The best free outdoor date ideas in Singapore

Kites and picnic baskets are optional, but watching the orange streaks in the sky with the cool breeze in your hair is essential in turning up the romance-o-meter at Marina Barrage. The rooftop park attracts couples all year round, thanks to its breathtaking 360-degree view of the bay area. Settle on a sweet spot on the turf, and soak up the panoramic views of Singapore's skyline. Pro tip: due to the weekend crowd, you might want to catch the sunrise instead – that's if both of you are early risers.

Scooch on down to the back alleys of Kampong Gelam for not one, but two outdoor art galleries: Gelam Gallery and Hall of Fame. Over at Muscat Street, two parallel walls are splashed with a kaleidoscope of over 30 Instagram-worthy works by artists from the region and beyond as part of Gelam Gallery. 

Spread across Bali Lane and Ophir Road, Hall of Fame is inspired by the precinct's iconic role in nurturing the local street art scene, and features 17 Singapore-based artists including the city's street art pioneers. Together, these eye-catching artworks also make ace backdrops for that much-needed couple photo, and with natural light, it's a win-win, really.

Nothing spells romance like a picturesque, nature wonderland. Stop and smell the roses as you meander through the majestic, gargantuan gardens surrounded by exotic foliage. Skip the pricey entry to the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome – the outdoor Bay East Garden, Sun Pavillion, Heritage Gardens, World of Plants, as well as the Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes are just as good. While you're there, look out for the stunning glass sculptures of renowned American artist Dale Chihuly. And take it from us, the Gardens is even more romantic come nightfall.

Surround yourself with the flora and fauna of this national – and natural – treasure in the west. The gardens include Lakeside Garden, Chinese and Japanese Gardens and Garden Promenade – previously known as Jurong Lake Gardens West, Jurong Lake Gardens Central, and Garden Promenade respectively. Take a romantic stroll with your date on the bridge by the waters, chill out in hammocks overlooking the pagodas, or challenge your date Ninja Warrior-style at the various obstacle courses.

One for the adventurous sort, strap on your outdoor gear, and escape the urban gridlock for the Rail Corridor. Besides its lush natural landscapes, the Rail Corridor is also known for its rich heritage. The railway line was used for commuting and transporting goods between Singapore and Malaysia from the beginning of the 20th century until 2011. And now it has been enhanced for easy access. Keep out for the sensitive restoration of landmarks like the Bukit Timah Railway Station and two steel truss railway bridges, lookout decks to soak up nature’s beauty, and paths to immerse in the rainforest experience. Check out our ultimate guide to The Rail Corridor for more things to do.

Your bae is the only Bae-watch (y'know like Baywatch) you'll ever need at Palawan Beach. Located between Sentosa’s Siloso Beach and Tanjong Beach, this stretch of calm water and fine grain sand is considered the most romantic of the three. Take a dip, write your names in the sand, play a game of beach volleyball, or enjoy a bird's eye view of Sentosa from the tower across the suspended bridge. If you do spend money on anything, make sure it's sunscreen, a refreshing cocktail, or an ice lolly. Swaying palm trees, cool breeze, and tranquil waters, can a pair of beach bums truly resist?

Strap on your best walking shoes and trudge through the swamps of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve to learn more about the flora and fauna that call this mangrove forest home. This wetland reserve of mangrove swamps, ponds, and the secondary forest is also home to 140 species of birds. Take a spot at the observation hides or byob (bring your own binoculars) to bird-watch. There are also nature trails where you can also spot mudskippers, monkeys, and climbing crabs on the mangrove boardwalks. But keep a lookout for warning signs about the estuarine crocodiles – they’re known to be around the area albeit uncommon.

Sandwiched between two national monuments, the Thian Hock Keng temple and Nagore Durgha Shrine, Telok Ayer Green sits hidden from the usually busy main streets. Telok Ayer used to be the landing site for immigrants in Singapore and the park is also designed after the original shoreline. You'll find some sculptures in the park which pay tribute to its history like a sampan used to carry goods, a Chinese lantern procession and an Indian milk trader. 

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a date in this so-called countryside. Located all the way up north, Kranji is home to over plenty of farms that welcome visitors throughout the day. Milk friendly goats over at Hay Dairies, learn more about fish at Nippon Koi Farm, check out the croaking critters at Jurong Frog Farm, and discover all sorts of delicious greens at Bollywood Veggies.

This venue is temporarily closed.

Not your usual date venue, the weird and wonderful park opens its tiger-clad gates to multicoloured statues and tableaux that depict scenes from Chinese history and mythology. Don't miss out on the Ten Courts of Hell (responsible for childhood nightmares for generations of Singaporeans) where small-scale tableaux show human sinners being punished in a variety of hideous and bloodthirsty ways – in extremely gory and graphic detail. This rather morbid option can be fun for the skeptics, but definitely not one for the faint-hearted.