Best Place to watch NDP Fireworks - TheWackyDuo.com - Singapore Wacky Digital Underground Outpost

Best Place to watch NDP Fireworks


NDP Fireworks is back!

As Singapore is celebrating her 50th Birthday, the fireworks for this year promises to be extra special. To kick-start the event, SG50 presents a spectacular aerial display that is unprecedented in Singapore.

Here is a guide to the dazzling aerial and fireworks display for this coming National Day. In addition, we will show you the best places to catch this year NDP fireworks. Fret not even if you do not have tickets to the NDP show, the 'performances' in the sky will literally soak you with the spirit of celebration.

*BONUS : Check out our comprehensive list of SG50 Jubilee Weekend Guide for family for all the activities that will be held during the SG50 Jubilee Weekend from 07 -11 Aug


NDP Aerial Display and Fireworks - Highlights and Guide

5:30 - 5:45 -The Red Lions

The Red Lions
The event kicks off with The Red Lions. The Red Lions has been a part of NDP since 1989. These skilled parachute team from SAF will make their landing on the Padang.
SkyDive
6:05 - 6:10 - 'LKY' 5 Star Tribute
LKY Five Star Tribute
This is the tribute to the late Lee Kuan Yew. The Black Knights will execute the ' Five Stars' tribute to signify Singapore's ideals of democracy, peace, progress , justice and equality.
Five Star Tribute

This flypast will be part of the tribute segment in the prologue of NDP 2015 show.

6:30 - Singapore Airlines A380 Fly past
This is a first. A Commercial flight will join the flypast. Our very own Singapore Airlines A380 decked in National colours will be flying across Marina Bay.
Look out for the SIA A380 from MBFC!
6:40 - 6:45 - State Flag Flypast
State Flag Flypast
Watch out for the State Flag flypast. A CH 47 Chinnok Helicopter will be accompanied by two AH-64D Apache Helicopters.

This is time to Stand up and Sing the National Anthem 
 
6:45 - 6:50 -Salute to Nation

Salute to the Nation
Look towards Marina Bay Sands and spot 20 F16s forming the '50' formation. They will be in line from MBS all the way to the Padang.

Salute to the Nation
We can only go wow.

6:45 - 6:50 :Salute to Nation
Salute to the Nation
The Black Knights returns with an aerial bomb blast to wrap up this portion of aerial display.

6:50 - Presidential Gun Salute
Presidential Gun Salute
Next up is the 21 Gun Salute.

The 21 Gun Salute comprise of 4 25-pounder guns on a floating platform.
Getting Ready
The best view to see the 21 Gun Salute will be from the Merlion. The Gun Salute is park just in front of the Merlion for this segment.
Too Loud
Be warn, the sound can be quite deafening!
Boom!
6:50 - 7:00 - Aerial Flypast
Helicopter Formation
The Aerial display continues with a few formations that is a first for NDP.
First up, the Helicopter Formation featuring 2 S-70B Naval helicopters, 2 AS 332 Super Pumas, 2 AH-64D Apaches and 2 Chinooks.
NDP Helicopter formation
Next up is a C130 flank by 2 Fokker 50

This is followed by KC-135 tanker aircraft and a G550 Airborne Early Warning Aircraft escorted by 4 F5.

Don't blink as Four Black Knights returns with a 'Criss Cross' formation followed by 2 Black Knighs in a vertical climb.


A solo performance by an F15SG Fighter aircraft to showcase the aircraft precision and agility

The finale is here with three F15SGs executing a 'Flat Burst' manoeuvre.Judging by the 'oww ' and 'wow' in the crowd, we reckon this aerial treat is a success.

7: 15 Mobile Column Celebration Trail
Mobile Column
This year, you can catch the Mobile Column around Marina Bay during the celebration trail route.

There will be an impressive 28 mean machines on the roads. You do not need a ticket to watch the impressive machines on the road.
Source : NDP 2015
7:30 - 7:40 - Mini Fireworks7:50 - 8:00 - Mini Fireworks
NDP 2015 Fireworks
We do not have to wait long for Fireworks. Within 30 minutes, the first mini fireworks began. Here is a tip for timing of the fireworks if you intend to take photos. Get ready when the lights around Marina Bay is dim. In addition, mini fireworks from the Padang will add as cue for the main show at Marina Bay.

8:15 - Fireworks Finale


At around 8:15, the fireworks spectacle begins!The preview shows Fireworks duration would be shorter than the real show. Nonetheless it is still an impressive display.
Fireworks NDP 2015
There are a few more chances to catch this impressive display if you have not done so.Mark these dates in your calender
  • 18 July NE Show 2
  • 25 July NE Show 3
  • 1 Aug NDP Preview
  • 9 Aug NDP

8 :30 - Marina Bay Light Show
Light Show Around the Marina
Light Show on MBS
Stay after the finale to catch the Lightshow around the bay!
Here is a summary of events for Aerial displays and Fireworks

5:30 - 5:45 -The Red Lions
6:05 - 6:10 - 'LKY' 5 Star Tribute
6:40 - 6:45 - State Flag Flypast
6:30 - Singapore Airlines A380 Flypast
6:45 - 6:50 -Salute to Nation
6:50 - Presidential Gun Salute
6:50 - 7:00 - Aerial Flypast
7:10 - 8:15 - Mobile Column
7:30 - 7:40 - Mini Fireworks
7:50 - 8:00 - Mini Fireworks
8:15 - Fireworks Finale
8 :30 - Marina Bay Lightshow


Top 5 places to watch Fireworks
So where is the best places to watch the fireworks?If you are holding tickets to the NDP or are staying in the hotels around the bay, you probably have one of the best views in the house. There are however acres of space around and about Marina Bay that allows you to have a vantage view. As promised here are the top 5 spots we think are the best for Fireworks.

One Fullerton , Merlion Park, Jubilee Bridge

Merlion Park, Jubilee Bridge
The best spot to watch the fireworks will be from One Fullerton, Merlion Park or Jubilee Bridge. You will have the best seats in the house. The Fireworks is literally just in front of you. Be seated next to the Merlion and you will have the best view for the Aerial Display and 21 Gun Salute.For the record, most of the photos taken for this post is from this spot.

Access Tip
Take MRT from Raffles Place Park at One Fullerton, Fullerton Hotel or offices along Battery Road.

Esplanade
Esplanade
Next place to be would be at the Esplanade . You will probably see the fireworks at an angle, but it is just as spectacular. Check out our views from the Esplanade during our stint as Singapore Countdown official blogger.

Access Tip
  • Best by MRT (City Hall or Esplanade)
  • Roads around the Esplanade will be close during this event.
Promontory / The Lawn @ Marina Bay

A little further away will be at the Promontory or the Lawn@ Marina Bay. You will still see all the action from this angle. If you are on a higher ground (eg Marina Bay Financial Center) , you would probably have the best view to see ALL the fireworks around Marina Bay and Padang vicinity.We reckon Level 33 is a great spot to hang out during the fireworks if you do not have office access to MBFC.

If you are watching from the ground, the Lawn is the BEST spot to catch the mobile column, aerial displays and fireworks in one place!

Access Tip
  • Downtown MRT , Marina Bay MRT, Raffles MRT
  • Park at MBFC, MBFC Link Mall, The Sail
Gardens By the Bay / Marina Barrage
Gardens by the Bay
Get away from the crowd at Gardens By the Bay or Marina Barrage.The fireworks may not be as spectacular but you can still spot it depending on your views from the Garden. There is a special Fireworks from Marina Basin on 7th and 8th August if you are in the vicinity.

Access Tip
  • Bayfront MRT
  • Direct Parking at Gardens By the bay
Gardens By the Bay East
Fireworks From Gardens By the Bay
If you think getting into Marina Bay might be quite tough during NDP, try this alternative that is away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Gardens by the Bay East is great for a family picnic outing with a spectacular view.

You can view the Aerial Display too!

Access Tip
  • Direct Parking at Gardens By the Bay East
  • Cycle from East Coast Park
Want to watch the parade and see the aerial displays and fireworks at the same time?
You might like to be around these areas with large LED screens showing NDP "Live"






  • Marina Bay Sands (MBS) Event Plaza
  • MBS Event Square
  • The Promontory @ Marina Bay
  • Merlion Park
  • Esplanade Theatres by the Bay
  • Singapore Flyer
  • Marina Barrage

    Enjoy the fireworks and Happy Birthday Singapore !

    58 comments:

    1. Thanks a lot! Concise and relevant information, no fillers. God bless you!

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    2. It's so hard to find this information on official sites...so a big thank you for sharing. :)

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      1. You are welcome. Feel free to share too!

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    3. Hello and thank you so much for the information!!! Really appreciate that :)
      Do you happen to know if spectators at the Padang would be able to see the fireworks? I saw the seating plan and it seems like the majority of the Padang spectators will have their backs to the fireworks.

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      1. If you are facing the city hall. you would probably not be able to catch the fireworks at Marina Bay. However there are fireworks at the Padang too!

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    4. Hi! First of all, many thanks for all the info! :) secondly, I have one question: you know at what time will the fireworks start tomorrow, 1rst august? We won't be here thr 8th and it would be so great to see them tomorrow! Many thanks!

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      1. It should be the same. 730+ for the smaller ones and 815 for the bigger one. Since this is the NDP preview, the fireworks should be 90% of what is going to happen on the actual day. Don't miss the SIA plane that will make its first appearance in the flypast!

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    5. Hi, thanks for the detailed information above! Do you happen to know if the fireworks can be seen from where the Singapore Indoor Stadium/ Kallang Wave Mall (facing the river) is? Thanks is advance!

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      1. You would have a partially block view due to the Tanjong Rhu Condos. Still could be seen.

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    6. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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    7. Hi ! is it possible to view the fireworks if we reach the place at 7.30 pm

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      1. The fireworks starts at 730 , but it may get very crowded by then

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    8. your infomation is very useful for us. if we miss out today can we catch the glimpse on 8th by settling near merlion park in the morning itself ?

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      1. No Fireworks in the morning...NDP is on the 9th

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    9. ya ,i know. but as crowd will be gathering through out the day , to wathc it in the evening , Are we allowed to roam there on 8th to wait and watch the fire works in the evening?

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      1. NDP is on the 9th. During the Jubilee Weekend (7-10), there will also be firework displays from 8.15pm - 8.30pm at the Marina Bay area. It will not be as spectacular compared to the NDP one where there is suppose to be a special SG50 fireworks

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    10. Hello,

      If we go today to gardens by the bay east. how can we go by public transport and issit super crowded ?

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      1. Have not tried to go there during the preview. You might need to drive there as the nearest MRT should be Stadium. You can cycle to Bay East from East Coast Park

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      2. Thans alot. i might take public transport or cab as i m not driving :(

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    11. any idea if sheares bridge is still accessible and if it's a good place to watch.

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      1. Not quite sure about Sheares bridge, the only way to get up there is to walk and they might close it for safety reason. Unless you are prepared to take the chance, there are more accessible places on the list

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    12. thank you so much for these precise details ! I would love to catch some of the NDP yet I do not have ticket and cannot find the reply on this basic question : at what time does today's preview start ? where to stand to catch some of the troops movements ? how to reach (MRT) ?
      Perhaps you do ? Thanks to anyone who would reply !

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      1. The gates would open at 330pm. Judging from previous NDP, it should start proper when the Red Lions land ( abt 530) followed by mobile troops. The mobile column will make one round around Marina Bay. See here for details http://www.ndp.org.sg/mobile-column/

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    13. Thank you for your prompt precise and complete reply ! cheers !

