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6 Free & Affordable Date Ideas For Laidback Couples

Next in our series of free and affordable date ideas, we explore how you can just chill and enjoy the romance.

By Mandy Lim Beitler        24 November 2023

From candlelit dinners to chilling to live music, these date ideas are perfect for lepak-loving couples who live by the motto: Relak lah, bro!

1. Private dining

No, we don’t mean having famous chefs serve you a (usually) expensive meal at their homes. Instead, take advantage of all the food delivery options available and order up a feast. If nothing turns you on like good old hawker food, then check out WhyQ for on-demand doorstep delivery from various foodcourts and coffeeshops islandwide. They promise to satisfy your hawker cravings with Singapore’s top hawker eats.

Of course, the usual suspects like Deliveroo, Foodpanda and GrabFood will deliver food from dining establishments in your vicinity. For something fancier, search around on Oddle, a platform that widens the playing field by linking you up with dining establishments around the island. When all else fails, you can always turn to your preferred pizza delivery service.

With the food taken care of by the professionals, you simply have to light a candle, dial down the ceiling lights, and put on some romantic tunes. Voila! Candlelit private dining for two achieved!

SAFRA members enjoy up to $5 off on WhyQ and 15% off at Canadian 2 for 1 Pizza. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/whyq-2021 and safra.sg/promotions/canadian2for1pizza 


2. DIY home spa

After a long day or busy work week, a DIY home spa is a fantastic way to unwind and bond with your significant other. First, set the mood with soothing music and maybe even a few scented candles.

Then to kick things off, take turns giving each other a relaxing massage. Focus on areas like the shoulders, neck and back, and don’t forget to communicate and adjust pressure according to each other’s preferences. You can use some aromatic massage oils – or even just baby oil – to enhance the experience.

After the massages, move on to facial masks or scrubs for some self-care. Try using natural ingredients like honey, yogurt, or avocado for a nourishing treat for your skin. Cap off the spa day with a warm bath or shower to leave you both feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Remember, the key is to enjoy the process and spend quality time together in the comfort of home.

If you need a professional TCM massage, head to Chien Chi Tow, where SAFRA members enjoy 10% off services and 5% off products. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/chien-chi-tow


3. Netflix and cuddle

Looking to keep it low-key but fun? Staying home and watching TV is the ultimate affordable laidback date idea that easily delivers a good time. Grab your favourite drinks and snacks, maybe some buttery popcorn or nacho chips, and settle in for a cosy movie night. Options range from free-to-air TV to whatever streaming services you have, be it Netflix, Disney+ or any others. Whether you’re into rom-coms, documentaries, or the latest binge-worthy K-drama, there’s always something for everyone.

The best part? You get to enjoy each other’s company without breaking the bank. Share some laughs, maybe shed a tear or two, and if you’re feeling adventurous, explore different genres together. It’s the kind of date that’s all about comfort, connection and of course, the joy of not having to splurge on a fancy night out. Simply grab a spot on the couch, hit play, and let the small screen magic do the rest.

Want priority and ad-free access to the latest Mediacorp dramas before they even premiere on TV? SAFRA members enjoy 40% off mewatch prime + free ROCK 24/7. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/mewatch


4. Catch a movie

Still prefer the mega screens and surround sound systems that only movie theatres can offer? Perhaps you’re dying to see the new holiday blockbuster or the latest instalment in your favourite superhero franchise. Movie tickets can be expensive, but many theatres offer discounted tickets during specific days or times, making it a savvy choice for the budget-conscious.

For example, Filmgarde Cineplexes advertises the cheapest adult tickets for standard 2D films at $9.50 from Mondays to Thursdays, and $14.50 on weekends and public holidays. However, SAFRA members going to Shaw Theatres pay just $9 and $13.50 respectively for the same all year long. Furthermore, on every Saturday and Sunday from now till 17 December 2023, the first 300 SAFRA members to purchase a full-priced ticket online get the second ticket free!

At the end of the day, the joy of shared laughter or gripping suspense is the same without the hefty price tag. Psst! Sneak in some snacks from home for the full movie date experience that won’t leave your wallet feeling too light.

SAFRA members enjoy 1-for-1 weekend movie tickets at Shaw Theatres and 20% off at the Omni-Theatre. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/1-for-1-shaw & safra.sg/promotions/science-centre


5. Chill over coffee

Whether you’re early birds or night owls, a coffee date offers the perfect opportunity to chat, laugh, and get to know each other better over a warm cup of joe. And the venue possibilities are virtually infinite. You could look up some how-to videos online and play barista in your own kitchen. Or get your cheap-but-good ‘kopi-C siew dai’ to go from your neighbourhood coffee stall and hang out at the park nearby.

For something more refined, pick a local café with a relaxed ambience, sip on your favourite brews, and maybe even share a pastry or two. Value-for-money options include Heavenly Wang and Ya Kun Kaya Toast, or even the new KithSTOP at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. The best part is, you can keep it as short and sweet or as long and leisurely as you like. Besides being easy on the wallet, coffee dates can be a conducive setting for genuine conversation. Of course, nothing’s stopping you from having tea or a soda instead.

SAFRA members enjoy 10% off at KithSTOP Dhoby Ghaut. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/kithstop


6. Listen to live music

For a budget-friendly date that hits all the right notes, catching some live music is a fantastic choice. While high profile pop concerts by the likes of Taylor Swift and BTS might be out of your range, many local venues and outdoor events offer affordable or even free performances, giving you a chance to soak up the sounds without emptying your pockets.

Whether it’s a talented busker on Orchard Road or in Ang Mo Kio, or an outdoor music festival at the Esplanade, the shared experience of live tunes adds a special energy to your time together. Small indie bands also play nightly at JUGe Entertainment in SAFRA @29 Carpenter Street and SAFRA Tampines’ 7th Heaven KTV & Cafe.

Tap your feet, sway to the rhythm, sing along and maybe even discover some new favourite artists together. Plus, the casual setting of a live music event sets the tone for easy conversation and connection.

SAFRA members enjoy 10% off karaoke room rates at JUGe Entertainment and 15% off your bill at 7th Heaven KTV & Cafe. Find out more at safra.sg/juge-entertainment-KTV and safra.sg/7th-heaven-ktv


Save more with SAFRA! Enjoy special deals and discounts on dining, shopping, entertainment, travel, fitness and more from over 1,500 merchant outlets islandwide. Sign up or renew your SAFRA membership for three years at the price of 1 year ($43.20 inclusive of GST)! Plus, get your spouse and children on board to enjoy the same privileges too – 1st dependent pays $5.40/year, and it’s free for the 2nd dependent onwards. Visit safra.sg/savemore for more details. 

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