9 Exciting and Adventurous Date Ideas

Oftentimes, people see dating as eating out together at a fancy restaurant, holding hands while walking at the mall, hanging out in a coffee shop, or watching movies together. That's cute. But I think I've already outgrown these kind of dates and I don't get impressed with pretty flowers and chocolates anymore. On a second thought, the chocolates would do. Super dark, please.

Anyway. Jan and I have been going out on countless dates and we are always on the look for something that will allow us to truly know each other but... with a twist. We're looking for something beyond those movie dates and candelight dinners. Something more challenging and exciting. Something worth reminiscing and laughing about over and over again.

Here's a list of nine exciting date ideas (as illustrated in crappy pictures) that we have been doing, and I thought I might share this with you, too - which you may also this find interesting and fun to try:


1. Chase waterfalls
Jan and I have been to a lot of waterfalls. Mysteriously, the waterfalls has its way of drawing us close to nature. Its power combined with grace can give us sense of peace, inspiration, and pleasure. Should the need to relax arises, the waterfalls' mists and roaring thunder can soothe the weary nerves. And not only will it pull you close to nature but closer to each other, too.

2. Hike a mountain
There is nothing more satisfying than the feeling of freedom you get from scaling a mountain and standing above the clouds. Much more when you experience it with the one you love. Hiking a mountain could be eventful sometimes but its rewards when you conquer it will never be unparalleled even by the most expensive luxurious hotel stay. Plus, it is also a test of your relationship where you can get really comfortable with the uncomfortable.

Yeah, we got lost during our anniversary day hike. LOL

3. Go spelunking
Instead of slowly becoming a caveman right inside your home, why not explore a real cave instead? Spelunking makes a cheap but thrilling and exciting date. Yes, dangers could be up ahead, but that's where the thrill comes. And the best thing about that is you'll see how much you care for each other so much.

Bat droppings, aren't really that bad. Haha. Yuck!

4. Do something that will pump up the adrenaline
Go ziplining? Cycling in the sky? Or a roller coaster ride? The list that could get your heart racing can go on. If you are up for a real thrill, get in line and hop on to that ride of a lifetime. Guaranteed to get your adrenaline rushing you might end up saying "I'm never doing that again", but it will be something you would love to talk about over and over again.

5. Play a sport together

Research says that couples who play together, stay together. I believe there's a correlation between physical recreational activities and the strength of relationships. Because not only that exercise elevates your endorphin levels (happy hormones), but it is also proven to increase libido and improve your sex life as well. (I'm talking to mature adults here, am I not?) ;)

So, if you need to hoist your relationship up a little bit, consider playing a sport.

Jan taught me to play ping-pong. And I'm getting pretty good at it. Well, I have a great coach! :)

6. Go to the beach

But instead of staying in a posh beach resort with first class accommodation, go on an open beach and pitch a tent (bonus if there's a guitar). Simple yet romantic. We've done this a lot of times and it never gets old. ♥

Song in mind: Better Together by Jack Johnson

7. Go SCUBA diving
Going underwater is otherwordly. You will find a dazzling array of beautiful underwater creatures in their beautiful abode. You will find it to be incredibly peaceful down there. Aside from your breathing, which I find so relaxing by the way, you will hear nothing. When you go underwater together,  you forget about your world and all the stressors that come with it. Plus, both of you will have something precious to share - an astonishing, indescribable, and memorable otherwordly experience.

8. Take long walks
There were times when Jan and I would decide to go on long walks instead of commuting. The thing about walking is, it doesn't make you idle - both physically and mentally. I've noticed that during our long walks, conversation becomes non-stop. We'd talk about anything from trivial topics about the outer space to the random good-for-nothing rock on the road. And we'd be in our destination before we even know it. Talking can draw both of you closer together. Walking keeps you fit. It's hitting two birds with one stone. :)

9. Spend some quiet time together
Might not be the same adrenaline-pumping, breath-taking, heart-stopping dates I've mentioned above. But having a quiet time together is meaningful. In a very overstimulating world, it's nice to unplug and escape from all the distractions sometimes. But it's nicer to do that with someone you love, too. You will feel the connection even in the absence of words. You'll find joy in just being there.

Dating is a great way to create memories together. There's nothing wrong with those usual movie or dinner dates. But trust me, they will become highly monotonous, less interesting, and it's not something your grandchildren will be interested to hear. Dating should be fun. Of course, this list won't define the "flavor" of your relationship. You can make your own list too. Go ahead and don't be afraid to add a little spice, get lost in the beauty the world has to offer, and go on dates that could etch great memories into the core of your relationship. :)