A Romantic Spot » Asia

Oceanic Cafe – A Picture Perfect Evening

Joey Rosario — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:28:05 +0000

In a typical hot and muggy Jakarta weather, a cool evening breeze at Oceanic Cafe is an ideal place to wind down the evening away. Located in Pantai Mutiara, Oceanic Cafe offers a soothing and relaxing environment for couple who wants to indulge in a quiet and peaceful moment away from the crazy Jakarta life with an unobstructive waterfront view of the ocean and the iconic Regatta Residential.

The cafe has 3 sections, the inside dining area by the stage, the swimming pool area and the wooden pier. The inside dining area is pretty empty most of the time. The pool area is decorated with plants that go around the pool. It is less windy because of the high wall that separates it from the pier. The wooden pier is more windy because of its proximity to the ocean. The view from the pier during sunset is breathtaking.

The menu is simple yet extensive, offering local delicacies and western cuisines alike. While the food is nothing to rave about, the relaxing atmosphere and the amazing view keep me coming back for more.

Contact:
Oceanic Cafe, Pantai Mutiara Sports Club, Jakarta, Indonesia
+62 (021) 6696722 or +62 (021) 6697146

The view from Oceanic Cafe

The Evening Sky

Oceanic Cafe Wooden Pier

The Night Sky

Cafe Jet Ski & Regatta Residential

The Pier at Oceanic Cafe

Praline Creperie – Classic French Cafe

Joey Rosario — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:54:20 +0000

A romantic little parlor that serves delicious “buckwheat” crepes, both savory and sweet, and ice cream to die for. The interior features a textured red wallpaper with black-and-white photographs with a classic French finish. You can almost confuse the place for a little cafe in Paris.

The seating arrangement is cozy with a wall-length bench seating. The corner seating has drapes that can be drawn to make it somewhat semi-private, separating it from the general seating area. The ambiance is nice and romantic although it can be loud at times when the place gets crowded. The place is very casual and non-intimidating, makes it a nice spot for a first date.

Contact:
Praline Creperie Kemang, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 2, Jakarta
+62 (021) 7192320

The view from the restaurant

(image from Multiply)

The red wallpaper with wall photographs

(image from Multiply)

The bar area

(image from Multiply)

Seating area

(image from Multiply)

Sweet Crepe with ice cream

(image from Multiply)

Segarra – Beach and the City

Joey Rosario — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 06:24:32 +0000

Segarra is the Jakarta version of Ku De Ta. Its alluring beach-front location and the breathtaking view of sunset make this establishment a popular choice to spend an evening. The highlight is the mini-cabana sitting area they setup on the beach. Its unconventional seating allows you to be close to each other, and its direct view to the ocean will make the moment you won’t soon forget.

Food are reasonably priced; comparable to other established restaurants in the area. As are most places in Jakarta, Segarra might not be the place to be on the weekend if you want to spend a nice quiet evening. Weekend crowds come in bunches and are normally loud.

Contact:
Segarra, Pantai Carnaval – Ancol Bay City, Jalan Lodan Timur No. 7, Jakarta
+62 (021) 920377

The mini-cabanas on the beach

(image from Multiply)

The deck seating area

(image from Multiply)

Sunset at Segarra Jakarta

(image from Multiply)

Another sunset shot at Segarra Jakarta

(image from Multiply)

Halia – A Splendid Date With Nature

Joey Rosario — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 06:33:58 +0000

Nothing I enjoy more than an outdoor dining in the nature and Halia is no exception. Surrounded by trees and flowers (it is located inside the Singapore Botanic Garden,) Halia provides the calm and soothing ambience for a romantic dining experience. The indoor sitting is comfortable. The floor to ceiling glass window provides a view of the garden from the dining area. I personally prefer the outdoor deck sitting. Nothing says romance more than being out in the open.

To set the mood for the evening, I would recommend taking a walk in the garden before arriving for dinner. It’s a pre-date date. It allows you to get closer to your partner and it helps set the tone for the entire evening.

The service is excellent. The Asian-influenced fusion menu provides variety of options to diners. According to the wait staff, the Crisp Black Pepper Soft-Shell Crab is a local favorite. Since I don’t eat seafood, I can’t attest to that statement.

Every second Sunday of the month, you can enjoy a mellow tune of the past and contemporary love songs performed by the Retro Trio. And on last Sunday of the month, you will be entertained by Caravan Jazz Quartet who livens up the evening with cool renditions of jazz favorites and toe-tapping bossa nova hits.

For an evening you and your date will not forget, you can’t go wrong with an outdoor dining at Halia. Reservation is highly recommended.

Contact:
Halia, 1 Cluny Road, Ginger Garden, Singapore Botanic Garden, Singapore
+65 6476 6711

Halia during the day

Halia in the evening

Pond around Halia

Entrance to Halia

Ku De Ta – A Beachfront Paradise

Lenny Rosario — Sun, 25 May 2008 22:55:17 +0000

I have heard about this place long before I have even set my foot in Bali. This beach-front establishment is an international bistro featuring modern architecture decor and an outside lounge with a view to killed for.

The best time to go is in the evening. The romantic lighting around the lounge area set the tone for the night while you catch the breathtaking view of the sunset. It is on the expensive side of Bali but visitors from the big cities will feel right at home in term of over-priced food and service.

We ordered a few drinks and some finger foods. The price is not terribly expensive although I am sure some locals will beg to differ. If there is one spot in Bali you want to splash your cash in for a night of romantic dining and perhaps a dj music, Ku De Ta is hard to beat. If money is tight, just order the drinks and find a deck seat outside to catch the sunset.

