It’s a well known fact that we study not at NTU but at Pulau NTU. It’s far from civilization and requires either an hour on the MRT or an expensive cab ride to get there. This means that there are very few options for a good date spot. Fret not, here are some low-budget date ideas for a romantic or friend date in and around NTU:
1. Picnic at ADM Rooftop
The ADM building has always been a landmark for NTU. However, since the ADM rooftop was closed off for visitors during the pandemic, the statistics for rooftop picnics in NTU had plummeted. Now is the perfect time to visit it. With its curved garden and panoramic NTU views, the ADM rooftop makes for a cute picnic date with your friends or partner. Remember to carry a picnic mat, snacks and mosquito repellant!
2. Sunset walk at NS rooftop
When North Spine is not bustling with stressed students during midterm season, it can actually be a very peaceful place to be. The stairs at every school building’s entrance (like SCSE or ASE) lead up to its rooftop. Especially at sunset time, it can be the perfect spot for a study break or thoughtful conversation while admiring the sky. My favourite spot can be accessed on the rooftop of SCSE that leads from level 2 of North Spine to the road leading up to Fullerton.
3. Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle
Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle is a family-owned pottery business minutes away from NTU. It’s open daily from 9am to 5pm and operates Singapore’s oldest surviving Dragon Kiln. The best part is that it offers pottery workshops and you can also take a tour of the jungle! Read more about them here.
4. Cycle around Boon Lay
If you enjoy feeling the wind hitting your face while cycling and want to experience it on a date, you can hire bicycles (via SG Bike at Pioneer MRT or otherwise) and cycle around Pioneer and Boon Lay.
5. Jurong Eco-garden
Another underrated area near NTU is the Jurong Eco-garden which makes a great spot for an afternoon walk or a picnic over the weekend. It’s a 10 minute walk from NTU and is a nice place to getaway when you get sick of NTU landscapes.
If none of these date ideas appeal to you, you can also try a walk through Yunnan gardens or dinner at Pen & Inc (North Spine). Either way, there’s no need to leave Pulau NTU for a date on a student-budget.