The National Day Parade is back at the Marina Bay Floating Platform this year and that means we can head to the old vantage points we all know and love to catch the amazing firework displays. We’re going to list some of the best spots where you can enjoy the splendor in comfort on Aug 9, but if you’re looking for more unknown, hidden spots away from the crowds, we’ve got that covered as well.
Smoke & Mirrors
The rooftop of the National Gallery offers an unobstructed viewpoint of the Marina Bay area and there’s no better perch than the terraces of cocktail bar Smoke & Mirrors where you can enjoy bites and tipples as you await for that firework moment. In celebration of Singapore’s 52nd birthday, Head Bartender Yugnes Susela has come up with two exclusive drinks—a modern reimagining of the Singapore Sling and a cocktail version of coffeeshop staple teh peng. Make sure to book in advance to get the best seats. A minimum spend of $50 per guest is required.
JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach
For guaranteed firework views from the comfort of a hotel room, there’s the aptly named National Day Guaranteed Firework Views Hotel Room Package at the luxurious JW Marriott. The package, with prices starting from $510, comes with breakfast for two the following morning at the hotel’s Beach Road Kitchen. We highly recommend checking out Court Martial Bar as well for some barrel-aged cocktails post-fireworks.
ME@OUE
If you prefer a lively party atmosphere, head on up to the penthouse level of OUE Bayfront where fine dining establishment ME@OUE will be throwing a one-day fiesta filled with live oyster shucking, lobster and roast meat stations; free-flow wines, beers and cocktails; butler-passed canapes and desserts; and more. It’s a free-standing event from 5:30-8:30pm, so purchase tickets ($188 per person) and come early to get the best spots. The outdoor terrace area will undoubtedly be a crowd favourite when it’s time for the pyrotechnics.
Level33
Feast on the specially made Singapore Platter ($50)—featuring local fusion dishes that takes inspiration from traditional foods like kaya toast—and have your fill of craft beers at Level33, the world’s highest urban craft brewery. Besides the amazing food and drinks, the main draw here, of course, are the views. While you’ll be able to catch the fireworks perfectly indoors, position yourself at the outdoor area for an even better glimpse of the display.
Monti
Arguably one of the best spots for catching the fireworks is at the rooftop of Monti at The Fullerton Pavilion. On National Day itself, the Italian restaurant will be converting its rooftop space into a bar where you can choose to walk-in for $52 (inclusive of one housepour and one NDP kampong Boy cocktail—lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, passionfruit, grapefruit, rum, triple sec and tequila) or go for table packages such as the ultra-luxe $1500 Platinum Package with sofa seating that can fit eight.
Shaw Towers carpark
For free options, most will flock to the Merlion Park or Helix Bridge. But the 11th floor of Shaw Towers, out at the rooftop carpark area (access it by taking a lift to the 10th floor then walk up the ramp) is one of the lesser-known places to catch the fireworks. Still, you should come early and chope a good spot, as more and more people are becoming aware of the place. Plus, some vantage points are blocked by high rises.
High Street Centre carpark
Another free carpark spot for fireworks watching is on the 5th floor of High Street Centre. Here, you’ll peer over the Parliament House and get a good view of the aerial displays and pyrotechnics from a distance. The fireworks won’t be as in-your-face as watching it from the One Fullerton bayside for instance, but at least you won’t be jostling among the sweaty crowd just for a few minutes of explosions in the sky.
