Best places to watch fireworks for free on National Day in Singapore

Stand up for Singapore because it’s less than a month away from the Republic’s 52nd birthday. As August 9 falls on a Wednesday this year (sigh, no long weekend), nothing should get in our way of being in a patriotic mood and celebrate our country’s birthday in style.

This year, the floating platform at Marina Bay will once again host the nation’s biggest party. And, no celebration is complete without the breathtaking fireworks display. So even if you didn’t manage to score tickets to this year’s National Day Parade, here are the best places to watch fireworks on National Day in the Marina Bay precinct – for free.

A word of friendly advice: leave the car at home, bring the wine/beer (or juice!) and keropok (crackers), and be friendly and considerate. Remember to bin your trash. If you can’t find a bin, bring it home.

Marina Bay Promontory

Located in the heart of the central business district, pack a picnic basket and find a spot at the Marina Bay Promontory. Overlooking the waterfront, you can chill out while waiting for the fireworks display against the backdrop of Singapore’s business district.
Address: 11 Marina Boulevard S(018940)
Closest MRT: Raffles Place or Downtown

The Lawn @ Marina Bay Financial Centre

The vast grass patch, just above Marina Bay Link Mall, is located between The Sail and Marina Bay Financial Centre. The area offers a decent view of the fireworks and it’s away from the maddening crowd at Marina Bay Promontory.
Address: 8A Marina Boulevard, S(018984)
Closest MRT: Downtown

Gardens by the Bay/Marina Barrage

You can rent a bike from any of the bike-sharing companies and cycle from the East Coast Park to Bay East Garden at Gardens by the Bay, via Marina Barrage. The short ride that connects East Coast Park to the barrage. Plenty of room to find a spot. Here, you can watch the fireworks explode against Singapore’s iconic buildings such as the Singapore Flyer. Entrance to the Gardens is free but there are admission charges to the attractions.
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive S(018953)
Closest MRT: Bayfront

Esplanade Bridge and Jubilee Bridge

If you’re not at the seating gallery at the Marina Bay Floating Platform, this is the best seat in the house to catch a bird’s eye view of the fireworks array. Arrive very early to grab a spot as this is a favourite location among many. May not be an ideal choice for a picnic as it can get really crowded, closer to the start of the parade. If you snag a spot at the front, you get to watch the sea elements of the parade too.
Address: 1 Esplanade Drive, S(038981)
Closest MRT: Raffles Place or City Hall

Helix Bridge and Benjamin Sheares Bridge

Located right next to the Marina Bay Floating Platform, this is an alternative spot in the Marina Bay area to watch gigantic bright sparkles. It can get very cramped as thousands are expected to choose this spot. Expect to be your feet for a long time.
Address: Bayfront Avenue, linking between Marina Bay and Marina Centre
Closest MRT: Bayfront or Promenade

Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza

Situated along the promenade, the open space at the Event Plaza offers a fantastic view of the fireworks. It can really very crowded so go very early. Plonk yourself on the steps or stand along the railings.
Address: Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., S(018970)
Closest MRT: Bayfront

Top image features the fireworks display on National Day in Singapore in 2011 at Marina Bay Promontory. Photo via SoloXis / Flickr.