14 Great Places to See Fireworks During NDP 2010
Singapore National Day is coming and falls on 9 August. This week I will recommend activities, celebrations and events relating to the National Day. To start with, I will recommend some of the best places in Singapore to catch the fireworks which include the newest, the chic and the traditional. Make sure you check out the many places which are free and having good views too.
There is no better time to watch fireworks in Singapore other than the Singapore National Day Parade (NDP). Usually, the National Day’s fireworks is the biggest, the longest and the most spectacular (maybe apart from the coming Youth Olympic Game). Here I compiled 14 great places to be in the heat of the event, hope you enjoy!
When is the NDP Firework?
Around 7.30pm – 8pm at the end of the show of NDP on 9-August-2010.
NOTE: In the event of bad weather, the NDP may be delayed, cut short or postponed. If this happens, the fireworks will be affected.
Where Are The Fireworks?
There are 9 locations that fireworks will be launched:
The Padang
Esplanade Theatre
City Hall
Suntec City
Marina Bay
Pan Pacific Hotel
Ritz Carlton Millennia Hotel
UOB Plaza
May Bank Tower
Tips for Watching Fireworks
1. Turn up earlier to find yourself some good location to have a good view and for taking photos.
2. Any places that have unblocked view of the waterfront location at Marina Bay will be a good spot to watch the fireworks for NDP 2010.
3. Prepared for the event. Remember to arm yourself with cameras and take whatever you need for the occasion to be comfortable such as drinks, fan, picnic baskets, snacks, portable seats, hats and wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
4. Take public transport. Most good spots for viewing will be packed with people and most road will be blocked for the NDP so it will be easier to take public transport then to stuck in traffic jams.
Newest and Chic Places To Watch The Firework
1. Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
There is no better place to watch the Fireworks other than the newly opened Marina Sands Roof Garden. Recently opened to public and have attracted around 1000 Singaporeans and tourists during last weekend’s NDP rehearsal. The unobstructed elevated view from the Marina Bay Sands Skypark which is 200 meters above ground provides a 360 degree panorama of Marina Bay at night and has become the newest chic place to visit during this NDP. It has also quickly become the preferred ideal place for professional photographers to capture their magnificent shoots and for anyone who want to celebrate NDP with a new experience. Not only you get the breathtaking view of the firework, the laser show, the city and Marina Bay but you get to see the F15 roaring so close above your head.
Admission: Tickets to the SkyPark can only be bought from 10am on the day of your visit. $20 for adults, $14 for children and $17 for senior citizens.
2. Pinnacle at Duxton
Pinnacle@Duxton is the tallest and recently completed public residents in Singapore. The roof top garden (Skybridge) which is on the 50th floor, provide a new way of watching NDP this year. Although it is further away from the Padang, it is cheaper and you will still be able to view the firework almost unblocked.
Admission: Only 100 members of the public will be allowed to entered and join the residents on August 9. Tickets priced at $10.
Fun Ways To Watch Fireworks
1. The Singapore Flyer
Take a fun and leisure ride on the Singapore Flyer at over 160 metres tall to enjoy the full view of the firework. A ride will take roughly 30 minutes and be sure to time your ride so that you could catch it with you are in the cabin. See more details about Singapore Flyer.
Admission: $29.50 for adults, $20.65 for children, and $23.60 for seniors.
FREE Ways To View NDP Firework
1. Marina Bay Sands Waterfront Boardwalk
Just recently opened last month, this will be a good spot to watch the firework free and close! The Marina Bay Sands Waterfront Boardwalk brings you next to the Marina water’s edge for the perfect view of the whole event. This newly completed timber boardwalk is situated just in front of Marina Bay Sands.
2. Waterfront Promenade
The Waterfront Promenade is also recently opened last month, and also a perfect spot to watch the firework free and close! The 3.5km waterfront promenade is very convenient to access and provides a continuous route linking the Marina Centre, Collyer Quay and Bayfront areas. It is an ideal vantage point for this events for the whole family.
