First dates are scary.
It’s a make or break situation especially if you’re on a mission of searching for the love of your life. Though, even for casual dates, planning the right first date is crucial because ultimately, you want to have a nice time.
What to say? Where to go? What to wear? Should you go for a full-on fancy dinner or keep things a bit light?
As a hundred different scenarios play around in your mind, luckily, there are a few things you can do to prepare for a killer date and we’re here to help you plan your itinerary!
We know it may not be COVID-safe yet to try out some of these first date ideas.
But as we go through another lockdown and through rigorous vaccination programs around the country, let’s hope that our efforts this time will finally make a difference and we might be seeing each other outside again soon 🤞🤞
In the meantime, we’ve also included some COVID-friendly dating ideas that are not-so-crowded to help you stay safe whilst we fight together to flatten the curve.
So, to help you answer the question “What to do on a first date?” Keep reading!
9 First Date Ideas in Malaysia
1) Hike or Nature walk
Source: The Broke Backpacker
Malaysia’s lush green landscape and hilly pastures make for the best romantic hiking trails whether you want to catch the sunrise, sunset, breathtaking views of the Malaysian skyline, or just break out a little sweat while being surrounded by nature (and your date).
If you don’t want to stray far from Kuala Lumpur, you won’t have to look far, you can find a hiking trail right in the city centre itself!
The KL Forest ECO Park will engulf you and your date in its unbelievably dense greenery against not just the hustle and bustle of the city, but also the surrounding towering skyscrapers that include the Menara KL tower! KLCC Park is also walking distance away.
Other hiking trails around Malaysia that you should check out:
Broga Hill or Bukit Lalang, Kuala Lumpur
Bukit Janggut, Sabah
Canada Hill Loop, Miri, Sarawak
2) Go on a food adventure
Source: 2 Cents
Embarking on a food adventure as a first date no matter where you are in Malaysia is always a great idea. From old school hawker stalls, to contemporary cafes, restaurants, and bars, you’re spoilt for choices.
To make this date a success without spending too much money, map out your journey and plan a budget because we both know how easy it is to overindulge once a steaming hot plate of beef noodle soup is right in front of you!
Food is definitely a top first date conversation starter for Malaysians!
3) Picnic
Source: Klook.com
For a COVID-friendly alternative food adventure that’ll give you bonus points for being romantic, take your food adventure outside on a picnic blanket!
‘Dabao’ a selection of your favourite food, pack some cutlery, a picnic blanket, and head to Perdana Botanical Gardens for a DIY alfresco date.
You’re even luckier if you live anywhere beachy because some fun in the sun is sure to break the ice and melt away any awkwardness.
PS, don’t forget that food delivery services exist! If you’re not posted up in a hidden area, let them handle the F&B, while you just work on picking a good location and being your best charming self. Also, don’t forget to clean up and take your trash with you after!
Picnic spots around Malaysia you could try:
Lang Mountain, Ipoh
Pulai Waterfall, Johor Bahru
Anywhere by the ocean
4) Board Game cafes
A fun first date idea to disconnect from the virtual world and connect via an assortment of board games, beverages, and snacks!
Boardgame cafes offer a chill environment, as all the adrenaline and excitement are focused on the game (and the person) in front of you.
Be as competitive as you like, but don’t forget to throw some endearing glances and the witty pick-up lines you’ve been practising to show your special someone you’re interested in them too!
Try out these board game cafes around Malaysia:
Meeples European Boardgame Cafe, Selangor
Brainwosh Board Games, Sabah
Tiny House Board Games Cafe, Ipoh
Gen Boarde Boardgame Cafe, Johor
5) Alternative movie dates
Forget generic movie dates, have you heard of alternative movie dates?
When we say alternative, we’re talking about eclectic movie genres and themes, the kind that they won’t dare to show in regular cinemas so you know it’ll be good.
For a boozy movie night out, no need to sneak a flask into the cinema. Instead, check out Pisco Bar’s movie night that also combines film screenings with cocktails and tapas! The bar’s atmosphere is surprisingly cosy for a movie night, with positive vibes all around.
You should also catch Cinephillia’s specially curated film screenings if film noir and sci-fi movie genres are more of your thing.
And of course, for a COVID-free alternative, have your own boozy alternative movie night at home 😉
6) Animal therapy
Source: KL Foodie
There’s just something therapeutic about watching cute animals doing their thing. Thanks to pet-themed cafes like CuBs and cuPs and Purradise Cat Cafe, you can now combine your love for the furries, good coffee, and sweet treats all in one place!
Have pets of your own? Bring them along for the most adorable double date!
For a wilder selection of animals, Zoo Negara and Aquaria KLCC have reopened with enhanced COVID safety measures so perhaps it’s time to pay them a visit too!
Pet-friendly cafes around Malaysia:
Cats Cottage, Ipoh
Furball Heaven, Sabah
Forest Tea House, Johor
7) Solve mysteries
Source: iHauntu
Solving mysteries while planning an escape can bring two people closer than ever as it requires both teamwork and communication.
First date awkwardness will disappear as soon as the timer begins and you rush to feel around the room for clues.
Plus, you have the option to either do it virtually, or pretend you’re real-life Sherlock Holmes at Break the Code or at other Escape Rooms around Malaysia!
Looking to spice up this date idea with a more paranormal experience? Try out Hauntu at The LinC KL! But fair warning, this activity is not for the faint of heart.
8) Be tourists for a day
Tourists flock to Malaysia every year to enjoy our many tourist attractions.
While it wasn’t the case for 2020, it also means that these spots won’t be as crowded as usual, which is the perfect vibe for a first date!
No matter where you are in Malaysia, you’re granted with an endless selection of temples, museums, forest reserves, national parks, and iconic heritage sites that will transport you into the past to relive Malaysia’s rich history, culture, and nature.
9) Swim with sharks
Source: Aquaria KLCC
Lastly, for the extremely ballsy couples, how about taking a dip with the sharks and other sea creatures at Aquaria KLCC?
We’re not saying you should just pick a tank and start stripping, but if you are a certified diver and you miss your island diving adventures, you can actually dive with the fishes here!
If neither you nor your date has a diving license, but you still want a piece of the action, Cage Rage is for you.
No diving experience needed, as you will be guided by an experienced professional throughout the way. Plunged into the water in an enclosure, you will be getting an up close and personal experience with the gorgeous animals going about their daily business.
You probably don’t need a reason to get out of the house once this EMCO is over.
But to make sure you make the most of it, why not go on a first date (or two) and try out one of our first date ideas above to refill your social tanks?
Go ahead and bookmark our list to start planning your long awaited day out!
Also, if you’ve been chilling all lockdown without a bae, let us help you out by pointing you in the right direction – find a date on Sugarbook today!
