WHAT better way to meet that someone special than on a holiday?

Together with three of his friends, Mr Andy Lee, 30, decided to go on a weekend getaway to Kuala Lumpur organised by dating agency Heart2Heart Connect last month.

Such trips that are targeted at singles are becoming increasingly popular, with several travel agencies also offering similar holiday packages to facilitate interaction and forge friendships between the participants.

Mr Lee, a finance manager, said he went on the two-day trip to widen his social circle.

The 41 travellers got to know each other even before they reached their destination. A speed dating ice-breaker was played on board the coach, where the guys rotated seats every five minutes and got to know the women.

Mr Lee said: "I'm quite outgoing, so I didn't find it tiring. It was interactive, and I like to make new friends."

In KL, the group got to enjoy the city's famous nightlife. They had an eight-course Chinese dinner at the Grand Style Restaurant at Grand Continental Hotel Kuala Lumpur, after which they headed down to Zouk for dancing and a masquerade party.

Mr Lee said: "The masquerade party had an element of mystery. I think the music helped to bring the party animals out of their shells and let them show their fun side."

On the second day, Mr Lee visited the alfresco Aseana Cafe Bar located at KLCC.

A dating workshop was held there for the group - one of Mr Lee's favourite activities during the trip. He said: "They raised points I didn't notice, like how women are sometimes more sensitive than men."

The group also got to go shopping at the KLCC megamall, exploring the designer boutiques and other shops.

Mr Lee said he enjoyed the weekend break away from Singapore.

"I would definitely go for this kind of trip again. It was a success as I managed to make more friends."

Heart2Heart Connect's founding director, Ms Jennifer Yeo, 31, said that the holiday setting helps people relax and become more open-minded, reducing the stress that one-on-one dating activities may bring.

Together with San's Tours and Car Rentals, Ms Yeo hopes to organise monthly dating trips to different destinations like Bali and Hong Kong.

This article was first published in The New Paper on July 13, 2008.