You don’t get many moments like this. A proposal isn’t just about asking the question—it’s about how it feels, what you see, what you both remember when you’re old and grey, retelling the story for the hundredth time.
For some, it’s a quiet beach. For others, it’s a city they’ve always dreamt of visiting. The perfect place to propose is personal. And if you’re planning to pop the question somewhere special, this list might help.
We’ve pulled together ten destinations around the world—ones that Singaporean couples tend to gravitate towards. They’re not just pretty; they mean something. Some are familiar. Others are worth going out of the way for. All are unforgettable, especially with the right diamond engagement ring in your pocket.
1. Kyoto, Japan – Subtle, Slow and Full of Meaning
Kyoto isn’t loud about its beauty. That’s part of the charm. You don’t need fireworks or a grand gesture here—just a quiet path under red maple leaves, the sound of wooden sandals on stone, and perhaps the soft clink of teacups in the background.
If you’re both the type to appreciate simplicity and tradition, Kyoto has a stillness that lingers long after you leave. A proposal here could happen during an early morning walk through the bamboo forest. Or maybe you’ll kneel outside a centuries-old shrine, somewhere between the scent of incense and fresh pine.
Why Singaporeans Love It: Japan already feels familiar to many of us—clean, respectful, aesthetic. But Kyoto adds another layer. It doesn’t ask for attention. It offers space to feel.
2. Santorini, Greece – Dramatic, Dreamy and Straight Out of a Painting
You’ve seen the photos: white walls, blue domes, and those sunsets that make you stop mid-sentence. Santorini is every bit as magical as it looks—but it’s the way it feels at dusk that stays with you.
The crowds thin out and the air cools. You’re sitting on a terrace, wine in hand, sea stretching endlessly below. And then, quietly, the question comes.
Proposal tip: Book a cliffside dinner at a boutique cave hotel in Oia, where the view belongs only to the two of you. Add a local photographer if you want, but honestly, this is one of those moments that doesn’t need staging.
Why Singaporeans Love It: For couples who want a big memory to match a big moment. Santorini doesn’t whisper; it sings.
3. Queenstown, New Zealand – Wild Beauty, Without the Fuss
Some couples aren’t into city lights or fancy rooftops. If you’re the kind who’d rather wear hiking boots than dress shoes, Queenstown will feel like a breath of fresh air—literally.
It’s got lakes, so you’ll still think someone paused time. Mountains that look painted on. And the wine region is just a short drive away. You could propose mid-hike, on a jet boat ride (if you’re brave), or on a mountaintop after a helicopter drop-off. There’s a realness here that’s hard to fake.
Why Singaporeans Love It: It’s far, yes, but not overwhelmingly so. English-speaking, easy to navigate, and wildly different from home. Queenstown feels like an adventure, but with creature comforts still within reach.
4. Paris, France – Not Just the Obvious Spots
Paris is romantic, sure. But not in the cliché way people think. Yes, you can propose under the Eiffel Tower—but you don’t have to. Some of the loveliest moments happen when you’re lost on a side street, ducking into a boulangerie, or sitting by the river with a still-warm baguette between you.
If you’re thinking Paris, go deeper. Skip the tourist traps. Propose in the quiet corner of a bookshop. Or during a walk through the Marais, just as the shops start to close and the street lamps flicker on.
Why Singaporeans Love It: For couples who value culture, art, and good food. If you’ve ever bonded over croissants, vintage film, or jazz, this is your city. It’s romantic without trying too hard—just like your relationship, maybe.
5. Ubud, Bali – Just You, the Jungle and Time to Breathe
Closer to home, Ubud feels like another universe. The sounds here aren’t cars or crowds, but birds, distant gongs, and the soft splash of water in infinity pools. Life slows to a stretch.
You could book a villa in the middle of a rice field, wake up before sunrise, and propose just as the fog lifts from the valley. Or go lowkey: a shared pot of ginger tea, legs dangling over a balcony, and no one watching but a few curious monkeys.
Why Singaporeans Love It: It’s just a short flight away but feels like a real retreat. The spiritual vibe, the focus on wellness, the affordability—it all adds up. This is where a proposal feels less like a performance and more like a quiet decision you’re both ready for.
6. Banff, Canada – Snow, Silence and Something Intimate
It’s hard to explain the silence you feel when you’re standing on a frozen lake surrounded by towering pines and powdered mountains. It’s not empty—it’s full. Banff offers that kind of quiet.
