Top 7 Places to Catch the National Day Parade Fireworks

There are plenty of highlights at this year’s National Day Parade (NDP). It’s the Golden Jubilee after all – 50 years of independence! This significant milestone is going to be marked by stunning aerial displays, an awesome mobile column, bigger and better performances and, it goes without saying, the greatest fireworks and pyrotechnics show that has ever been put up at the NDP. And come on, who doesn’t love fireworks? Here are the best places to catch fireworks on 9 August even if you didn’t manage to score tickets to the parade:


Marina Bay Sands

This might go without saying but the NDP is being held in the Marina Bay area so of course you’ll get great views of the fireworks at Marina Bay Sands! The SkyPark right at the rooftop will get you an awesome view, but if you prefer to sit then get a reservation at Ce La Vi posthaste. Formerly known as Ku De Ta, this ultra-cool restaurant-club-lounge hybrid is situated at the same level as the SkyPark and offers the same stunning view. Do note though that there’s a dress code, so if you get a reservation,  dress up a little and don’t turn up in slippers, shorts and tank tops.


Marina Barrage

Marina Barrage is a popular spot for kite flying and picnicking, but during the Jubilee weekend it’ll be transformed into a carnival and picnic space. With food trucks, nostalgic childhood games, inflatable bouncy castles and more, pack a picnic basket and head down early to stake out your spot. On 9 August, there will be a live screening of the NDP from 4pm which you won’t want to miss!


The Esplanade

The distinctive spiky arts hub, affectionately known as the durian, offers two great locations to catch the fireworks display. You can get a seat along the Waterfront, which overlooks the waters of Marina Bay. As it regularly hosts free music performances, there’s an amphitheatre that conveniently has seats for you to take a break and rest your feet. Alternatively, head up to the roof terrace of the Esplanade where there’s a little sky garden.


Singapore Flyer

This one’s a little tricky to get the timing right, but if you manage to get in a gondola that’s up in the sky at the time the fireworks is going on (usually around 8pm), you’ll have a view that you only need to share with a handful of other people. Each ride on the flyer takes about half an hour, so there is some leeway in terms of timing.  Do note that the queue to get a gondola can take a while to get through so it isn’t a good idea to try to watch the parade on TV in your hotel room before rushing to get a spot on the Flyer; you’ll have to choose one or the other.


Hotels around Marina Bay

The priciest option on this list, but one that’s worth it to get far from the maddening crowd. Hotels such as Swissotel even have NDP packages, so you can imagine how popular this option is. If you can still get a hotel room with a view of Marina Bay, expect to pay top dollar for the privilege. What’s more, the hotels in the area are pretty much all luxurious five-star hotels with prices to match. If money is no object, however, some of the best choices are: Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Swissotel, Fullerton Bay Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Mandarin Oriental and Fullerton Hotel. Be sure to request for a room with a view over Marina Bay to avoid disappointment!


Gardens by the Bay

Not only is there going to be a special SG50 edition of the Garden Rhapsody music and light show, you can catch the national day fireworks live from Gardens by the Bay. As long as you’re facing Marina Bay Sands, you’re almost guaranteed views of the fireworks display. The less publicised Bay East Garden nearer to Marina Barrage is also a good location to see the fireworks. With lawns that simply lend itself to picnicking, pack yourself some dinner and groundsheets and enjoy the night view.


Singapore Sports Hub

Even further from the epicenter of the festivities is the Singapore Sports Hub. However, if you position yourself right, along the waterfront, you get an undisturbed view across the water all the way to Marina Bay. The greatest draw to watching the fireworks at the Sports Hub is avoiding the crowds of Marina Bay. The numerous eateries here also means you don’t need to prepare your own picnic basket or food. When the fireworks end, Kallang Wave Mall, the retail mall here, will have enough to occupy you until you’re ready to head back to your hotel.

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