Six quiet spots around town to get your tongue tangle on.
Rooftop of Bras Basah Complex
For a building that’s smack in the middle of town, Bras Basah Complex is surprisingly sleepy. That’s if you hike up to the rooftop (you gotta take the stairs) at night. You’ll find yourself at the void deck-ish area of an ageing HDB estate, but head to the corner facing the National Library – there’s a small playground there that we’ve honestly never seen being used by kids at night – and prying eyes can’t find you.
231 Bain St.
Keppel Island Park
A waterside outlet of Prive and a posh marina fill one end of this private-but-accessible- to-the-public island, but the rest of Pulau Keppel is all lapping waves and green views of Sentosa. Bring a mat and park yourselves on the red-bricked boardwalks on the south side of the island, and fantasise about retiring on one of those yachts you see slicing through the water. Even if no one’s by your side (aww…), it’s worth a visit for some alone time.
Keppel Bay Vista.
Southernmost Point of Continental Asia
Yes, Sentosa‘s grand claims that those two wooden towers on a man-made island, off an island that’s off the island off Malaysia, is literally the ‘Southernmost Point of Continental Asia’. But let’s not fuss over the details. What you’re really interested in is that suspension bridge that she’ll squeak her way across, and three floors on which to space yourself and the next couple out.
Palawan Beach, Sentosa.
The CTE tunnel overpass off Emerald Hill
Okay, this one’s tough to get to. But we promise it’s worth it. First, walk down Emerald Hill until you hit Clemenceau Avenue. Turn right. To your right, you’ll see trees blocking your view of the CTE. You’re now on the overpass. And there’s a way to get to the edge of it, dangle your legs and watch the cars whiz by under you: scuttle to the rightmost edge of the clearing and find a small opening through. Warning: this can be pretty dangerous.
Clemenceau Ave North.
Fort Canning Park
For history buffs – or couples who really can’t wait to canoodle after a bout of shopping on Orchard Road, the many nooks and crannies of Fort Canning are yours to conquer. Pick from one of the many park benches dotted around the hill top, find a quiet spot around old Black & Whites like the Old Married Soldier’s Quarters, or have a grand time between the greying arches of the Fort Gate.
Fort Canning Park.
Orchard Central
Say what you will about Orchard Central‘s odd layout, that roof garden is a nice escape from the bustle of the city’s consumer-crazy artery below. Besides the many sculptures to get inspiration from, the thick foliage flanking glass windows can provide cover even for the headiest of suck face.
Level 11 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd.