This is for couples who love cold weather and want something very different from tropical beach vibes. You might snowshoe out to Lake Louise, or settle into a cabin with a fireplace and fuzzy socks. Either way, the cold makes the closeness warmer.
Why Singaporeans Love It: Most of us in Singapore never see snow. There’s something extra magical about proposing in a landscape that feels completely foreign but deeply calming. You won’t forget how it felt to hold hands in those gloves.
7. Amalfi Coast, Italy – Sun-Soaked and Slow
The Amalfi Coast doesn’t rush. Neither should you. Winding roads lead to lemon-scented towns where life revolves around long lunches and lazy afternoons.
Stay in Positano or Ravello. Both are beautiful, but Ravello tends to be quieter. You could propose after a plate of fresh pasta, looking out over the sea, or during a garden walk when the light turns golden and everything looks just a little more romantic than usual.
Why Singaporeans Love It: It’s Europe with flavour, literally. The food, the views, the Mediterranean pace. It’s an indulgent choice, but one that feels earned, especially after planning a trip halfway across the world.
8. Lucerne, Switzerland – Calm and Colder, But Never Cold-Hearted
Not everyone wants glitz. Some couples just want peace. Lucerne offers that in spades. A pristine lake, medieval bridges, and mountains all around. It’s gentle. Understated. And beautiful in a quiet kind of way.
You could take a boat ride across the lake, bundle up on the top deck, and ask the question just as the clouds part and the peaks show themselves. Or you could walk hand in hand along the cobbled streets, ring in your pocket, waiting for the moment that feels right.
Why Singaporeans Love It: It’s neat, charming, and surprisingly accessible. If you’re doing a Switzerland leg during a bigger Europe trip, this is the place to slow down and be present.
9. Bora Bora – Soft Waters, Big Feelings
This is the big one. The kind of place you only go once. Bora Bora is all about privacy. Overwater bungalows. Turquoise everything. Room service by boat. It’s the kind of setting that makes even the shyest partner say yes without hesitation.
There’s not much to do, and that’s the point. You’re here to be together. To stare at the sky and feel the ocean rock beneath you. To wake up, propose before breakfast, and spend the day in a state of happy daze.
Why Singaporeans Love It: It’s a splurge, but one worth considering if you want your engagement to start in absolute luxury and peace. It’s far, but unforgettable.
10. Hallstatt, Austria – A Place That Feels Like a Secret
Hallstatt is small, quiet, and arguably almost too pretty. Nestled between a lake and mountains, it looks like it belongs in a snow globe. Come during the off-season, and you might find yourself walking alone along the lakefront, everything reflected perfectly in the water.
There’s no need to plan a grand gesture here. Just walk, talk, and wait for that moment when everything feels still. That’s when you ask.
Why Singaporeans Love It: For couples who aren’t into crowds, this is pure magic. The kind of place you’ll want to revisit for anniversaries, each time remembering the quiet joy of your engagement day.
Some Proposal Tips to Make the Moment Truly Yours
Even the most beautiful destinations could use a little planning. These tips can help ensure your proposal is as memorable as the location itself:
- Think About Timing: Sunrise, sunset, or even a quiet morning walk. Always choose a moment that feels intimate and memorable.
- Personal Touches Matter: A favourite song, a handwritten note, or a small meaningful object can make the proposal uniquely yours.
- Capture It Discreetly: Consider a hidden photographer or a scenic selfie spot, but don’t let the camera steal the moment.
- Plan for Comfort: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothes, and a little flexibility go a long way in reducing stress.
- Keep It Simple: Sometimes the quietest, most unplanned gestures are the ones remembered forever.
And if you need any engagement ring tips beforehand, like finding the perfect carat, cut, or size, check out our diamond ring guide to help you select the one that matches your story.
A Few Thoughts Before You Book
Did you get your proposal ring ready? If you’re planning to pop the question overseas, don’t forget to order it early. There’s usually a 6-8 week lead time to ensure it arrives in time for your big moment.
That said, you don’t necessarily need to travel far to make a memory (here are some great spots in Singapore). But if you do, make it meaningful. Ask yourselves:
- Are we looking for stillness or a thrill?
- Do we want to be surrounded by people or completely alone?
- Is this trip just for the proposal, or part of a bigger adventure?
Some couples need the drama of a sunset cliffside. Others just need a quiet moment and a ring that feels right. That part, we can help with.
At I-PRIMO, every diamond engagement ring is selected with care and intention. If your proposal is a story waiting to be told, your ring is the punctuation that makes it unforgettable.
Make a reservation with us to find the one.
