Date nights have always been a fab way for my partner and me to build intimacy and spend quality time with each other. We’re often looking for interesting couples’ date night ideas in Singapore; doing something different together creates special memories for us. And here’s one that’s definitely different – a date at the Night Safari!
A “wild” couples’ date night idea
Going to the Night Safari isn’t likely to be the first thing people think of when they ask, “What can we do as a couple in Singapore for date night?” But since we’re looking for ideas that aren’t the norm, Night Safari’s “An Evening in The Wild” definitely stands out!
The experience begins at the park entrance, where you and your date board an exclusively chartered tram. The tram journey begins as the sun sets, which is when the nocturnal residents of the Night Safari come to life! You’ll journey through different zones before arriving at your final destination – a private lakeside location overlooking Upper Seletar Reservoir.
Alight from the tram and meet with the park’s animal ambassadors, Houdini the Malay fish owl and Carpi the carpet python. You’ll also get to interact with the Night Safari’s animal care team on the conservation and care of the park’s night creatures. Then, take the chance to get up close with Houdini, Carpi and other animal friends for some shots with them. This is lots of fun for couples – and not something you’re likely to do very often!
Gourmet dining and wine
With dusk setting in, it’s time for dinner. First, you enter a Tipi Tent that’s been set up for an intimate dining experience. There are plenty more opportunities for you and your date to take photos; the tent is set up like a restaurant with adornments reflecting a safari theme.
Next, you’re served a four-course gourmet menu, complete with dessert – and free-flow wine! If choosing wine isn’t your strong suit, fret not. A sommelier or brand ambassador is on hand to share tasting notes, so you’ll know which wines work to enhance the flavours of the food. (So fancy!)
Each month, An Evening in The Wild has a different theme, depending on who the alcohol or wine partner is; and the food menu changes too. If there’s a special occasion in the month, the alcohol pairing will also reflect that. For example, enjoy wine and champagne for Valentine’s Day in February, whisky in March and April, and sake in June, to coincide with Father’s Day. There’s something new to look forward to every month, which makes this a couples’ date night idea you can repeat for different celebrations such as birthdays and anniversaries.
[The dining experience for An Evening in the Wild is suspended until further notice, pending regulations and restrictions due to Covid-19. Do check the website for updates.]
Quiet couple time with the animals
After dinner, you can linger for as long as you wish in the Tipi Tent with your date over more beverages. However, if you prefer to take a slow walk together on date night, why not take this chance to explore the park?
There are walking trails galore in the Night Safari that showcase night animals that you may not commonly see. These include the wallaby, brush-tailed possum and sugar glider on the Wallaby trail.
If big cats enthral you, take a leisurely stroll along the Leopard trail to marvel at the leopards and clouded leopard. This trail also brings you to the exhibits of various owl species and flying squirrels; don’t blink or you might miss them when they take flight!
The East Lodge trail is one of the newest trails; it’s where the aardvark takes centrestage. Watch how these gentle creatures sniff out and swiftly burrow their way to their prey! Want to see more new action? Head over to the Fishing Cat trail to watch this Asian wild cat do some hunting.
Prefer not to walk? Another option is the Creatures of the Night show. This is the Night Safari’s animal extravaganza and a popular highlight of the park – you’ll get to marvel at the natural talents of night animals; otters, civets and binturongs all feature in the interactive show. There’s even the chance you’ll get called up to interact with the creatures – not something you do on a typical date night in Singapore!
Special offer for Expat Living readers
An Evening in The Wild costs from $280 per person, depending on the monthly wine programme. It’s available only on selected dates, and reservations are required.
And here’s some extra good news for your memorable date night experience: there’s 10% discount for Expat Living readers; just quote “EITWEXPATLIVING” when enquiring at sales.enq@wrs.com.sg.
Night Safari Singapore
80 Mandai Lake Road
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