Authentic tips on where and how to catch the NDP 2019 fireworks with your family.

No matter how many activities there are over the National Day long weekend, there is ONE our family will never miss – to catch the National Day fireworks! Here’s a compilation of first hand tips from all our years of chasing fireworks of where to watch the NDP 2019 fireworks!  

A Family Tradition:

Catching NDP fireworks is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the National Day celebration. Not only for family bonding but more importantly to instil a sense of loyalty and patriotism to the country that has given so much opportunities to us. This year’s fireworks is by far the most colourful, most spectacular we’ve seen with the most low-flying fireworks. There are also additional fireworks going off at the Singapore River this year as part of the Bicentennial commemoration!

Choice Venues to Catch NDP 2019 Fireworks:

Here are our 4 choice venues, each with its own merits, to catch 2019’s fireworks, up close!

Choice A: Marina Bay Sands Outdoor Boardwalk

Pros:

• Best panoramic view of fireworks against Singapore city skyline
• Accessible to eateries and toilet facilities
• Accessible to shelter (in case it rains)
• Near ample car parking spaces (MBS)

Cons:

• Expensive car park rates
• Car park lots may taken up by patrons attending theatre performances
• Quite a far walk from MRT (Bayfront MRT station)
• Must go early to secure prime spots, right in front.

Car Park Suggestions:

• Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC) Office Towers
• Hotels near the Marina Bay (e.g. Ritz Carlton, Marina Mandarin etc.)

Choice B: Esplanade Outdoor Theatre (Left)

Pros:

• Good panoramic view of fireworks against MBS and Singapore city skyline
• Near eateries such as Gluttons by the Bay
• Accessible to toilet facilities
• Accessible to shelter (Esplanade)

Cons:

• Limited car park lots (affected by road closures)
• Can be claustrophobic when crowd builds up along the waterfront
• Sometimes the outdoor concert (e.g. Jazz, Rock etc.) can be ovely loud and clashes with NDP mood

Car Park Suggestions:

• Office buildings at Raffles Place (short walk away)
• Marina Square Shopping Mall

Choice C: Esplanade Outdoor Theatre (Right)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPHHrI3NWjc&t=1s

Plus:

• Excellent panoramic view of fireworks against MBS and Singapore city skyline
• Near Esplanade MRT
• Relatively near shelter (Esplanade and One Fullerton)

Cons:

• Relatively more cramped
• Limited toilet facilities  
• Limited car parking facilities

Car Park Suggestions:

• Office buildings at Raffles Place e.g. The Arcade, One Raffles Place etc.
• Marina Square

Choice D: Marina Promontory

Pros:

• Great wide lawn for kids to stretch, run and families to picnic while waiting for fireworks to start
• Good view of fireworks against view of Esplanade
• Accessible to MRT, eateries and toilet facilities
• Near ample car parking spaces (MBFC)

Cons:

• View of fireworks is smaller and further
• Car park gets filled up very quickly on National Day
• Lack of shelter if it rains
• Lack of eateries nearby

Car Park Suggestions:

• Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC) Office Towers
• Fullerton Bay Hotel
• Outdoor Carpark next to Marina Bay Sands

Other Essential Tips Before You Go:

1. Fireworks Timing: Fireworks will fire from the Marina Bay area around 8:10pm and is expected to last about 10 minutes.
2. Make Friends:  One of the reasons we love chasing fireworks, is the opportunity to strike up conversations with new friends whether they are locals or tourists.
3. Arrival Time: Try to arrive early, preferably around 4pm to secure a prime spot for photography, videography or picnic with a view.
4. Toileting: For those families with young kids especially, try to use the toilets early.  The moment it gets crowded, it will be difficult to maneuver in and out of your spot.
5. Food and Drinks: Go prepared with a picnic mat, ample food & drinks.  In fact, plan for it to be a picnic of sorts.  The moment it is crowded, it gets quite difficult to maneuver your way in and out of your spot.
6. Be Careful of Belongings:  It is a public place. Do be careful with valuables.  Besides, it is not good leave your bags unattended; it may be removed by crowd security.
7. Wear Red and White: Show solidarity with fellow countrymen on National Day!

Bonus Videos:

NDP2019 Fireworks – View from Padang (Red Zone)

Prepping the Flag for Flypast: Watch a rare behind-the-scene view of how the National Flag is hooked onto the RSAF’s Chinook for the flypast.

Whether you prefer to stay home to watch the fireworks or catch the action LIVE at the Marina Bay area, here’s wishing all a happy 54^th National Day!