top outdoor attractions Mornings tend to be the best time to head outside in Singapore in October. The risk of a rain shower is minimal, and the humidity is yet to build. Mornings therefore provide the perfect opportunity for exploring Singapore’s multitude of outdoor attractions. Head to tranquil Pulau Ubin island for an activity not usually associated with big cities – kayaking. Known for its traditional way of life, Pulau Ubin is rich in flora and fauna. It even boasts some of Singapore’s last remaining mangrove forest. What better way to explore them but by bobbing in the waves on a kayak? Although true flight is out of reach, SkyHelix Sentosa offers the next best thing. Singapore’s highest open-air panoramic ride, its gondolas reach almost 80 meters above the ground. As you might imagine, the resulting vistas are incredible, stretching from the Southern Islands to Keppel Bay. And if you time it right, the sunsets are amazing. Alternatively, take advantage of the dry weather to head to the open top deck of a Big Bus Singapore. Its two routes connect the Downtown area’s most iconic landmarks. The added commentary helps peel back layer after layer of history. Indoor attractions not to miss They may provide a handy escape from a shower, but Singapore’s best indoor attractions are worth visiting whatever the weather. Take the Asian Civilizations Museum. Its galleries are packed with artifacts. They span themes from Islamic art to the religions of India. It’s the remnants of the Tang shipwreck which form the highlight for many. Dating to AD 830, its hold was packed with 60,000 items, largely beautifully decorated pieces of blue and white porcelain. Staying beneath the waves, S.E.A Aquarium provides a home for 100,000 animals. They belong to around 1,000 species from 50 habitats, from manta rays to clown fish. Meanwhile, the dedicated Shark Seas Habitat has no less than 200 brooding predators, including silvertip, lemon, and hammerhead sharks. If it’s celebrities rather than sharks you’re keen to encounter, head to Madame Tussauds Singapore. The world-famous museum contains waxworks of the great and the good, from Jackie Chan to Taylor Swift. In addition, ticket holders get to enjoy the actor-led Images of Singapore show, Singapore’s only indoor boat ride, and the Marvel 4D Experience. Unforgettable evenings in Singapore in October The Gardens by the Bay complex is incredible at any time of day. Thanks to its two massive glasshouses – the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest – it’s also magical come rain or shine. And its out of this world Supertree Grove has to be seen to be believed. Each evening, the gardens pile joy on joy with the Garden Rhapsody show. This light and sound extravaganza has a different theme each month. It takes place at 7:45 and 8:45PM each night and is free to attend. Singapore’s hawker centers are another evening stop worth adding to your itinerary. Forget any ideas you might have of dodgy watches or third-rate kitchen utensils. Singapore’s hawkers are sublime chefs serving up great value, great tasting dishes. So grab a seat at a communal table and share a meal with some of the people who call Singapore home. Alternatively, find many of Singapore’s more exotic residents at Night Safari. The first nocturnal zoo anywhere in the world, it gives a glimpse into the life of creatures usually not seen. Using state of the art lighting which mimics moonlight, it has four zones. Their diversity means visitors have the chance to admire everything from Asian elephants to highly endangered Sunda pangolins. And we say that’s well worth staying up for! Why you should visit Singapore in October There’s Singapore’s October events. Plus, the city’s amazing pick of indoor and outdoor attractions. And despite what you might hear, the October weather in Singapore is very agreeable for exploring too. Then there’s off-season airfares to look forward to too. For even better value in Singapore in October, be sure to check out Go City’s All-Inclusive and Explorer passes. They’ve been specially designed to give you reduced price entry to many of Singapore’s top attractions. That’s Go City, helping your money go further!
Alex Birungi
Wide view - green and pink blossom of trumpet trees with row of skyscrapers on horizon
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Singapore in March

You must have seen the Merlion - half lion, half fish - the symbol of Singapore? Created in 1964 to represent the city’s growth (from a humble fishing village to a powerful beast), its constant spout of water represents good luck and prosperity. Happily it’s your good luck to visit Singapore in March! With children busy at school the world over, it’s a great time to take advantage of affordable fares and enjoy an adult break. Why is March the best time to visit Singapore? Here’s why, including... • Weather in March in Singapore • Cherry blossom in Singapore • Singapore Jazz festival • St Patrick’s Day in Singapore • Adult activities in Singapore • Outdoor activities in Singapore March weather in Singapore Early spring in Singapore is perhaps the best time for sight-seeing. As the north-east monsoon peters out and temperatures start to climb, March sees the least amount of rain, the lowest humidity and the most sunshine. Pleasant dry weather - without the extreme heat and humidity of summer? And less crowds too? It’s a win all round. Sakura Matsuri at Gardens by the Bay If you hanker for Hanami (the traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers), visit Singapore in March to experience the unforgettable sight of the Sakura Matsuri Floral Display. In Japan, cherry blossom (Sakura) has long been a national obsession, representing renewal - but also symbolic of the fleeting nature of life - and attracting both locals and tourists to witness the beauty of the delicate blooms. In recent years however, more and more visitors have also flocked to Singapore where the heavy rains of the preceding month and the springtime heat bring about the perfect conditions for blossom to bloom. The refreshing pink blooms of the local trumpet trees line the roads and everywhere else. But for the main event and the most Insta-worthy photo opportunities, don’t miss the magical displays at the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay. Catch cherry and peach blossoms in mankai condition (that’s full bloom!) and be entranced by the canopy of picture-perfect pink and white blooms that drift down in perfect pastel clouds. For lovers of Japanese culture the exhibition goes all out, with a host of other traditional