If you think flowers are overpriced in the month of February, and you can't afford a nice, fancy dinner at a posh, big hotel to impress your date, then start getting creative and think of alternative places you can bring your date for a fun and memorable Valentine's Day date.

Here are some ideas to start you off:

- Go on a picnic.

It's easy. Pack some sushi from the supermarket, a bottle of bubbly (chilled, of course) with desserts such as chocolates and cupcakes to sweeten her palate, and prepare to spend a day in the great outdoors.

Go for a picnic or enjoy the sunset at Labrador Park

Head to Kent Ridge Park at Vigilante Drive off South Buona Vista Road, or Changi Village for a seaside jaunt. Nature lovers can try out the Canopy walk at Kent Ridge Park, a 280m-long bridge that links Kent Ridge Park to the museum, Reflections of Bukit Chandu.

Or visit Changi Village if you prefer the seabreeze. You can also take in views of the coastline at the Changi Point Coastal Walk, a 2.6m-long trail stretching from Changi Village to Changi Beach Club.

- Go for a quick getaway

Steal away from the hustle and bustle of city life, without leaving Singapore and visit the rustic charms of Pulau Ubin. If your date is the adventurous sort, she will appreciate your sense of fun as you bring her kayaking, rock-climbing or cycling.

Otherwise, just chill out at the resort and relax the day away. Call 6388 8388 / 6542 9590 or e-mail enquiries@marinacountryclub.com.sg for details.

- Fish spa

Fish therapy has been raved and written about. If you and your date are not the squeamish sort, you can both indulge in this novel therapy for some serious bonding time and fun too.

Kampong Fish Therapy
275 Thomson Road, 01-06 Novena Ville,
tel: 6258-0106

This is a beauty and health fish spa with two pools for your feet ($38 for 30 minutes) and two smaller tanks for your hands ($35 for 30 minutes).

Manicures (from $12) and pedicures (from $15) are also available.

Fish Reflexology, Underwater World
80 Siloso Road, Sentosa, tel: 6279-9229

A 40-minute package, consisting of 20 minutes in the fish pool and 20 minutes for foot reflexology, costs $35. Pay $50 and get an additional 10-minute head and shoulder massage.

Fish Spa, Qian Hu Fish Farm
71 Jalan Lekar, Agrotechnology Park,
tel: 6766-7087

After wandering through the fishy surrounds of this farm in Lim Chu Kang, try out its fish spa in a big communal pool ($10 for 30 minutes, with slippers and towels which you are free to take home).

Manicures (from $10) and pedicures (from $20) are also available.

-Go on a cruise

I bet you thought I was talking about cruising on a big oceanliner with buffets that go on all day. Well, no.

Opt for a river cruise along the Singapore River for a different look at the cityview - on the water. It might be noisy, but it sure is fun, as the boat chugs along the various stops such as Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay, Raffles Landing Site Jetty and Liang Court Jetty.

Call 6336 6111 for reservations or enquiries. Rates from $13.

-The art of dating

Impress your date, especially if she's into the arts and history, with a trip to the National Museum. Right now, there is an exhibition of classical Greek pieces, right from the Louvre Museum. There are some 130 pieces of exquisite marble sculptures, vases, terra cotta figurines and gold jewellery to bring Athens to life.

$8 with free guided tours.

The National Museum of Singapore is at 93 Stamford Road.

- Tea for two

Make that a fondue for two. Get your very own fondue set, melt some very good dark chocolate, and dip with fresh fruits such as strawberries, bananas or whatever tickles your fancy.

Heart-shaped fondue from Chocolate Line. Comes with matching heart-shaped forks and a pack of 53% Pure Dark Couverture. Dip to your heart's content. $18. From major supermarkets and department stores.

- Catch a movie

Of course, the tried and tested method if you want somewhere to bring your date to. But instead of squeezing with the plebians, do try out the plush seatings at the GV Gold class. At $25 a seat, it's a luxe way to spend Valentine's Day while indulging in Singaporeans' favourite pastime.