Café-hopping, movie-watching, window-shopping – these are some of the more common activities Singapore dating couples indulge in. If you’re looking for unique date ideas in Singapore, here are some that are inspired by the heartland!

For the Nature Lovin’ Duo

Enjoy the outdoors? There is a number of parks and trails nestled in HDB estates that are perfect for your date. These include green spaces such as Ang Mo Kio Town Garden West, Coney Island located near Punggol and Bukit Batok Town Park (Little Guilin).

Take a journey to the West and check out the Rifle Range Nature Park! Located south of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, this green space is home to the Gilders Boardwalk (411m), an elevated and barrier-free boardwalk, and the Colugo Trail (582m) for panoramic views of the park. For adventurous couples, Rifle Range Nature Park also features the Banyan Trail (647m) and Gaharu Trail (842m) that promise a more rustic experience.

In addition to Rifle Range Nature Park, Bukit Panjang is also home to Chestnut Nature Park. At 81 hectares, this nature park is Singapore’s largest to date. From hiking to birdwatching and even mountain biking, the park is the perfect for your outdoor date ideas!

There are two main hiking trails to choose from – the Northern Hiking Trail (3.5km) and the Southern Hiking Trail (2.1km). The former consists of more forested trails located next to water streams while the latter offers hilly walks that eventually lead to open lalang fields.

Venture a little out west, and visit Jurong Lake Gardens! The Jurong Lake area, including the Gardens, was comprehensively revamped under the Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) programme.

From Singapore’s largest nature heartland play garden (Forest Rumble) to a boardwalk experience through the freshwater swamp forest (Rasu Walk), get ready for a day’s adventure at Jurong Lake Gardens!

If you’re a couple that derives thrills from being on wheels, you can check out a cycling route that brings you from Tampines to Pasir Ris in less than 20 minutes. You’ll end up at Pasir Ris Park, where you can do some birdwatching, or just sit by beach listening to the lapping waves. For a more heart-pumping activity at Pasir Ris Park, hop on the multiple trails or the Mangrove Boardwalk and who knows you may just spot some of the park’s secret wildlife residents!

If the Tampines-Pasir Ris cycling route feels like riding on a training bike, how about challenging your date to a wheelie long ride on the Round Island Route? Stretching across 75km and covering the eastern half of Singapore, the first phase of the Round Island Route will take you on a journey round places such as Rower’s Bay at Lower Seletar where you may find Grey Herons and Copper-cheeked Frogs at the wetlands, and Changi Beach Park where the sights and sea breeze makes you feel like you’re on a beach vacation.

For the Shutterbugs

One of the more popular heartland date ideas in Singapore is for Instagram boyfriends and girlfriends! You’ve probably captured countless shots of your partner at our #HDBeautiful void decks, lush rooftop gardens, and against our colourful block facades. Here’s another location for you: our playgrounds!

There are plenty of vibrant and quirky playgrounds in HDB estates – including the iconic dragon playground in Toa Payoh! Other Instagrammable spots include the watermelon and mangosteen-themed playgrounds at Tampines Central Park.

For something a little less conventional, visit the Dinosaur Playground at Toa Payoh’s Fu Shan Garden and the shipwrecked-themed playground at Sembawang Park.

Our playgrounds have evolved in their design and functions over the years, and are definitely an Insta-worthy backdrop for your photos.

For the Art Lovers

Whether you’re a culture buff or someone who appreciates works of art, this date idea in Singapore is sure to tickle your fancy!

Take a stroll around the blocks of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 and 4 and you will spot nostalgic murals of well-loved Singapore snacks such as ang ku kueh, satay, and old-school items like the traditional hot water flask.

These murals are part of the Wayfinding Project by the Alzheimer’s Disease Association, which uses these murals to help residents with dementia easily recognise their surroundings.

For a dose of high art in the heartland, head to one of the Void Deck Art Galleries and you’ll find hand-painted murals of iconic and inspired artworks by artists Van Gogh, Andy Warhol and Picasso. An initiative by Social Creatives, the Void Deck Art Gallery aims to share art and promote art appreciation among the public.

In addition to these heartland date ideas in Singapore, you can also explore your neighborhood in the comfort of your home with our latest reads.