Best Spots to Watch Singapore National Day Fireworks 2023

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So, you’re reading this article probably because you don’t get NDP tickets (it’s ok, I’ve applied for so many years and never succeeded), but you still want to watch the parade and fireworks. The good news is, there are plenty of places to watch the fireworks.

In this article, I’ll share the pros and cons of each places so that you can make informed decision.

What is NDP?

In case you’re not familiar, NDP refers to National Day Parade, an annual event to celebrate Singapore’s National Day on 9 August. During the parade, there will be live performances, Presidential Gun Salute, Aerial Display, parade of military vehicles as well as a spectacular fireworks to end the parade.

When is the National Day Parade?

Even though the actual National Day Parade takes place on 9 August, there are various rehearsal and preview sessions where you can watch the NDP fireworks.

The fireworks will be displayed after the sunset (about 8pm). If you want to get a nice spot, it’s better to go there early!

This year’s NDP will take place at Padang, and the main fireworks will go off at Marina Bay. In addition, there will also be fireworks at 5 Heartlands locations (more details in #7).

Where to Watch National Day Parade Fireworks

1. Marina Bay Waterfront

Because the main fireworks is happening at Marina Bay, the best place to watch the fireworks is obviously the Marina Bay. There are plenty of public places where you can stand or sit, I’ve highlighted the main ones in the below image.

If you really want to get an unobstructed view of the fireworks at Marina Bay waterfront area, you need to be there very early (like 4pm) and stay at your preferred spot until the fireworks commence. Do note that Helix Bridge will be closed during the parade.

The cons of watching at Marina Bay waterfront is the crowd. There will be lots and lots of crowd, and MRT will be super packed after the show is over.

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2. Marina Bay Sands Skypark and Restaurants

The rooftop at Marina Bay Sands is one of the best places to watch NDP fireworks without the crowd. There are a couple ways to secure a spot at the rooftop during NDP fireworks:

• Stay at Marina Bay Sands on any of the fireworks dates and you’ll get free access to the Skypark and Infinity Pool at the rooftop
• Be a guest at CÉ LA VI Singapore (which is located at the rooftop of MBS). Minimum spending applies, you can reserve here.
• Purchase a ticket to Skypark and choose the evening slots on the dates of fireworks. Usually, ticket prices on actual NDP is more expensive. This year on the actual NDP day, the ticket costs SGD58, and it allows you admission from 5pm to 9pm on 9 Aug.

The cons of watching from MBS Skypark is the cost. Operators/restaurants are charging higher than usual price because it’s a special event.

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3. Singapore Flyer

Singapore Flyer offers 58th National Day Happy Hour experience on 9 Aug in the early evening. During this special flight, guests will be able to enjoy alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks while watching live NDP fireworks.

The ticket costs SGD158 per person. It includes two rotations (total 60 minutes), two glasses of alcoholic beverages, free-flow non-alcoholic beverages, an assortment of nuts, and admission to Time Capsule. Details of the Happy Hour can be found here.

The cons of watching from Singapore Flyer is definitely the cost. But if you can afford it, go for it.

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4. Restaurants around Marina Bay

If you prefer to dine while watching NDP fireworks, but you prefer to dine in a proper restaurant rather than in a capsule, here are some restaurants around Marina Bay with views overlooking Marina Bay:

• Super Loco at Customs House
• Various restaurants at One Fullerton, such as OverEasy, Palm Beach Seafood, Brewerkz
• Monti at The Fullerton Pavilion
• LeVeL33 at Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1
• Smoke and Mirrors at National Gallery Singapore

Because the restaurant is not directly beside the water, the disadvantage of this method is that your view might be blocked by other people standing on the walkway between the restaurant and the waterbody.

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5. Marina Barrage

Marina Barrage is one of the locals’ favorite places to watch fireworks. To get the best view, walk up the Green Roof of Marina Barrage and set up your picnic spot. The place may get crowded towards the evening, so if you want a good spot, be there early.

Because Marina Barrage is quite a distance away from Marina Bay, the view is not as great as what you’ll get at Marina Bay waterfront. Depending on where you sit or stand at Marina Barrage, the fireworks that you see may or may not be partially blocked by the Marina Bay Sands. But one thing for sure, Marina Barrage is definitely less crowded than Marina Bay, so if you hate big crowds, the Barrage might be a better choice for you.

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6. Bay East Garden

Bay East Garden is one of the lesser known places to watch NDP fireworks. It is the furthest away from Marina Bay compared the other options above, and it’s probably the place with the least amount of crowd. If you hate squeezing with other people, you will love Bay East Garden.

Depending on where you stand at Bay East Garden, the fireworks that you see may or may not be partially blocked by the Marina Bay Sands.

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7. Heartlands

On 9 Aug, between 8:15 pm to 8:25pm, fireworks will be displayed at five locations in the heartlands. Here are the locations:

• Central Singapore: Toa Payoh Stadium (location on map)
• North East: Our Tampines Hub (location on map)
• North West: Woodlands Stadium (location on map)
• South West: Jurong West Stadium (location on map)
• South East: Bedok Stadium (location on map)

Admission is free but on a first-come-first-serve basis.

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