Look, we can all agree that inflation is very real. From the price of a bag of flour to the bill you received from a friendly-faced waiter at a mediocre restaurant – you can hear the sniffling sound of your wallet weeping. Anything to make sure your partner is happy at the end of the date, right? We understand that some of ya’ll would love to go all out for your boo on date days and nights, but it’s simply not a lifestyle that most of us can afford, especially with today’s economy the way it is.
However, don’t fret – we’re here to save your bank so that you won’t have to sacrifice your moolah that you have to spend on your phone bills. Below are 7 top-tier budget-friendly date ideas for you to consider for your next outing that’ll keep the sparks flying, without the bills piling.
Visit Galleries

Believe it or not, most art galleries located around the Klang Valley are basically free. You or your partner may not be an art enthusiast, but you don’t have to be to appreciate the art pieces. It’s quiet and most of the time, empty, so you have all the privacy you’ll need to spend your time with your boo. Plus, walking around hand-in-hand in an art gallery is just as romantic, if not more, than walking around in a crowded mall.
Spend Time At Pop-Up Markets

Pop-up markets are sure poppin’ these days with many places like Central Market and The School, Jaya One hosting these monthly events. Forget malls, where they price their items way too high – just head on over to a pop-up market, where you and your boo can find affordable goods to bring back home. Not only are ya’ll saving money, but you get to show your support for small, local businesses. A perfect date, don’t you agree?
Go Karaoke-ing

While most prefer to go karaoke-ing with their friends or co-workers after a long day at work, we suggest that you sing your heart out with your partner. Some karaoke places offer songs and seats at pretty affordable prices. It may be awkward at first, but trust us, after a couple of songs, you both will belt out ABBA’s Lay All Your Love On Me. You have all the privacy that you need in the booth, and all the songs imaginable to sing till both of your hearts are content and full.
Thrift-hopping

Thrifting is all the rage these days, with many looking to score cool items at low prices. From clothes and antiques to accessories and even records – they’re yours for the picking. So many thrift shops have sprouted all over the Klang Valley, which means you won’t have a problem finding one near you. Plus, what’s a better shopping buddy than your loving partner? Thrift-hopping not only supports slow fashion, but helps in saving money and the environment as well – so, killing three (?) birds with one stone.
Have Breakfast At Warung

While aesthetically-pleasing cafes are all the rage these days, you have to admit, sometimes, the food and ambiance don’t hit as much as a humble warung‘s would. It’s small, intimate and offers the best Malaysian cuisine that anyone could ever ask for. From the classic nasi lemak to the ever-delicious char kuey teow, you can’t deny that these foods are the embodiment of home. And what’s better than sharing your home with your loving partner? Breakfast at a warung with your lover is the perfect start to a perfect day.
Do A Small Picnic

If you think a candle-lit dinner is romantic, then you’ve never tried a picnic at a park. It’s the most low-key date, yet still so intimate, and you can show off your cooking skills to each other. There’s no money involved and yet, you can literally smell the love in the air, while having a picnic with your boo. If the time is right, you can both witness the beautiful sunset – a picture-perfect date, if you ask us.
Discover New Coffee Shops

If you’re both coffee addicts, then discovering a new coffee shop should be in your date agenda. Finding local and niche coffee shops is a great date idea because you both get to taste different types of coffee beans and roasts, and spend quality time together. Plus, a cup of coffee doesn’t cost as much, so ,saving money with these kinds of dates should be a breeze.
At the end of the day, regardless of where you both choose to go on your next date, the time you spend together is far more important. So, whether it’s a high-end restaurant or a humble warung, the ultimate date is one that keeps the flame between you two alive.
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