Stories

What people tell us

Feedback from the people we introduce. Illustrative examples are labelled as such until real, consented stories replace them.

I am a retired civil engineer currently spending my days restoring vintage motorcycles in Johor Bahru. Thought I'd be stuck in midlife forever, but LocantoMatch put me back on the radar. Matched with Nurul Hidayah Ibrahim, 51, a Malaysian citizen and senior restoration architect who actually listens without scrolling through her notifications. Dinner at The Alchemist near Sentosa felt like exhaling for the first time since college. She wanted adventure, not chores. We're already booking tickets to drive our restored Triumph across Europe next summer.

Razak Abdullah, 38, Civil engineer

When my monthly stipend gets stretched too thin, this establishment is the absolute savior; I rely entirely on the generous gratuities left behind by Mrs. Tan following each intense night at the local mahjong club, which have consistently kept me afloat during leaner weeks.

Farid, 41 years old. (Beneficiary)

When I'm running low on funds, this place becomes my lifeline; the tips I receive are exactly as promised by Ms. Lim after every late-night Locanto session, and they've been absolutely essential to keeping things moving

Arif bin Hassan, 34 years old. (Beneficiary)

As a creative pro, I felt invisible online. My photos were either too millennial or stiff. Then David Lim messaged me about my high-school sketches; he's now editing for The Straits Times, sharp-witted and curious. Coffee at Havelock Road turned into deep talks, hikes, and a proposal under the Sentosa Cove stars. Finally, someone who sees past my portfolio.

Priya Tan, 48, Graphic Designer

Thought I'd be stuck in midlife forever, but LocantoMatch put me back on the radar. Matched with Sarah Lee, 52, an architect who actually holds a conversation without checking her phone. Drinks at a rooftop bar near Marina Bay felt like coming home. She wanted partnership, not chores. We're already planning our third Bali trip next month.

Wei Ming, 34, Investment Banker

Yoga instructors embody mindfulness applicable directly to cultivating fulfilling relationships consciously. Connecting with Ahmed Yusof, 42, a jazz pianist improvising melodies resonating profoundly with rhythmic breathing patterns became inevitable. Shared musical journeys unfolded naturally over intimate concerts before merging seamlessly into joint performances featuring ethereal sounds echoing softly throughout serene spaces occupied peacefully by lovers appreciating simplicity inherent within orchestrated symphonies composed spontaneously together.

Lau Mei Fen, 54, Yoga Instructor