3. Merlion Park
Feel the realistic effects of the fireworks with loud firework roars and fireworks falling right on your head. However, be warned of the popularity of this place which will be packed with people and hard to get your camera stands set up.
4. The Helix Bridge
The Helix Bridge opened this year will be providing photographers to catch the firework at an interesting angle. The spiraling structure of the bridge with its beautiful lights adds to the atmosphere of watching firework. It provides a new place to see the NDP fireworks this year.
See more about the Helix Bridge.
5. The Esplanade Bridge
An alternative place to the Merlion Park where you could get the fireworks real close. You could include the Merlion as background for your fireworks photos from the bridge which is quite nice. It can be quite crowded as well.
6. The Marina Barrage
Used to be a good unobstructed place to watch the firework but with Marina Sands completion, part of the views where blocked. If you do not mind, this will still be a good relaxing spot to watch the firework and the harbor views along the river is beautiful. Can have a family picnic here as well.
7. The Marina Boulevard Open Field
The open space with green lush at the Marina Boulevard is the old-time favorite among serious photographers. It provides an unobstructed view of the fireworks and also an good spot for families’ picnic. You will find people bringing their own mats and portable chairs to watch the fireworks light up the beautiful dark sky. From here, you can marvel the scenic Marina Bay coastlines and the beautiful skyline of the city.
Watching NDP Firework with Luxury
1. Hotel
Undeniably, this will be one of the most comfortable way to watch the NDP firework live at the luxury of the hotel room. The Swissotel Stamford Hotel provides one of the most beautiful views of the fireworks display right from the comforts of your room. The suite comes with a balcony which makes for a fantastic Harbor and Singapore river view. Although this is not cheap, the room is often fully booked and you will need to make early reservation to avoid disappointment.
2. The Marina Sands Hotel
Experience the excitement of NDP and firework at the luxury of a 5-star hotel. The Marina Sands Hotel is newly opened and is the most talk about hotel in Singapore along with its Integrated Resort concept. Check out the promotion packages that come with complementary red wines and SkyPark passes and SkyPark Photo experience. This definitely will be a night you want to be with the rich and famous.
3. The Hotel
Soak in the excitement of NDP and firework while soaking in a bath tub? Yes, you can at this luxurious 5-star hotel The unique see-through design of the bath-tub is one of the most gossiped topics among hotel residents. It will be a totally different experience to enjoy the NDP 😉
3. The Fullerton Hotel
You can get a close view of the firework at this heritage hotel. During the National Day promotion, you get access to One Fullerton rooftop to view the fireworks display. Make sure you ask for rooms that facing the fireworks area.
See also the National Day Parade (NDP)
What is your experience of watching from any of these places? Do you know any more of such recommendations? Please comment.
Photo credit: Yulian Firdaus, linkway88, williamcho, arcticpenguin, StarvingFox, garybembridge, orkomedix, Schristia, superciliousness, fullerton Hotel
Wow, didn't think I'd ever get to the spot to leave a comment. Kept thinking I'd missed it. Looks like a good time and lots of wonderful places to watch the fireworks from. Happy National Day
Sandy
Thanks! I have watched twice this year! We enjoyed it!
it is always awesome to watch the fireworks. i love watching them but I never buy them. hehehe. way too expensive for me. happy monday, michael 😉
Yes it is a long list 😉 Thanks Sandy!
Where do you watch them?
Happy Tuesday to you Elai! :-[
I have never fired a firework by myself before, not even a firecracker *DONT_KNOW*
Singapore looks so amazing. I never would have known how incredible of a place it was if I hadn't started reading your blog. I could watch fireworks or visit any of these spots for any reason because they all look fabulous!
:* :* :*
oh our National Day is coming soon too! 😎 😎
There are many new places popping up this year and worth visiting. 😉
Yes…! 😎 😎