Couples arriving into town on a cruise ship will relish the opportunity to spend some quality time alone together. There are two cruise ports in Singapore – the Harbourfront Centre and the newer Marina Bay Cruise Centre. Both are close to the City, which boasts a wealth of attractions and restaurants perfect for a few hours of romance.
There are fewer things more romantic that gazing at a stunning view together, cocktail in hand. A ride on board the Singapore Flyer, the world’s tallest observation wheel, is one of the best ways to take in 360-degree views of Singapore.
The panoramic views are impressive enough, but you can spruce up your experience by upgrading to the VIP Signature Cocktail Flight, the Singapore Sling Flight or the Moet & Chandon Champagne Flight, all aboard a VIP-themed capsule.
Singapore Flyer at Night — Photo courtesy of Singapore Flyer
If heights aren’t your thing, then jump aboard a Singapore River Cruise boat to saunter slowly up through the Colonial District, and check out the nightlife districts of Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay, where you might like to return to later for some riverside dining. The river cruise is particularly romantic at night, when the glistening lights are reflected on the river and the boats are resplendent with bobbing red lanterns.
For a good leg-stretch, then make your way to Gardens by the Bay. Here, a myriad of paths, suspended walkways, gardens, lakes and water features are at your disposable to get in amongst the quarter of a million rare plants that it houses. The highlights for many visitors are the two large armadillo-shaped conservatories, which house the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, respectively.
You’ll want to reward all your exertions with some cocktails and a meal with a view. There are plenty of options in the Marina Bay area. Ku De Ta is a favorite, with its staggering location 257 meters atop the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, with unbeatable views across the city.
Alternatively, head across the bay to One Fullerton, where several restaurants offer dining with a view, such as Catalunya for cocktails and tapas, or the Pelican Seafood Bar & Grill for al fresco seafood platters.
The terrace at restaurant Ku De Ta in Singapore — Photo courtesy of Marina Bay Sands
All of the above attractions and restaurants can be accessed within a five-minute cab ride from the Marina Bay Cruise Centre. If you dock at the Harbourfront Centre, then you are still just a 10-15 minute cab ride from Marina Bay, but there are also other options closer by.
The Singapore Cable Car starts its journey at the Harbourfront Centre, and takes you up Mount Faber - one of Singapore’s highest points and home to several bars and restaurants - and then on to Sentosa Island.
Once on Sentosa, book yourselves in for a couple's spa session at the fabulous ESPA Spa. Leave time to explore the landscaped gardens, pools and ponds, which are set against a backdrop of sea views and jungle covered hillsides and check out the vitality pools, icy plunge pools, crystal steam rooms, rock saunas and Japanese onsen.
Finish your day with sunset cocktails at the beach, or treat yourselves to a blowout dinner at the swanky L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon.