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National Day 2019: A guide to enjoying Singapore’s bicentennial fireworks

Heading out to catch some fireworks this National Day? Here’s where to go in the city to catch these fireworks. If you can’t decide, check out all the National Day specials to make the trip out of the door worth your while.

General Information

This year’s NDP will be located at the Padang this year, which is a historical site where Singapore’s independence was declared. Singapore’s National Day Parade (NDP) is traditionally held at The Float @ Marina Bay since 2007, and this year’s edition breaks the trend of organising the parade at the Padang only every five years. 

The five-minute fireworks show will commence at 8:00 pm on 9 August 2019. For the first time, the 3.2km-long Singapore River will be lighted up, as it is where many Singaporean ancestors have started their new lives. These fireworks spots are strategically chosen to celebrate its significance as the country marks its bicentennial.

This year’s NDP fireworks display will also involve the deployment of the longest barge in NDP history.  At 450-metres long, it allows for a wider fireworks display to be visible in the Marina Bay and Padang area.

Free Viewing Fireworks Spots

Merlion Park

Nearest MRT: Raffles Place

While the Merlion Park is one of the prime spots for viewing all the aerial action and fireworks, the downside is that everyone knows about it. In true Singapore kiasu spirit, get up early and secure a spot for yourself. Some of the ideal spots for this location include the steps near the Merlion, along the rails of the Merlion-viewing area, and the Esplanade Bridge and Jubilee Bridge.

Esplanade & Helix Bridge

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzXzKnxl8l3/

Nearest MRT: Esplanade & Bayfront

The Esplanade and its wide avenues are one of the best places to see the fireworks against the Singapore skyline. However, it is not far off from Merlion Park, so be warned that the crowd might just reach the Esplanade as a second option if you’re unlucky. The Helix Bridge – located a stone’s throw away from Esplanade – is better known for offering non-ticketed views of the NDP when it was previously held at The Float @ Marina Bay. These places serve as a great spot to catch the fireworks, seeing as the fireworks are not far off from where it was in previous years.

Marina Barrage

Nearest MRT: Marina Bay

An arguably less popular option to view the fireworks is at the Marina Barrage. While it does offer spectacular views of the fireworks, its lack of accessibility makes it rather undesirable. However, it will definitely be worth the effort if you choose to grab a spot there, lay your picnic mat, and chill over some snacks and drinks there.

Fireworks at the heartlands

Can’t make it for the NDP fireworks? Fret not as you still have a chance to catch the fireworks on the day after National Day! On 10 August 2019 (Saturday), the mobile column will make its way to the National Day carnivals organised by the People’s Association five heartland areas – Bishan, Geylang Serai, Jurong East, Punggol and Woodlands. The celebrations will then culminate with dazzling four-minute fireworks displays across the heartlands.

Hotels, Restaurants, and Bars

1-Altitude

NDP fireworks - 1-Altitude

Perched at 282 metres above sea level on the rooftop is 1-Altitude Gallery & Bar, the highest alfresco bar in the world that boasts  a spectacular 360-degree view of Singapore. Celebrate Singapore’s 54th birthday at 1-Altitude’s  ‘National Day Sky High’ party, held on 9 August 2019. Come donned in red and white, indulge in a glass or two of their exclusive local-flavoured cocktails, and enjoy the iconic aerial display and spectacular fireworks!

1-Altitude
Venue:
1 Raffles Place, Singapore 048616
Time: 5:00pm – 9:00pm and 9:00pm – 4:00am
Ticket prices start at S$40. For more information, visit https://www.1-altitude.com/ 

Boat Quay

Boat Quay is no stranger to locals, especially since it is one of the hotspots to celebrate and watch the annual New Year’s Countdown fireworks. National Day will be no different, as the location hosts an entire stretch of eateries and bars, all of which present a spectacular view of the fireworks. 

NDP fireworks - Hans Im Gluck
Dishes from Hans Im Glück’s Die Die Must Try menu.

If you’re feeling peckish, head down to Hans Im Glück, where you can feast on their Die Die Must Try’ menu – featuring Singapore-exclusive dishes such as the KRABBE burger and Beef Rendang burger. Alternatively, visit Little London Singapore if you wish to relish in the fireworks over drinks. On top of their London-esque dishes, Little London Singapore also serves up an extensive selection of spirits – from single malts and blended whiskies to a variety of gin, rum, tequila and brandy. 

Hans Im Glück German Burgergrill
Venue: 71 Boat Quay, Singapore 049860

Little London Singapore
Venue: 71 Boat Quay, Singapore 049860

Swissôtel The Stamford 

NDP fireworks - fireworks view from bar rouge, Swissotel

Swissôtel The Stamford is one of the best staycation spots to catch the pomp and happenings of this year’s National Day as it is perfectly positioned in the heritage core of the little red dot. Watch the parade, performance, and the fireworks – all in the comfort of your own room. 

Alternatively, you may opt to join in the party at the hotel’s nightlife concept Bar Rouge or dine at SKAI – both of which offer an unrivalled view of this year’s dazzling fireworks display. 

Bar Rouge

NDP fireworks - bar rouge Disco Lah! party

Bar Rouge will be hosting its second edition of its annual National Day party Disco Lah! on 9th August 2019 from 4:00pm till 6:00am. Perched atop the 71st floor of Swissôtel the Stamford, Disco Lah! presents a truly Singapore experience with locally-inspired snacks and cocktails. Bar Rouge will also feature a live screening of the nation’s celebratory parade while serving up unparalleled views of the flypast and the fireworks. 

Have a go at the classic Singapore Sling (S$20), or try out the bar team’s unique concoctions – the Milo Dinosaur cocktail S$20) and Strawberry Milo mocktail (S$12). In addition to the a la carte menu, diners may also opt for the Shiok Lah! Package, which comes with two cocktails, a DIY Rojak, Ice Cream Sandwich and a Disco Lah! 2019 Edition Tote Bag – all for S$54.

Swissôtel The Stamford
Venue:
2 Stamford Road, Singapore 178882
Room rates start at S$323 per night.
Admission to Bar Rouge is free. For more information, visit http://barrougeclubs.com/sg/ 

Marina Bay Sands

Towering over the Marina Bay area, the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) offers a bird’s eye view of the CBD and glistening waterfront, be it from your room or the rooftop infinity pool. Needless to say, you can be sure to catch the best of the NDP fireworks even in the comfort of your room.

CÉ LA VI

NDP fireworks - fireworks view from CE LA VI, MBS

Located at Tower 3, CÉ LA VI presents Majulah! National Day Fiesta. The fiesta kicks off from noon with an array of special Singapore-style BBQ and bites, along with nostalgic games and face painting dedicated to kids and family. For an all-round good time, Singapore’s top local DJs and musicians will be playing groovy beats of Afro-Latin, soulful House and Nu-disco tunes throughout the day. End off the fiesta by watching the mesmerizing fireworks light up the sky, or stay on and party till the wee hours of the night.

LAVO

LAVO serves up a five-course menu at S$65, from 9 August (Friday) to 12 August 2019 (Monday). Get together with friends or family on the 57th floor of Tower 1 for the perfect vantage point to take in the spectacular National Day fireworks and airshows.

Marina Bay Sands Singapore
Venue:
10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
Room rates start at S$759 per night.
Ticket prices start at S$48. For more information on CÉ LA VI, visit https://ticketing.igo.events/e/475/majulah-national-day-fiesta-2019
For more information on LAVO, visit https://lavosingapore.com/menus/national-day-5-course-dinner-menu/ 

The Fullerton Bay Hotel

The Fullerton Bay Hotel offers an unobstructed view of Singapore’s Marina Bay waterfront. Located right on the water’s edge on Collyer Quay, The Fullerton Bay Hotel promises guests a guaranteed view of the NDP fireworks display.

The Fullerton Bay Hotel
Venue:
80 Collyer Quay Singapore 049326
Room rates start at S$919 per night.
For more information, visit https://www.fullertonhotels.com/the-fullerton-bay-hotel 

Ritz-Carlton

Ritz-Carlton gets on board the festivities with the ‘Celebrate with Singapore’ room package. The package includes overnight accommodation in a Grand Marina room, daily buffet breakfast for two at Colony, one exclusive Singapore-themed Ritz-Carlton lion beanie per stay and two Upper Crust welcome amenities per stay. 

The exclusive lion beanie wears a red and white jersey alluding to the colours of the Singapore flag, with “Singapore” emblazoned across the back. The Vanda Miss Joaquin, our national flower, is also embroidered on the lion beanie’s right paw. The Celebrate with Singapore room package starts from S$650 per night and is valid on weekends till 12 August 2019 (Monday).

The Ritz-Carlton
Venue: Marina Bay, 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039799
Room rates start at S$650 per night.
For more information, visit https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/singapore/offers/celebrate-with-singapore 

Pan Pacific Hotel

Overlooking the Marina Bay area, rooms at the Pan Pacific Hotel offer you a panoramic view of the Singapore skyline. Enjoy evening canapes and cocktails at the hotel’s Poolside Bar, or relax in your spacious room as the NDP fireworks light the sky overhead.

A special National Day Fireworks Package 2019, priced from S$550 per night, is available for room categories starting from Deluxe Balcony and above, and comes with daily complimentary breakfast at Edge for up to two adults.

Pan Pacific Hotel
Venue:
7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Singapore 039595
Room rates start at S$550 per night.
For more information, visit https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-marina/offers/national-day-fireworks-package.html 

Photos by Soloman Soh of the DANAMIC team. Additional visuals courtesy of 1-Altitude, Bar Rouge, and CÉ LA VI.

Deepa d/o Chevi Vadivelu

Animal and music lover, bookworm and movie enthusiast. #blackismyhappycolour

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