February 14th. Some of us may know it as Valentine’s Day; some of us may also know it as Singles Awareness Day (SAD). Regardless of the name you know it by, this date has been known for being a day of stress and anxiety. In fact, an entire 124-minute Garry Marshall movie (aptly yet unimaginatively named ‘Valentine’s Day’) has been made documenting the trials and tribulations we face on this special day. The balloons, the flowers, the romantic dinner, the declaration of love with a giant teddy bear: Valentine’s Day has become more complicated than it has to be. So why not scale it back and go back to basics? Simply spend the day with each other and rediscover the things that made you fall in love in the first place. And if you’re stumped about where to go and what to do, here are four options to choose from.
Paintball at Bottle Tree Park
If you fancy an adrenaline rush, why not head to the Bottle Tree Park in Yishun for a colourful adventure. Have fun chasing your opponents and dodging those balls of paint in various scenarios concocted by the game masters at Red Dynasty Paintball. It might also be a good idea to check with your date beforehand if he or she doesn’t mind getting marked with splotches of paint.
Address: 81 Lorong Chencharu
Contact: 6755 7537, www.weplaypaintball.com
Picnic at Henderson Waves
To win major kudos for romance, pack a picnic for two and catch the sunset at Henderson Waves. The 274-metre long bridge boasts beautiful views of the Southern Ridges and the Singapore skyline. Turn off your cellphones and take the opportunity to just spend some distraction-free quality time together as a couple. After dinner, you can end off the night with a leisurely stroll through Mount Faber Park. Or if you’re feeling really fancy, buy a round-trip ticket for the nearby cable car to catch a bird’s eye view of the city.
Address: Henderson Road
Contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/popup/hendersons.html
A musical night at Actors The Jam Bar
For those looking for a night of musical entertainment, try this alternative bar where the customers provide the music. You can take turns to go up and serenade each other with as many cheesy love songs as you know or watch others take the stage. Either way, it promises to be a barrel of laughs.
Address: 13A South Bridge Road
Contact: 6533 2436; http://www.actorsthejambar.com/
Culinary adventure at Artichoke
Go off the beaten track and take your tastebuds on a whirlwind tour as the chefs at Artichoke offer a modern take on the traditional flavours of the Middle East. Inspired by the cuisines of Spain, Turkey, Lebanon, Greece and Morocco, enjoy fusion food at its best in this intimate 40-seater setting.
Note: Don’t forget to call ahead and make a reservation!
Address: Sculpture Square, 161 Middle Rd
Contact: 6336 6949; www.artichoke.com.sg