displays. Pose for photos by majestic red torrii gates and alongside cute Tokidoki cartoon characters. Be wowed by wagasa (colourful umbrella displays). And ensure your shots are framed by perfectly placed marumado (traditional circular windows). Remember that’s all in addition to the breathtaking displays in the Cloud Forest and Floral Fantasy areas, so you’re guaranteed a fabulous day, fuelled by flower power! Singapore Jazz festival From bloomers to crooners, the annual International Jazz Festival (otherwise known as ‘SingJazz’) is another reason to visit Singapore in March. But whatever you dooby-dooby-do, don’t be put off by the title, as in recent years Marina Bay Sands has played host to world-renowned artists from all sorts of genres - hip-hop-jazz, acid-jazz, soul-funk, reggae - and more. Groove on down for three nights of al-fresco entertainment and, whilst you’re about it, take time to kick back at one of the best rooftop bars in Singapore. Live life like a celebrity at the luxurious CÉ LA VI Skybar, where an All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass from Go City lets you savour a complimentary drink along with sweeping views from the 57th floor. St Patrick’s Day in Singapore Singapore’s inclusive multi-cultural community means there’s always a different festival or holiday to celebrate and the Irish national day on March 17th is no exception, with enthusiastic ex-pat pub-crawls and a colourful parade (led by an inexplicably non-Irish convoy of Harley-Davidsons!) If you’ve the luck of the Leprechauns you might be around to enjoy the two-day St Patrick’s Day Street Festival held on the streets of Boat Quay. Wear green (even the Singapore River is dyed green for the occasion) and get ready for folk music, Irish dancing and hearty Irish stews washed down with gallons of Guinness. If that’s given you a taste for the hard stuff - or you’re simply taking advantage of a grown-up vacation - don’t stop at the black gold (as Guinness is often known). Singapore is also famous as the home of Tiger Beer, the golden draught served in over 60 countries.You can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Tiger Brewery and learn the secrets of the production process which involves 200 quality checks. Then try your hand at pouring the perfect pint before tasting complimentary locally-brewed beers at a beer appreciation session in the Tiger Tavern. If you’re feeling really sophisticated, what could be classier than sipping on a ‘Singapore Sling’ in the bar where it was invented? Clink cocktails in the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel, or sashay out to the lushly-landscaped courtyard of the Raffles Arcade. The iconic gin-based cocktail (which also includes cherry brandy and Benedictine) was created by Mr Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender at the Raffles Hotel, back in 1915, but, over 100 years later, you can still enjoy the same standards of service, stunning surroundings and drinks to die for. Chin chin! A J Hackett Sentosa Giant Swing It may be that you need some of that Dutch courage for one of the best adult activities in Singapore - the AJ Hackett Skypark. Back in the 80s New Zealander AJ Hackett recreated a Pentecost Island ritual where islanders threw themselves off wooden platforms with a vine tied to their ankle and, after he shot to fame jumping off the Eiffel tower, bungy-jumping was born. You can bungy jump in Singapore too if you dare - or (for over-14s and not for the faint of heart) pick up a ticket for the AJ Hackett Sentosa Giant Swing. Strap in safely then swoop, screaming, towards Silosa Beach at 120km/h. To get your breath back, soak in the scenery and snap some selfies, as you stroll the 40km walkway of the Skybridge, with see-through sections to get your heart racing all over again. Outdoor activities in Singapore Its location right on the equator means it's often so hot and humid in Singapore that during the summer months any prolonged activity outdoors can feel like hard work. Which is why comparatively mild March is a great time to get out to see and do. Puzzle Hunt Singapore A Puzzle Hunt activity is one easy way to discover different parts of the city whilst having fun at the same time. Whether you take on the challenge as a couple, a group or a family, it’s an immersive combination of ‘choose your own world’ role play and outdoor escape room, where the outcome of the adventure depends on the choices you make along the way. Puzzle Hunt in Chinatown will see you scouring the streets for clues, whilst learning about Chinatown’s history, heritage and hawker culture (the 260 stalls in the Chinatown Complex Food Centre combine community with unmissable culinary treats.) There are different brainteasers to battle when you Ransack Little India, searching for a hidden treasure chest whilst discovering the area’s unique landmarks. Or, maybe you’ll choose to look and learn amongst the sprawling lawns and nine gardens of Fort Canning Park, with a military themed Ransack Fort Canning puzzle experience. Wherever you choose to explore, you’ll see the sights whilst finding out fascinating facts at your own pace and claim a prize at the end. What are you waiting for? Nature Kayaking at Pulau Ubin If you’re looking for a respite from the city’s hustle and love to get back to nature, another classic Singapore experience to pull in before the humidity hits is a kayak tour of Pulau Ubin. Just a 15 minute bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, this verdant island off Singapore’s northeast coast feels like half a world away and is one of only two remaining kampongs (traditional villages) in Singapore. Embrace the tranquility of the open water as you paddle past a natural paradise of lush greenery and thriving mangroves, looking out for kingfishers, herons, otters and more flora and fauna. Explore the coast and the island’s mangroves over a four-hour adventure towards Ketam Island. On land, for the adventurous, hiking and mountain bike trails criss cross the island. Maybe you’ll visit the weathered temples and shrines, or simply relax in the peaceful coastal surroundings. Remember there are no ATMs so take along enough money to rent a bike, enjoy a traditional meal, or quench your thirst with a coconut. Bliss. We hope you’ve enjoyed our whistle-stop tour of just some of the sights and sounds that await you in Singapore in March - and all year round. To make sightseeing easier, why not download the Go City app to keep track of all your adventures? Happy travels!
Jo Cooke
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