12 places to catch the National Day Parade 2016 fireworks

From luxurious hotel rooms and HDB estates to grassy banks by the waterfront, here’s a list of where to go for the best views of the fireworks on National Day.

Image: Conrad Centennial Singapore

Even if you lack those coveted tickets to the National Day Parade (NDP), there are plenty of ways to celebrate the nation’s 51st birthday on Aug 9.

The fireworks display of course, are a perennial favourite. But where should you go for the best views of these bursts of bright lights?

Held at the National Stadium instead of the floating platform at Marina Bay this year, the NDP’s new venue means new vantage points for photographers.

While part of the pyrotechnics will be set off indoors within the National Stadium itself, pedestrians will still be able to catch sights of the outdoor fireworks that will be launched from the barrages of Kallang Basin.

Just head to the nearby riverside locations early on to secure a good viewing spot, before the fireworks kick off shortly after 8pm.

Do leave the cars at home, though, to avoid the hassle of dealing with road closures. And bring a tripod with you for your camera if possible. Even with steady hands, you run the risk of getting blurry shots at night, with all the pyrotechnic action going on.

With these tips in mind, check out the following venues for your fireworks-viewing party.

Singapore Sports Hub, Kallang Wave Mall

You’re right in thick of where the action is, with likely the best views around. You’ll get to see the fireworks that are set off close to the ground. But watch out for the crowds and their selfie sticks, and do leave the cars at home. Getting around might be a hassle due to the roadblocks, to say the least.

Marina Promenade (along Republic Avenue)

This area is among the top fireworks-viewing spots near the waterfront. Just remember to leave the car at home and alight at the Nicoll Highway station for easy access to this section of the Marina Promenade boardwalk. Once here, go onto the Merdeka Bridge for the best views.

Kallang Riverside Park

Pack food and drinks, a picnic mat and go early to get a good spot along the grassy banks by the river for waterfront views of the pyrotechnics. It’s located just across the river from the National Stadium, so you’ll get a panoramic view when the lights go up.

Tanjong Rhu Promenade

It might take a longer walk to get to this park but the views will be worth your while. To get here, alight at the Stadium circle line station and make your way towards the Tanjong Rhu suspension bridge. Likewise for this venue, pack some food and drinks, and arrive early to secure your spot on the bridge.

Nicoll Highway Park

You’re further away from the fireworks at this location but you’ll still get good views; not a bad thing if you’re crowd-averse. Take the train to Nicoll Highway station to get here. Walk further down south along the river, if you’re looking for a cosier spot to see the fireworks.

Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck

You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the fireworks display, set against the city’s skyline. The cons? The crowds of course. It’s often crowded with tourists milling around for great views, and is likely to be even more so on National Day. You’ll also have to pay a fee to get access to the observation deck.

Singapore Flyer

You do get a panoramic view of the waterfront while on the Singapore Flyer. But you need to get your timing right, else you might just miss that crucial moment if you’re not in one of the cabins at the top when the fireworks go off!

HDB estates at Beach Road, Pine Close, Mountbatten

Although the residents are used to the sight of eager photographers snapping away in their estate come National Day, do be courteous. These are still residential areas, so try not to cause too much of a disturbance to the residents who live here.

Conrad Centennial Singapore

This hotel at Millenia Singapore is situated just across the National Stadium, so you’ll get magnificent views in the comfort of the rooms provided you’re facing the right direction. Room rates start from about $475 per night, as part of its National Day special package.

The Ritz-Carlton Millenia

Splurge on a luxurious staycation, paired with champagne and of course, views of the festive lights. Also located within the Millenia Singapore complex, hotel rates here start from $740 per night, as part of its Celebrate with the Nation room package.

Parkroyal at Beach Road

Looking for a more affordable staycation? Room rates start from $180 per night for stays from Aug 9-10. The swimming pool area at this hotel offers good views of the fireworks, and a good excuse to head to the pool long before the fireworks display begins.

Marina Barrage

While you do get partially obscured views from this location, the crowd situation might just be more manageable here. Good for those just keen to take in the atmosphere, and for that cosy picnic with your loved ones.