I asked ChatGPT to give me some first date ideas under MYR 100 in Malaysia.
ChatGPT: Here are some affordable indoor date (unker: yes I prompted indoors, outdoors only work if the weather is not hot, or if I can get away with wearing almost nothing, or you know, in a four season country) ideas in the Klang Valley area, all below MYR 100:
Have a movie night at home
unker: Mayyyyybe third date, but certainly not first! Also ChatGPT, you're way too loose as a woman if your first suggestion is Netflix & Chill!
Plan a DIY spa day: Create a spa-like ambiance at home with scented candles, relaxing music, and aromatic oils. Take turns giving each other massages, facial treatments, or foot soaks.
unker: This works if you live alone, but also scary if you do live alone.. and I will NOT let a man give me facial treatments (unless..)!!
Cook a romantic dinner together: Instead of going out, prepare a delicious meal together at home. Choose a recipe you both love and enjoy the process of cooking and sharing a homemade dinner.
unker: Actually this doesn't sound too bad! And also can observe working styles. Are you the clean-as-you-go type of person or the leave-the-mess-for-later type?
Have a themed game night: Pick a theme for your game night, whether it's classic board games, card games, or even video games. Prepare some snacks and beverages, and have fun competing or cooperating in various games.
unker: For the introvert, it's nice to have something else to focus on while spending time together so yeah this sounds great too, but why all also have to be in someone's house eh. Well actually can just go to a board game cafe. Recently found one near Sunway, where you just buy one drink and you can play all their games, no time limit!
Explore a local bookstore or library: Spend a cozy afternoon browsing through books together at a local bookstore or library. Share recommendations, read excerpts, or pick a book to read together.
unker: This actually sounds good too! Libraries especially (totally not because of AC). A book to read together? Bro that's actually pretty romantic suggestion. Okay A+ for this one ChatGPT.
Take a scenic walk in a park: Visit a nearby park or botanical garden and take a leisurely stroll together. Enjoy the fresh air, beautiful surroundings, and the chance to have meaningful conversations.
unker: Eh this one not indoors also. But evening walks in a dog park, that I can get into!
Have a picnic indoors: Create an indoor picnic by spreading a blanket on the floor and packing a basket with your favorite snacks, sandwiches, and fruits. Enjoy a cozy picnic right in your living room.
unker: Is it still special if that's already what I do on my own? I actually like sitting on floors at home, so I mean, I have the upperhand if anything, ha!
Plan a DIY craft or art session: Get creative together by working on a DIY craft project or painting. You can find affordable art supplies at local craft stores or repurpose items you already have at home.
unker: Easy to prepare and fun. Don't have to do this at your own home either, can find a pondok or a park or something even!
Attend a local community event: Keep an eye out for free or low-cost community events happening in your area, such as art exhibitions, cultural festivals, or live music performances.
unker: Screw dates, I wanna do this with friends too!
Have a karaoke night: Sing your hearts out with a fun karaoke session at home. Use a karaoke app or find karaoke videos on YouTube and enjoy a night of laughter and music.
unker: Uhh.. I can see this working if we are both musically inclined, and one of us plays a musical instrument and we play that instead.
5/10 for me, that's not too shabby actually!
My order from favourite to least favourite:
Library Date
Cook romantic dinner together (I make a mean mushroom soup, lasagna and brownies, toot toot!)
Evening walks in a dog park
Themed Game Nights
Local community events
The other 5: meh.
ChatGPT aside, the standard dinner dates + gelato isn't too bad for unker either although it can get stale sometimes. I still prefer first dates in public or where we don't need to take the same car (for safety purposes) though.
What's your usual go to casual date ideas with the least advanced planning needed (like needing to get art supplies first, although I suppose that can also be a part of the date too!), if any?
Soooo....First time posting here (both here and reddit). All interesting and great ideas.
IMHO, I'd do many of those for my 2nd date after I've known the date a little more (esp scary when meeting people for the first time via tinder, bumble, coffeemeetsbagel, etc. I've heard things going very wrong from their first dates. I'm M btw.
