The Nature of Wooing
By: Elmira A.
So, you’ve been dating that important person in your life for a while now, and have been going out for dates with them all over town. Romantic dinners, movies, karaoke nights, bowling – you name it, chances are you’ve done it. And now you want to do something a little bit more different with them. Take them out of the city, and spend a little time bonding while surrounded with the natural beauty Malaysia is known for, perhaps? Something that still allows you to spend time with them and get to know them more intimately, but at the same time an activity a little more uncommon for city folks like us.
So here’s a few suggestions: date ideas you can try with your beloved that would take you to green locations within the city limits. Just make sure they’re into these things, or at least are willing to try them out, or you both might end up feeling disappointed – or dateless:
- A passionate ride @ ATV Adventure Park Kuala Lumpur
Kampung Kemensah, Hulu Kelang, Kuala Lumpur
www.atvadventurepark.com/index.htm
It’s a little bit unorthodox to consider something so rough and dirty as a date, but hey, it’s the 21st century and pretty much anything is possible. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) – also known as quad bikes – is definitely not for the faint-hearted, so make sure that your partner is into outdoor activities before surprising them with a date here.
ATV Adventure Park in Hulu Kelang has a few different packages to choose from, ranging between RM100 for a 1-1 1/2 hours off-road ride to 7-tiers waterfall, to a more challenging and longer off-road ride that takes between 3 to 4 hours for RM300. You can even take a dip at the waterfall, if you fancy; just remember to pack some towels and clean clothes to change into.
Although ATV rides are much more fun when a big group of people are involved, it still provides for a great new scenery for couples who are into doing outdoor stuff together. Other than giving a great bonding experience, you’ll also be able to discover new things about each other that you normally wouldn’t under normal dates. So why don’t you and your plus one give it a try, and let us know how it turns out for you two.
- A lover’s walk @ Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
Kepong, Selangor
FRIM is the perfect place to go to if you want to escape into a green lush surrounding without going too far out of Kuala Lumpur. There are many different activities to do at the institute, ranging from educational to ones with more leisurely purposes. For a budding romance, why not go take a walk on one of FRIM’s many nature trails? It’s a way of keeping fit, while at the same time enjoying the lush sights of nature. You can go as early as 5.30am, where quietness is almost a guarantee as there usually not too many people around. The trail lengths range between 400 meter and almost 1000 meter, all with their own unique qualities.
And if you’re not too tired, you can check out the Canopy Walkway located at the Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve, which is adjacent to the institute. The walkway spans for 150 meter and is suspended at approximately 30 meter above the ground. It’s open from 9.30am to 2.30pm, but to avoid disappointment, it’s best to book your spot in advance, as they only allow 250 people to go on the walkway per day.
- A romantic picnic @ Perdana Botanical Garden
Kuala Lumpur
Not into roughing it out and would rather do something a little bit more relaxed? This may seem a little cliché, but a well thought-of picnic in one of KL’s most popular gardens can be a date worth remembering for a long, long time. We suggest packing something simple and easy to eat (such as finger foods, cut fruits, and homemade granola and yogurt cups – leave the nasi lemak at home!), as well bottled drinks and some snacks. Make sure you bring a mat that is in a nice bright colour to add a little bit of life in your presentation. Don’t forget the disposable utensils too; bringing back dirty dishes can put a damper in the whole picnic. Make it into a project where both of you put some effort in so that your romantic picnic can be as lovely as a meal in any restaurant.
Once you’re filled up, you can opt to partake in any of the garden’s activities, such as boat rides at the lake or a bike ride around the garden. Or just take a slow-paced walk around the gardens many attractions – the Deer Park, Orchid Garden, Hibiscus Park, and Heliconia Garden, for instance. A guided walk is also available for those who would like to learn more about the flora in Perdana Botanical Garden; however, they needed to be booked in advance and additional fees do apply.
