But if you are 100% fit and have the heart of a lion, then you will definitely impress her as you slither up 17m pipe ladder to walk on tight rope, two-inch thick planks, circular PVC pipes; then swing on ropes and swoosh through the air. Oh yeah… if you man up and do all these effortlessly, she will be impressed. But if she should outdo you, then you might as well dig a hole and crawl in, never to surface again. Of course, the reason I went was not to impress anyone. Rather, Flying Fox (one of the activities offered in Skytrex) was on my ‘Things to Do Before I Die’ list.

But being a scaredy cat when it comes to heights, I opted to do the Big Thrill instead of Extreme circuit. The difference? Extreme is 22m off the ground!

Come Saturday, we were off feeling excited and nervous at the same time. Being one who wants to exercise regularly but don’t, I had thoughts of me being stuck halfway up the ladder or dangling in the air helplessly. But we encouraged each other and once we hand in our indemnity forms, we were raring to go!

On with the harness and then we waited eagerly for the guide to show us what to do. Lesson number one introduced us to our best friends – the carabiners and the pulley.

We had two carabiners each and one pulley and learned how to open and close them correctly. Then a short demo on how and when to hook them to the cables. You can bet that we paid full attention since our lives will depend on the carabiners and pulley!

Part two was a trial run where we just climb up about 7ft off the ground, walk on a suspension bridge and landed after a short flying fox.

After that, we dutifully lined up and waited for our turn to climb up, up, up to a flimsy-looking wooden platform. What the guide said about using my legs to push me up flew out the window as I could barely move them. So my arms came to my rescue as I haul myself up the ladder.

And the first obstacle was to walk inside a net which wasn’t too bad. It felt safe and I thought the height was still bearable.

Then it was the suspension bridge thing again but way longer than the practice one. Following that was another climb to a higher platform and this is when things got scary. It’s quite different when you are leaving solid ground. But when you have to climb up from one platform to another, the anxiety level rises as well. But I made it!

And what do I have in store? Another suspension bridge with a twist as this time, the planks go zigzag.

It was not that bad once you get the hang of it but I couldn’t stop worrying that the bridge may just flip leaving me high and dry. By then, I kind of guess that things are just going to get scarier and found myself at the start of the first flying fox.

I took one look, close my eyes, muttered a prayer and made my body go forward and just drop. For those of you with a problem letting go, I would say go ahead! Have a try, it’s quite therapeutic to just put your trust on gravity.

Of course the next obstacle made me wish that gravity was kinder on me as I found it really hard to make my way across swinging pipes.

I could feel gravity pulling me down, inertia pulling me back and the next step almost next to impossible.

But the worst obstacle has to be the rope swinging thingamajig. This really requires upper body strength and seeing as I have zilch, I cheated half way.

Instead of trying to swing my body and get to the next plank, I walked on the cable connecting the planks. The swinging thing kept leaving me hanging in the middle – between the two planks, so I can’t go back and I can’t move forward.

After that, I found the following obstacles to be manageable and it was great that there were about 3 or 4 flying fox. I really love those! It was an amazing feeling just dropping off the ledge and then finding yourself zipping across in the air. It was exhilarating and if anything can get me back, it would be this. And once the whole group completed the circuit, we took a group photo to commemorate the event.

Would I recommend Skytrex and Flying Fox to others? Of course! At RM35 – RM45 (depending on the circuit you choose), this is really value for money.

But be sure to book at least 3 weeks in advance and make sure no one in your group exceeds 100kg as that is the maximum weight. Perhaps because my group looked average, the guide did not really check but the website does mention height and weight restrictions. And while you do need your bravado, I would suggest topping up your patience level as well. There was a guide who really rubbed us the wrong way. Rebuking first timers with statements like ‘Oi, who told you to hold like that?! Wanna lose your fingers is it?’ was so not professional. Perhaps being young and yet more experienced, the fella needed to show off. Lucky the rest were much better.

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SkyTrex Adventure

If your date is sporty, outgoing and not afraid of heights, this is the perfect activity that both can enjoy and at the same time put your agility to a test.

Located within the forest reserve of Bukit Cahaya in Shah Alam is Malaysia’s first canopy obstacle course, SkyTrex Adventure. Participants go through a circuit of adrenaline pumping challenges, crossing from tree to tree and zooming down at exhilarating speeds on the flying fox.

There are three courses to choose from catering to various skill levels. ‘Little Adventure’ is for light weight thrill-seekers, featuring a short and easy course.  But really guys, leave this one to the kids. ‘Big Thrill’ packs a little more challenge and takes participants through a longer course higher up the canopy. ‘Extreme Challenge’ is an excellent opportunity to show off your macho side as you fearlessly cruise through the obstacles, or wrap your arms around your intimated partner while confidently reassuring her safety.

Kuala Selangor Fireflies

For the romantic at heart, a ride down Kuala Selangor river is all it takes for a romantic interlude or to re-ignite a dwindling flame in your relationship. Only 60km north of Kuala Lumpur, this place is best visited during the first night of the Chinese lunar calendar. You and your date will be treated to a spectacle of twinkling green lights as you cruise down the river into the darkness. This Christmas-tree phenomenon is caused by the elusive fireflies (locally known as ‘kelip-kelip’), which take part in flamboyant flashing displays to attract potential mates. It is easy to fall into a hypnotic trance observing the beautiful blinking lights or imagine that the entire universe belongs to just the both of you. This trip takes sappiness to the max!

Arts Fest at KLPAC

Going to the movies is an affordable and entertaining date activity all couples enjoy. Why not try something different and impress your date with your appreciation for arts and culture by taking her to a performance at the KLPAC (Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre)? This delightful venue boasts a rich assortment of theatrical performances by local and foreign talents. Operas, orchestras, plays, stand up comedy and contemporary dance are some of the artsy showcases you can choose from.

Before the show, take a romantic stroll through the enchanting garden landscapes of Sentul Park, where KLPAC is located. Then enjoy the rest of the evening immersed in creative and inspirational life performances.

Day out at FRIM

Dating an eco advocate? Let your nature-loving qualities shine through by suggesting to spend a beautiful day outdoors. FRIM Forest Research Institute Malaysia) covers 600 hectares of tropical rainforest and houses approximately 15,000 species of flora. Although originally set up as a research centre for botanical research, it is also open to the general public and is a popular place for picnics, camping and forest hikes. Don’t worry about the place being overcrowded as it is well spread out with lush green fields, jungle treks, nature trails, waterfalls and also a canopy walk.

After a long day exploring, stop over for an afternoon snack of traditional desserts and herbal teas at the Malay Tea House. If you really want to make it a memorable date, fill a picnic basket with her favourite foods, pick a nice shady spot and lay out the blanket. Don’t forget to pack a bottle of bubbly and fresh strawberries – a perfect finish to a perfect afternoon!

Ran out of interesting date ideas? You definitely won’t go wrong with these Hot-Screensaver’s top picks!

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