Weekend guide (30 December-1 January): Marina Bay Countdown, Beach Parties
The city offers many options to usher in the New Year, including a rave party at Siloso Beach, fireworks at Marina Bay, a hip-hop street party at Haji Lane and two parties under one roof just across the road at Aryaa. For the non-party animals, there are also laid-back activities such as a trip to Singapore’s very own vegetable farm Bollywood Veggies, contemporary art exhibitions at the Singapore Art Museum or Singapore’s quietest beaches at St. John’s and Lazarus islands.
1. Marina Bay Singapore Countdown to 2017
Join the thousands of people who will gather at the iconic Singapore River, Marina Bay and Civic District to catch the fireworks at the midnight mark. Marina Bay Singapore Countdown to 2017 features a complete array of activities spanning fireworks, festive lighting around the bay, movie screenings and even a yoga session.
For the third year running, the facade of the Fullerton Hotel will be illuminated with a lights show playing up the hotel’s architectural features.
This year’s fireworks will include laser beams and flames.
For more details, read The complete guide to getting around Marina Bay and the Civic District on NYE.
When: 31 December
Where: Marina Bay and Civic District
Price: Free
Website: http://www.marinabaycountdown.sg/
2. Rock On! 2017
Happening at The Float @ Marina Bay, this ticketed concert features top acts such as Alicia Keys, Rainie Yang, Eric Chou, Hoobastank and Joi Chua for eight hours of non-stop music entertainment, along with the firework show as the clock hits midnight.
When: 31 December
Where: The Float @ Marina Bay
Price: $48 – $218
Website: http://imclive-group.com/concert/rock-on-2017/
3. Best spots to catch fireworks at Marina Bay
These areas around the Marina Bay and Civic District provide the best views:
Marina Barrage, located further down from Gardens by the Bay, offers an unobstructed view of the Singapore skyline and is the best spot to watch the fireworks from a distance.
Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza and Merlion Park are located at the heart of the action, but be mindful that you will need to be REALLY early to secure a good spot.
Helix Bridge, located right next to The Shoppes at Marina Bay, offers an excellent view of the entire area. However, it also requires you to show up early in the day.
When: 31 December
Price: Free
4. Siloso Beach Party
Enjoy 12 hours of non-stop music and fun while you usher in 2017 at Singapore’s only beach countdown party. Running for its tenth year, the party features an open air stage, a foam party and is set to host Quintino, one of the top DJs in the world according to DJ Mag.
When: 31 December
Where: Siloso Beach, Sentosa
Price: From $67 before 31 December and $77 at the door (includes one drink)
Website: https://store.sentosa.com.sg/main/events/siloso-beach-party-2016/142#!/
5. Haji Lane Street Party
The only one of its kind, this street hip-hop party is the perfect venue to make some new friends while grooving to 90s R&B, Ol’ Skool, funk and reggae music. A cultural spectacle to marvel at, the street party transforms the heritage Arab Street area into a lively hipster enclave just for the night.
When: 31 December
Where: Haji Lane, Piedra Negra
Price: Free
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/325282414537933/
6. Two parties, one venue
This unique countdown party mashes different music genres -hip-hop, R&B and Bollywood- under one roof at the Aryaa Lounge along Beach Road. Party-goers can either groove to the latest hip-hop chartbusters or practise some Bollywood moves in the two rooms located adjacent to one another.
When: 31 December
Where: Aryaa Lounge/ Magic Carpet Lounge, Diners Club Building, Beach Road
Price: $40 pre-sale and $50 at the door (Aryaa Lounge), $45 before 1am and $50 after 1am (Magic Carpet Lounge)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/1197099570345542/ (Aryaa Lounge), https://www.facebook.com/events/585972924924580/ (Magic Carpet Lounge)
7. Clarke Quay Supernova Countdown Party
Singapore’s famous nightlife venue, Clarke Quay, will be playing host to its own New Year Countdown party at the Fountain Square with performances by local band 53A, B-boys and Flygirls. Local radio DJs such as Muttons Justin and Vernon, Simone and Kimberley will also be making appearances through the night.
When: 31 December
Where: Clarke Quay, Fountain Square
Price: Free
Website: http://www.clarkequay.com.sg/en/whats-on/malls.sg.clarke-quay.clarke-quay-supernova-countdown-party/
8. Comedy Carpet
Start off the long weekend and the festivities with laughter on Friday as some of the best comedians in Singapore entertain you.
When: 30 December
Where: Aryaa Lounge, Diners Club Building, Beach Road
Price: $20 (pre-sale), $24 (door) (tickets inclusive of 1 drink)
Website: http://comedycarpetfinale2016.peatix.com/
9. Visit a local vegetable farm
The long weekend brings ample time to explore the hidden jewels of Singapore. Find local produce, explore horticulture in depth or participate in the various activities hosted at the Bollywood Veggies farm. Children can even pick up some recipes at the farm’s cooking school.
When: Daily
Where: 100 Neo Tiew Road, Singapore 719026
Price: Depends on activities.
Website: http://bollywoodveggies.com/
10. Explore Singapore’s offshore islands
Not many Singaporeans would be aware of Singapore’s very own southern island cluster. St. John’s Island and Kusu Island are directly accessible via a ferry from the Marina South Pier. These ferries operate daily at regular intervals.
Another island that is home to some of the cleanest beaches in Singapore is Lazarus Island. It is accessible from St. John’s Island through a link bridge. Explore the nature and pristine waters that these islands have to offer or go for a picnic this long weekend.
When: Daily
Where: Off-shore (accessible through ferry services from Marina South Pier)
Price: Free entry (ferry prices are $18 for adults and $12 for children for a return trip)
Website: http://www.islandcruise.com.sg/
