1 CULTURE VULTURE
What: Art might be the way to a date's heart. Put yourself in the frame with a wallet-friendly stroll around the Singapore Art Museum - Friday nights are free.
Check out temporary exhibitions such as Is It Tomorrow Yet, featuring modernist art works from the Daimler art collection; or the Korean Contemporary Art Show of over 40 works from 12 contemporary artists.
Where: Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Road
How much: Free admission on Friday nights, 6 to 9pm
2 DO SOME GOOD
What: Show a potential mate your kind and caring side - volunteer to do some community work.
It could be as simple as picking up trash at a beach or a long-term commitment such as giving tuition to needy kids.
An online service by the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre called eMatch helps you hook up with the best fit.
Where: eMatch at http://www.nvpc.org.sg/pgm/eMatch/NVPC_F_eMatch_Default.aspx
How much: Free, though the warm, fuzzy feeling you get is priceless
3 VIEW TO A THRILL
What: You, the view and a beau or belle. The Marina Barrage is to Singapore what the River Seine is to Paris. The barrage, which separates sea water from fresh water, is where the Singapore and Kallang rivers meet the sea. The best views are from the the roof of the main building, which is covered with a lawn that is perfect for a romantic picnic.
Where: Marina Barrage, at Marina Channel
How much: Free, excluding picnic fare
4 DANCE AND MINGLE
What: The Social Development Unit (SDU) is hailing this event next Saturday, which it is co-sponsoring with Safra, as the Largest Singles' Party of the Year. There will be ice-breakers such as party games and free Bacardi Breezer and Rum drinks from 8 to 10pm. What a mix.
Where: St James Power House, Dec 20, 8 to 11pm
How much: $10 per person, $16 for two, $22 for three (rates for SDU members); $12 per person for non-members. Register by e-mailing [email protected] with your name, NRIC, SDU/SDS membership number, e-mail address and contact number by next Wednesday
5 LEARN SOMETHING NEW
What: Enrich the time you spend together by going for a lifestyle class. With the large variety available - from cooking and yoga to something a little less practical, such as yo-yo lessons - you are sure to find something that tickles both your fancies.
Where: A good starting point is the Lifeskills & Lifestyle section of the People's Association website at http://www.lifeskillslifestyle.org.sg/modernliving/index.htm
How much: From $5 for an elementary hour-long hairstyling course to $157 for a three-hour ceramic art workshop
6 BE ENTERTAINING
What: Creative is sexy - show you are hip to what's happening and support the local theatre scene at the same time by rocking up to a holiday show, dance or music performance.
Highlights include The Nutcracker ballet by the Singapore Dance Theatre, Another Crazy Christmas! musical by Dream Academy and A Jazzy Christmas - Noel Samba Bossa Nova by the King of Swing Jeremy Monteiro and a group of jazz singers.
Where: Tickets from www.sistic.com.sg or call 6348-5555
How much: Tickets from $11 for the cheapest seats to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra's Christmas Concert, to $138 for the most expensive seats to The Nutcracker
7 TAKE A SPIN
What: Love is in the air - or it might be if you take your date for a spin on the Singapore Flyer. The festive season's Christmas lights make the cityscape especially romantic.
Make it more magical with the Moet & Chandon Champagne Flight, where you can sip bubbly and nibble strawberries and chocolates.
Where: Singapore Flyer, 30 Raffles Avenue, 8.30am to 10.30pm daily
How much: $69 per person for the Champagne Flight or $29.50 each without the bubbly.
Advance booking at http://www.singaporeflyer.com/en/tickets-gift-vouchers/index.php. Same-day tickets can be bought at the Singapore Flyer ticketing counter
8 DINE IN THE SKY
What: At last, time alone together. That is what you get if you opt for a two-hour, three-course gourmet meal in a cable car as it traverses the Cable Car Towers, Sentosa and The Jewel Box at Mount Faber.
Where: Make reservations at http://www.mountfaber.com.sg or call 6377-9688 for more information
How much: $198 per couple
9 LET'S GO COUNTRY
What: Get back to nature without leaving the country in Kranji. Pick up potted plants at Nyee Phoe Flower Garden, then grab some healthy fare at the nearby Poison Ivy Bistro at Bollywood Veggies Organic Farm.
If you are too tired to trek back to the city, check into the D'Kranji Farm Resort, which has 19 farmstay villas and a fruit plantation, herb garden, seafood restaurant and spa.
Where: Nyee Phoe Flower Garden, 240 Neo Tiew Crescent, tel: 6793-6500; Bollywood Veggies Organic Farm, 100 Neo Tiew Crescent, tel: 6898-5001; D'Kranji Farm Resort, 10 Neo Tiew Lane 2, tel: 6862-9717
How much: Free admission to Nyee Phoe Flower Garden and Poison Ivy Bistro; $2 admission to Bollywood Veggies Organic Farm; from $250 a night for a villa at D'Kranji Farm Resort
10 SAIL THE SEAS
What: Charter a private yacht for a nice nautical experience. These chartered vessels come with their own crew, so all you need to do is lie on the deck and rub sunblock on your date. Enjoy a leisurely cruise to nowhere or dock at the Southern Islands. Alternatively, Italian restaurant Il Lido offers lunch or dinner cruises.
Where: Lifestyle Adventures Asia, tel:6405-7585; Il Lido, e-mail [email protected] or call 6866-1977
How much: From $1,400 for a four-hour cruise with Lifestyle Adventures Asia or from $2,400 for Il Lido's yacht
This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Dec 12, 2008.