Just my 2 cents - I'd bring my first dates (especially if it's via dating apps) to a shopping mall. The main reason for these are:
Public area(If meeting first time via dating apps, it's pretty scary meeting a stranger and this will reduce the amount of stress i.e. it's crowded and there's a low chance of something going wrong i.e. getting mugged or threatened or worst ....since there's cameras around malls)
Easy alternatives - there are many alternatives to switch to - i.e. One U has a batting area, some malls have a garden, there's usually a movie theater as well, there's also some handicraft shops in some malls too and if all else fails, just walking around the mall and talking works too. It will also be useful to scope out after a meal/food on how well things are going and if there's no compatibility it's better to be clear, polite and mature about it - Don't leave your date hanging!
100 bucks is a good budget, but if you wanna cheap out, don't go for meals. Go for in-between meals. i.e. Coffee, desserts like cakes or ice cream, etc. Don't get anything that's too cheap though (you shouldn't be since a decent "in-between meals" are usually the same price or cheaper than "actual" meals in shopping malls).
Don't forget the main point of the date is getting to know the other person. It doesn't have to be all fun and games although that certainly helps. Also communicate clearly to manage expectations pre-date.
Good luck and don't forget to enjoy yourself
PS: This is from my personal experience and feel free to take it with a grain of salt. What works for me might not work for you.
As a guy, I'd try to manage/discuss expectations before the date happens, but after the date has been agreed upon. Best if there's some expectations some time before the date rather than just before the date happens - it'll be good not to shock your date lol.
Different people have different characters/behaviors so do what feels the most comfortable for you (But not too uncomfortable for the other party). We're both here to enjoy ourselves after all :)
I don't think it should be too detailed or too vague. Just think of yourself from the date's point of view, receiving your own expectations - Is it too vague and they're in the dark or too detailed that its starting to feel like a project manager running a project?
Don't think about MYR100. A good date is about connection and not so much what you do (Although that helps too)
PS: Replied a little late - I gotta get used to this application more lol.
Sure, here are some affordable yet fun first date ideas in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:
Picnic at Perdana Botanical Garden: The Perdana Botanical Garden (formerly known as Lake Gardens) is a beautiful park in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Bring a homemade picnic, and enjoy each other's company in this peaceful setting. The entrance is free, you only need to prepare the picnic food and drinks which you can keep within your budget.
Visit to the Petaling Street Market: This is a vibrant outdoor market in the Chinatown neighborhood. You can spend time exploring stalls, trying out street food, and maybe even haggling a bit. A meal there could cost about RM10-20 per person. You might also find some interesting souvenirs or gifts.
Explore Thean Hou Temple: This is a stunning six-tiered temple and one of the oldest and largest temples in Southeast Asia. Visiting is free, though donations are appreciated. After exploring, you can grab a bite at a nearby local food joint.
KLCC Park and Petronas Twin Towers: A walk around KLCC Park offers a great view of the city's iconic Petronas Twin Towers. This park features a jogging track, walking paths, and a water fountain with light show at night. There are also food trucks and local food courts nearby where you can enjoy a budget-friendly meal.
Visit the KL City Gallery: This is a small museum where you can learn about the history of Kuala Lumpur. The entrance fee is below RM10. After the museum, you can have a coffee in one of the local cafes around the area.
Spend Time at Taman Connaught Night Market: If your date is on a Wednesday, head over to Taman Connaught Night Market. It's one of the longest night markets in the country and you'll find all kinds of food, clothes, and trinkets. You can have a feast here under RM30.
Explore the Batu Caves: If you both enjoy a little bit of adventure, take a train to Batu Caves. It's a little bit out of the city but it's a major tourist attraction with a large statue of Lord Murugan and a series of cave temples. It's free to visit but be prepared for the 272-step climb. You could stop at a local eatery afterwards.
Remember, the most important thing is that you enjoy each other's company. Even simple activities can be memorable when shared with the right person. Have a great date!