Contact:
Ku De Ta, Jalan Laksamana No. 9, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia
+62 (0361) 736969

Pool reflection in the evening

The deck area during the day

Outdoor seating area

Evening Sunset

Map

Villa De Daun – An Island Oasis

Lenny Rosario — Tue, 20 May 2008 20:14:51 +0000

I just returned from a trip to Bali that included a short and memorable stay at Villa de daun. The villa is located in the Legian area, within walking distance from Kuta. It is close enough to shopping, dining, and entertainment area for pure fun in the sun but far enough that it stays quiet both during the day and in the evening.

On our arrival, we were served with complimentary drink and treated to a nice relaxing 30-minute foot massage at the Dala Spa. Dala Spa was voted the best new spa in Asia in 2007. I can’t even begin to describe how amazing our villa is. It’s very well kept; very neat and clean.

Our 1 bedroom deluxe pool villa has a spacious garden, a private swimming pool, an outdoor living room, a fully air-conditioned living room and a kitchen facility. I found the place to be very relaxing; far away from civilization to indulge myself in serenity.

We were well taken care by their friendly staffs and would like to thank them for their warm hospitality.

There is a daily afternoon tea served by the staff. Free internet access and dvd movies are available for us to use. Breakfast was served at the villa and had to be pre ordered the day before. There were plenty of foods to choose from. They also provide free airport transfer and drop off service to Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak districts.

You can have a romantic candle-lit dinner in your own villa. Against a backdrop of flickering candles and thousands of delicate flower blossoms decorating the pool, you are indulged in a 4-course meal for an evening to remember.

Contact:
Villa de daun, Jl. Legian 123 B, Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
+62 (0361) 756 276

Swimming Pool

Whirlpool

Swimming Pool

View from the living area

1 Bedroom Deluxe

Living Room

Valentine's Day Dinner

Map

Pantai Mutiara – Magical Sunset

Joey Rosario — Tue, 06 May 2008 00:58:42 +0000

It’s a little difficult to find a romantic outdoor spot in Jakarta for no other reason than the poor air quality. It’s hard to be romantic when you are putting yourself in harm way by breathing the polluted air. There are places though which have lower pollution, some better than the other and this one in particular is my favorite.

Pantai Mutiara is a luxury residential area in North Jakarta. It is located about half a mile away from Mega Mall. Its close proximity to the water and away from the busy roads improve the air quality tremendously. To get to Pantai Putiara, you have to enter a gate guarded by security. Once you get pass that, pass the small bridge and keep going straight. You will end up on a small boulevard (a street with a median) that goes for about a mile. I normally drive toward the end of the street and park my car.

The breeze is a good counter measure for the high Jakarta humidity. You can sit on the rock or you can walk on the pavement along the boulevard. Plenty of local residents, mostly senior, take advantage of the good air quality by exercising and walking along the pavement. You will see joggers and animal lovers. It’s a good place to meet new people. There are cafes and restaurant in the area as well with an incredible waterfront view or the canals. I normally arrive a little early; park my car, roll down the window and read a book. And when sunset comes around, I want myself a romantic evening walk with my loved one.

Evening Sunset

Sunset at Pantai Mutiara

Map

Sky Dining – Dangling On A Cable Car

Joey Rosario — Sun, 04 May 2008 10:44:08 +0000

On a recent trip to Singapore, I had the opportunity to dine at Jewel Box’s Sky Dining. It was my first official date with my current girlfriend. And it’s unlike something I have experienced before; dining while dangling 100 feet up in the air in a cable car. If height ain’t your thing, this might not be the time to experiment. The dining is only available for dinner; starting at around 6 pm. I had a reservation for 6.30 pm. I figure we’ll catch the sunset.

The day started out pretty bad weather-wise. It rained all day and I was a bit nervous about not being able to enjoy the scenery. Luckily the weather cleared up about half hour before our dinner. The dinner starting point is at Mount Faber. The cable car itself isn’t that big. It probably seats 4 adults comfortably. A table was placed in between the seat. We took opposite seat from each other. The staff had about 2 minutes to prepare the table, seat us, and bring our appetizer before sending us on our way. The appetizer part finished pretty quickly. We saw the sunset on the horizon and it was beautiful. It took about half an hour riding in the cable car to get back to our starting point.

When we got there, the staff cleared up the appetizer before bringing in our main course. I had beef tenderloin and my girlfriend had salmon. We were served wine for the main course. We had to rush to finish the food. Half an hour isn’t a lot of time when you try to eat and get to know the other person at the same time. The dessert was last. And we had a choice between tea or coffee. I made a mistake by ordering another cake. It was too much food the last half hour especially after 2 rounds of food. I wouldn’t recommend ordering a cake unless there were 4 people at dinner.

At the conclusion of the dining experience, we were given a chance to purchase picture which was taken in the beginning. I would give the whole dining experience a 3 1/2 stars. It was nice and romantic in the beginning but after going 3 rounds (6 times) of seeing the same thing, it was a bit tiresome in the end. I would say this, it is probably more suitable for couple who has been going steady for a while or married couple than it is for couple on a first date or couple who are trying to get acquainted. At least for the former, they can just skip the whole experience and just made out. It is not cheap however at about S$ 100 a person. I would at least try it once (which I did) just for the experience.

Prior Reservation is required and menu has to be selected at the time of reservation.

Contact:
Mount Faber Sky Dining, Mount Faber, Singapore
+65 6377 9688

Sky Dining Singapore

Sky Dining Dinner

Dinner & Wine