Where to catch NDP 2024 fireworks (2024)

SINGAPORE – What is National Day without catching the parade’s show in the skies?

The Straits Times shares some tips on how to watch the National Day Parade (NDP)’s state flag flypast, fighter jet aerial display, and fireworks show from the best spots in the city.

When to watch

If you are on the lookout for some fireworks, Aug 9 is not the only date you can try catching a glimpse of the display.

The next NDP preview takes place on Aug 3, with the fireworks display estimated to begin at around 7.30pm, and last till 8.20pm.

Even after National Day, there will still be fireworks on Aug 10 for the heartland celebrations in Bishan, Punggol, Yishun, Paya Lebar and Buona Vista.

Where to go

As the NDP fireworks are launched from the waters in the Marina Bay area that The Fullerton Bay Hotel and Marina Bay Sands overlook, some ideal spots to catch the fireworks include closer locations right next to the waters and further vantage points.

Here are seven locations to consider:

1. Marina Bay Sands boardwalk

To see the fireworks up close, visitors can head to Marina Bay Sands boardwalk, where the upper floors of the Apple store and Louis Vuitton stores at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands are located.

The area here tends to get quite busy, so it is recommended to reserve your spot earlier if you want a good view.

You can access the boardwalk by heading towards the ArtScience Museum from within The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.

2. Helix Bridge

In close proximity to the Marina Bay Sands, the Helix Bridge offers viewers a vantage point with the fireworks set against the backdrop of Art Science Museum and central business district.

3. Merlion Park

Just across the Marina Bay Sands is the Merlion Park, where visitors can watch the fireworks light up the sky with the Merlion in their peripheral vision.

4. Promenade in front of Bay East Garden

If you are looking for a quieter spot to watch fireworks from, the promenade in front of Bay East Garden along Marina East Drive is the place to go.

Pictured here is how the fireworks display during the NDP 2024 National Education Show 1 looks like from this area.

Take note that Bay East Garden is undergoing development and is closed to the public, but the promenade between the garden and the waters can be accessed.

5. Marina Barrage

Slightly further out is the Marina Barrage, which provides bigger groups of visitors with an open space to set up picnic mats and watch the display from a distance.

Ideal for families, this spot can be reached by travelling to Gardens By The Bay Thomson-East Coast Line station and following the signages leading to the barrage.

6. Outdoor terraces of Funan Mall

Though it is a little detached from the action at the Padang, the outdoor terraces of Funan Mall allow visitors to watch the fireworks from clear vantage points.

They include the urban farm at level seven of the mall which can be accessed via lift lobby A, and the roof garden at level R that can be accessed via lift lobby B.

7. Esplanade

Another option closer to the waters is Esplanade, where you can stand near the outdoor theatre to get an unobstructed view of the area.

To avoid the crowds, you can try heading to the roof terrace on level four of the Esplanade for a more panoramic perspective of the fireworks show.

What else to look out for in the skies

Fireworks are not the only thing to watch out for – the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) attack helicopters will be part of the NDP dynamic display for the first time at the Padang.

From 5.45pm to 6.50pm, the public can look forward to catching 14 aircraft in the sky during the celebrations, including a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, four Apache and three Chinook helicopters, and six F-16 jets.

A Chinook helicopter will fly over the Padang for the state flag flypast after 6.45pm during the singing of the National Anthem.

The fighter jets will then perform a bomb burst at around 6.50pm as they approach the Padang from the south after the National Anthem, as a mark of respect for and a salute to the nation.

The jets will also be part of the dynamic display, with two of them positioned to intercept suspicious aircraft in a simulation and another two performing a vertical climb to an altitude of 3,000m.

To wrap up the display, the Apache helicopters will then showcase an air-sea integrated operation over Marina Bay and the Padang as they approach from the Central Business District.

Getting there

Those intending to visit Marina Bay can use the Crowd@MarinaBay map online to view real-time crowd levels and areas which may be closed at the various firework viewing spots.

Available on computers and mobile devices on Aug 3 from 1.30pm to 10pm, the map will also be displayed on television screens at selected MRT stations.

The map will include available surface and underground walking paths around Marina Bay, which the public can use to avoidcrowdedareas.