PUBLISHED July 13th, 2016 02:00 pm | UPDATED December 21st, 2017 05:05 pm
Overseas proposals are all the rage these days – think Bali, Phuket, Paris, Sydney – but Singapore surely holds its own when it comes to beautiful gardens, tall skyscrapers, quaint buildings, and scenic parks. So when you’ve finally decided to ask the most nerve-wrecking question of your life, turn on the charm and success rate by finding the perfect location to get engaged. Here are 9 relatively undiscovered (and some of the most romantic) spots in Singapore to get down on one knee.
1919 Waterboat House
A modern European restaurant located within the The Fullerton Waterboat House – a restored colonial heritage building – we love the quaint rooftop, positioned right where the Quay canals meet the Marina Bay. This scenic spot offers a romantic and intimate ambience for your big night, as the two of you get romanced under the city lights, together with the bar’s signature cocktails.
1919 Waterboat House is located at #03-01, The Fullerton Waterboat House, 3 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049215, p. 6538 9038. Open Mon-Fri 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm, Sat 6pm – 11pm.
The Rabbit Hole
Tucked away in stylish Dempsey Hill, this gorgeous garden isn’t just a pretty space with its decent selection of gins. With overhead fairy lights, green foliage, and good music surrounding you, there’s no need for anything else at The Rabbit Hole. In fact, The White Rabbit next door is housed in a beautifully-restored chapel. Potential wedding location anyone?
The Rabbit Hole is located at 39C Harding Road, Singapore 249541, p. 6473 9965. Open Tue-Fri 6 – 11pm and Sat-Sun 6pm – 12am. Closed Mon.
Lazarus Island
Who says Singapore doesn’t have nice beaches? This hidden gem of an island is home to one of Singapore’s last unspoilt beach, featuring clear turquoise waters and expansive greenery. With 47 hectares to explore, take a stroll along the water, bring a picnic basket, and open a bottle of wine before popping the question. Who many people can boast of proposing on an uninhabited island?
To get to Lazarus Island, hop onto a ferry at Marina South Pier and get off at St John’s Island before taking a 10-minute walk to Lazarus Island via a link bridge.
The Halia at Botanic Gardens
A tranquil restaurant far away from the bustle of the city, The Halia at Singapore Botanic Gardens makes a gorgeous spot to propose to your partner. Step in from the lush greenery of the UNESCO World Heritage Site into the restaurant’s modern interior, natural surroundings, and a delicious menu of contemporary European cuisine with subtle accents of Asian flavours.
Tha Halia is located at 1 Cluny Road, Ginger Gardens, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 259569, p.
8444 1148. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-10pm, Sat-Sun 1pm-10pm.
Quayside Isle
One of the world’s most exclusive marina residential communities, Quayside Isle has more than 16 international waterfront restaurants for your choosing, such as Blue Lotus, Sabio by the Sea Tapas Bar & Grill, and Museo. The waterfront lifestyle destination is also home to the trendy W Singapore Sentosa Cove and its ever-popular Woo Bar. Also, promising to buy her a yacht or apartment here might help.
Quayside Isle is located at 31 Ocean Way, Sentosa Cove, Singapore 098375, p. 6887 3502.
Nosh
Update: Nosh is slated to move out from One Rochester at the end of 2017
Nestled in the quiet Rochester Park, Nosh offers a quiet escape amongst lush greenery and a lovely and charming setting. The restaurant is exceptionally romantic at night under the stars, and features a small outdoor patio and beer garden. With so much space, be assured that you won’t be disturbed (or embarrassed) during the big moment.
Nosh is located at 9 Rochester Park, Singapore 139220, p. 9755 5015. Open Tue-Fri 11.30am – 10.30pm, Sat-Sun 10.30am – 10.30pm.
Little Guilin
Known as Xiao Guilin among the local residents, this unearthly spot is named for its similarity to China’s Guilin, with massive granite rock cliffs sitting inside the lake. Originally a disused quarry, the spacious banks here are now used for wedding photography, exercise and walks, Chinese opera performances, and soon, your epic proposal.
Little Guilin is located at Bukit Batok Town Park along Bukit Batok East Avenue 5.
JAAN
There’s nothing like proposing to the love of your life high up in the sky. The intimate JAAN restaurant showcases the finest in artisanal cuisine in a fine multi-sensory feast. At 70 floors above street level, your partner will be blown away by the scenic views of the Singapore… and the size of the diamond on her engagement ring.
JAAN is located at 2 Stamford Road, 70F Swissotel The Stamford, Singapore 178882 , p. 6837 3322. Open Mon-Sat 12pm – 2.30pm, 7pm – 11pm.
Alkaff Mansion
This exquisite Italian restaurant situated atop Telok Blangah Hill has won several local awards and for good reason too. Offering vistas of a great green park, the grand Alkaff Mansion – built in 1918 – and its pretty courtyard is frequently used as an event venue for parties, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t celebrate the beginnings of your engagement there as well.
Alkaff Mansion is located at 10 Telok Blangah Green, Singapore 109178, p. 6510 3068. Restaurant is open Mon-Fri 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.15pm, Sat-Sun 11.30am – 3.30pm, 6pm – 10.15pm.