The highlight of every National Day Parade will always be its fireworks, but for those of us not lucky enough to score those coveted preview and actual day tickets, being able to catch the view from around the venue or watching it on TV is as good as it gets.
And while not all of us can afford to empty our wallets for a night’s stay at the Fullerton or the Ritz, we’ve found a solution – here are 10 free hidden spots for you and your squad to catch a panoramic view of the fireworks and get that perfect boomerang shot.
The Sky Garden at Dawson may be the most luxurious spot on our list with its fully-sheltered garden terrace and lush greenery. There are sky gardens located at levels 14, 25, and 36, but the 47th-storey Skyville is where you’ll want to be.
Bravehearts can inch their way closer to the edge for an undefeated view of the city. And if you’ve got unlimited data to spare, live stream the entire parade from your iPad or mobile phone and join in on all the action with the hashtags #OneNationTogether, #NDP2017, #NDP17, and #SG52.
Nearest MRT station: Queenstown
Directions: Head southeast on Commonwealth Ave toward Stirling Walk, take the crosswalk and turn left on Strathmore Avenue, turn left to Dawson Road.
Note: As it’s a residential area, be considerate and keep the noise level down.
Image credit: @bernadine_r
Image credit: @mche09
Constructed in 2016, Kallang Trivista is a modern Housing Development Estate (HDB) overlooking the Singapore Flyer and Kallang River – its residents probably wake up to a daily sight that we’re envious of, but the good news is – they’re all for sharing.
Just 10 minutes away from The Float @ Marina Bay, head up to the 30th storey for an unobstructed view of the fireworks in all its glory.
Nearest MRT station: Kallang
Directions: Walk to the bus stop at Opp Blk 30, board bus 31/985, alight after two stops.
Note: As it’s a residential area, be considerate and keep the noise level down.
Image credit: @its_just_kitson
Image credit: William Chou
Residents living in the area may be familiar with one of the first tallest HDBs in Singapore, Toa Payoh Central Block 79b. Standing at 40-storeys tall, the view from the corridors of the upper floors give you a sweeping view of the central district all the way to the bay. Those who prefer a little more ambience to spice up their evening can settle down at the Rooftop Sky Garden on the 8th floor for a seated view.
Nearest MRT station: Toa Payoh
Directions: Head north on Lorong 2 Toa Payoh, turn right onto Toa Payoh Central.
Note: As it’s a residential area, be considerate and keep the noise level down.
Image credit: @jannahismaeil
Just 5 minutes away from Boon Keng MRT station, one will not expect to catch a view of fireworks in this secluded spot. At McNair Towers, the building rises over the surrounding neighbourhood, giving you a clear skyline view. Bring some foldable chairs along, and at 35-storeys high, you’ll be able to relax and see the fireworks light up the town.
Nearest MRT station: Boon Keng
Directions: Head northeast on Serangoon Rd towards Whampoa
Note: As it’s a residential area, be considerate and keep the noise level down.
Image credit: @adamci
Image credit: @lifeisforexploring
The dome interiors of Gardens By The Bay are a hotspot to get up close with the fireworks, but if you’re not a fan of crowded spaces, escape to Bay East Garden – a 2-kilometre promenade that stretches all the way to East Coast Park. Just rent a bicycle for $8/h and make your way over – the breathtaking view of the waterfront and flowering greenery will make the trip worth it.
Directions: Take SBS bus no. 158 to Bay East and alight at a bus stop nearby, along Rhu Cross.
Image credit: @audreythesque
If you’re looking to spend this NDP2017 away from the crowds with your other half, make your way to Tanjong Rhu Promenade. Nestled away from most of the bustle of the city, the promenade is the perfect spot for canoodling romantics who just want a little quiet time, but don’t want to miss out the festivities.
Put together your own little ‘fun pack’ or set up a more elaborate glamping experience – either way, the fireworks will wrap up the evening perfectly.
Nearest MRT station: Stadium
Nearest bus stop: Pebble Bay, bus 11/158
Image credit: Thoughtmoments
Kallang Riverside Park is best known for its sport facilities, and its visitors are usually joggers and dragon boaters that get the luxury of working out with the view of Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer. Facing the waterfront, it’s a great vantage point for photographers to capture that perfect reflectogram shot of the firework display on the water.
Nearest MRT station: Dakota
Directions: Take Exit B, walk to bus stop at Blk 62 and board 32/33, alight after 5 stops and walk to Kallang Riverside Park
Image credit: @hangoutwithdani
Photos of fireworks will be flooding your feed on the 9th of August, but there’s a way for yours to stand out and garner those “Omg, where did you take this?” comments.
At 233 Bain Street, you’ll have fun exploring the floors and units of the building as each of them showcases a different perspective of Marina Bay. It’s a playground of fresh angles, so take the opportunity to find a shot that suits your style most. You know what they say, hard work always pays off.
Nearest MRT station: Bras Basah
Directions: Head southeast on Bras Basah Rd toward Waterloo Street, turn left onto Victoria St, then turn right onto Bain St
Note: As it’s a residential area, be considerate and keep the noise level down.
Image credit: @Iam.Tuan
If fishing is your thing, grab your kakis and head to Bedok Jetty. Stretching a whopping 250 metres into the sea, you’ll be able to while away the hours fishing, and enjoy a view of anchored ships lining the sunset.
Open late into the night and just a stone’s throw from the jetty is the satay and seafood party – East Coast Lagoon. Dishing up everything from or luak (oyster omelette) and chilli crab to mee soto and the famous Teddy Bear chicken wings, you won’t run out of options to sate those midnight hunger pangs once the celebration comes to a close.
Nearest MRT station: Bedok
Nearest bus stop: Bus 196/197, alight along Marine Parade Road
No, the Marina South Pier isn’t just for ferry rides to St. John’s island. Climb up to level 3 of its car park, and you’ll find a viewing spot of the vast ocean and our corporate jungle in the background.
It may be packed with cars on the actual day itself, but if you’re not a stickler for comfort and just want an epic view of the fireworks, then the view from the top alone will be enough to float your boat.
Nearest MRT station: Marina South Pier MRT station (Take the Exit A!)
Image credit: @johnjohnah
The countdown to the NDP2017 has already begun, and we’re just about 2 and a half weeks shy of the big day. For those who haven’t gotten round to planning their game plan for the evening, you can still look to these 10 completely free hideaways for you to catch the entire firework showcase – without the crowd.
Note: We recommend arriving at your destination ahead of time at 7.30PM to ensure you don’t miss a single shred of all the firework action.
More than just a spectacular firework display, NDP2017 will be packing in double the action with a whole slew of exciting novel firsts and long-awaited returns like SAF’s Dynamic Defence Display (D3) – a showcase of vehicles such as the new Belrex Protected Combat Support Vehicle, and the Special Operations Task Force’s intense counter-terrorism demonstration.
Image credit: NDP 2017
Action movie fans will get a real kick out of this one, it’s a performance of realistic gunshot exchanges, flying sparks and smoky effects!
Look forward to the Red Lions flawless comeback, and find out exactly what is in this year’s fun pack has in store for you. Read more about NDP2017’s biggest highlights here.
This post was brought to you by NDP 2017.
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