Forget crowded restaurants and overpriced experiences. In our latest instalment of free and affordable date ideas, we let you in on hidden gems around Singapore where you can create special memories without breaking the bank. Don’t miss the places with extra savings for SAFRA members!
1. Yishun Dam
Apart from groups of uncles, cyclists en route to various park connectors, and the occasional fishing or photography enthusiast, not many consider Yishun Dam a hangout. But these folk are precisely the ones in the know. Dividing Lower Seletar Reservoir from the Johor Strait, it offers panoramic views from every angle. The freshwater side also boasts diverse flora and fauna along Rower’s Bay Park’s tranquil boardwalk.
Yishun Dam is perfect for watching the sunrise or sunset, spotting birds or planes (from Seletar Airport), moon and stargazing, or just a romantic stroll. You can even pack a picnic and pick your choice of surface, from rocky inclines and grassy patches to sandy shores or simply the concrete deck of the dam itself, to settle on. Feel free to bring a portable barbecue set and camping chairs – just be sure not to leave anything behind!
Or find sustenance at SAFRA Yishun just minutes away. SAFRA members enjoy 10% off at Springleaf Prata Place and Eatzi Gourmet Steakhouse & Bistro; more info at safra.sg/amenities-offerings/springleaf-prata-place & safra.sg/promotions/eatzi-gourmet-steakhouse-bistro
Yishun Avenue 1
2. Boh Geh Uncle Canteen
For a change of scenery on your next brunch date, search out Boh Geh Uncle Canteen. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Piccadilly, this rustic eatery boasts a unique charm, reminiscent of a traditional kampung setting. It was apparently once part of nearby Seletar Camp, so for those who may have served there, it might be extra nostalgic and fun to share a meal at this ‘cookhouse’ with your bae!
Forget fancy tablecloths and eggs benedict; here, it’s about the simple pleasures. Order a plate of nasi padang or cai png and wash it all down with your favourite kopitiam beverages – all at canteen-worthy prices. To be honest, it’s not about the food. What Boh Geh Uncle Canteen offers is a laid-back, no-frills atmosphere that encourages genuine connection while experiencing a slice of old Singapore.
If the lack of air-conditioning is a deal breaker, dine at YOUNGS Restaurant & Bar at Seletar Aerospace Park nearby, where SAFRA members and servicemen enjoy 10% off the a la carte menu. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/youngs-bar-restaurant
398 Piccadilly
3. Raffles Marina Lighthouse
Did you know that there’s a photogenic 12m-high lighthouse overlooking the Tuas Second Link? The Raffles Marina Lighthouse, sometimes called the Johor Strait Lighthouse for obvious reasons, is perched at the end of the pier within Raffles Marina Club. This isn’t just a pretty backdrop, mind you. The working lighthouse serves as a navigational beacon, guiding vessels safely in and out of the marina.
Imagine strolling hand-in-hand along the pier, the beam of the lighthouse sweeping across the water every 10 seconds, casting a romantic glow broken only by yachts bobbing gently in the harbour. The panoramic views, extending across to Forest City in Johor, offer breathtaking sunset vistas. It’s the perfect pre-dinner activity before enjoying a meal at the al-fresco Marina Bistro, where you can continue to take in that view.
If you need a ride out there, why not consider renting a car for the day? SAFRA members enjoy 30% off at ComfortDelGro Rent-A-Car; more info at safra.sg/promotions/comfortdelgro-rent-a-car
10 Tuas West Drive
4. Changi Chapel & Museum
For a date that’s more meaningful than most, consider going off the beaten path to the quietly romantic Changi Chapel and Museum. The historic site tells the poignant stories of the prisoners of war and civilians interned in Changi prison camp during the Japanese Occupation. While the intimate setting encourages sombre reflection, it also highlights the strength of the human spirit, offering a perspective that can enrich your own relationship.
There’s no better time than now to visit, during the National Heritage Board’s annual Battle for Singapore event, on till 2 March 2025. Commemorating the 83rd anniversary of the Fall of Singapore, programmes include special exhibits and guided tours at Changi Chapel and Museum and other key WWII sites. Afterwards, discuss your reflections over bistro favourites in the relaxed al-fresco setting of The Bark Cafe.
For more dining options, walk over to Cosford Container Park down the road, where SAFRA members enjoy up to 20% off the subtotal bill; more info at safra.sg/promotions/cosford-container-park
1000 Upper Changi Road North; Tel: 6242 6033
5. (Hidden) Tanjong Pagar
A hybrid of cutting-edge skyscrapers and old-world Chinatown vibes, Tanjong Pagar offers a blend of heritage, culture and vibrant energy. To start your date, fuel up for adventure with a delicious and affordable breakfast at Maxwell Food Centre. Then wander hand-in-hand, discovering a visual feast of street art in unexpected alleyways and exploring beautifully preserved shophouses, temples and even a rickshaw depot circa 1903.
As evening approaches, neon glow and kimchi aromas take hold. Find your Seoul-food around ‘Korean Town’, or delve into pulsating nightlife along Club Street. Up the ante by teaming up on an outdoor ‘escape room’ experience with Hidden SG, at $29.90 per person. Guided by the enigmatic Void Deck Cat, you’ll solve puzzles and uncover hidden gems in Tanjong Pagar that are said to have charmed celebrities and royalty alike.
SAFRA members enjoy up to 10% off when booking your Hidden SG experience via Klook; more info at safra.sg/promotions/klook-sg
Various locations
6. 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace
Once the address of the Pearl’s Hill Upper Barracks, a bomb-proof bunker that served as the nerve centre for police communications both before and after WWII, 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace currently houses a vibrant indie arts enclave. But with its lease set to expire in March 2026, 195 PHT is an endangered species. So visit it while you still can, especially since the blend of vintage vibes and creative charm sets the stage for a fun day-to-night date.
Immerse yourselves in the eclectic mix of shops and studios, discovering ceramic treasures and handcrafted jewellery. Try out candle-making workshops and art-jamming sessions. Hungry? Pop into Lavi Taco for its viral Birria Tacos and Balinese Buffalo Wings. As the sun sets, the charming courtyard, or Kult Yard, comes to life with live music and a livelier atmosphere. Don’t miss the cocktails boasting ingredients like belacan and gula melaka!
195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace
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