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    14. Hi! Your info is really useful!! But may I know if we will be able to get good spots along Fullerton if we come by 545-6 pm? Does it start to get too crowded by then itself? Should we come earlier? We are a group of 50 university students.

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      1. 50 is quite a crowd . During the rehearsals the place fills up by 6. It might be wise to go slightly earlier ( 5-530 ? ) if you want a good spot during the actual day.

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    15. Hi, any idea where is the "pledge" sculpture located? Thanks so much.

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      1. The pledge structure was from previous NDP, it is not installed for this year

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    16. Hi, thanks for sharing. :)
      You think if i head down to Merlion park around 3pm, able to grab a spot, or needed to be earlier to chomp a space for kids and me?

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      1. 3 pm should be quite safe. The action starts at 530 pm . Bring hats, it's pretty hot!

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    17. is the big fireworks display on saturday night or sunday night please; regards

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      1. The big one will be on National day itself 9th Aug Sunday .

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    18. Is wheelchair accesible to the esplanade to catch the ndp on actusl day.

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      1. I can't really confirm, but it will be crowded so note then human traffic

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    19. Can I just say thank you for this post? This is exactly the information I needed, and exactly the information that I can't usually find! The timings are really useful, so thanks for that.

      If I could just make one point... you don't have any photos of the full "Salute to the Nation." I think I may be able to help you there. Take a look through this set of photos and drop me a message if you're interested. https://www.facebook.com/579199825431821/photos/pcb.1015032625181870/1015032375181895/?type=1&theater

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    20. Hi, thank u very much for the info.. Can I check if fullerton hotel screen the ndp parade?

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      1. I do not have the details for Fullerton Hotel, you may like to check with them directly. The list of public viewing as follows Marina Bay Sands (MBS) Event Plaza
        MBS Event Square
        The Promontory @ Marina Bay
        Merlion Park
        Esplanade Theatres by the Bay
        Singapore Flyer
        Marina Barrage

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    21. Hello! Is The promontory@Marina bay the best viewing place for fireworks while having a picnic?

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      1. The promontory might be cordoned off. You might like the lawn or Marina Barrage or even bay east for picnic and Fireworks

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    22. What is the best time to head to the promontory to ensure the best seats?

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      1. No guarantee on the actual day, but I reckon crowds may build up as early as 4 pm

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    23. Great concise advice. Thank you so much for sharing.

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    24. The info is very useful. Thanks. Is Marina Barrage also a good place to catch the air show and fireworks on 9 Aug itself? any access info to Marina barrage

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      1. There are 2 Aerial show tomorrow . Marina Barrage is excellent for the one at 12 pm . The one at 530pm for the NDP , the better locations are as per listed . Access to Marina Barrage is either by car or MRT to Bayfront MRT and walk . Expect at least a 20 mins walk .

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    25. Hi, I want to really thank you for your impressive info! complete with the photos too!
      I'm curious of why the MBS broadwalk is not on the list of best places to watch the fireworks.
      What do you think of that place?

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      1. Have not been there , but judging from other pictures I see, it should be good too :)

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    26. Hi I'm so thankful for this post!! Huge thank you!!

      Wonder if there is road closure to marina barrage or gardens by the bay east on 9th? Do u think it would be too late to find parking at 4.30pm? Thank you so much In advance!

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      1. Don't think there is road closure , but better check at SG 50 website for confirmation . That area is notorious for jams , so you may want to consider taking public transport or be there earlier

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    27. hello!! Do you think i could catch a good view of the fireworks at the national stadium?

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      1. View might be partially hidden by the Tanjong Rhu condos depending on your location

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    28. You are welcome. Hope you have an enjoyable NDP celebration

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    29. Heard at Rooftop of block 75c Toa Payoh can view the fireworks display too

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      1. Most high rise near the bay should have a decent view . At this time , it might be a little too late to get into the hot areas as it will be packed .

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    30. I visited Block 79D opp Toa Payoh Community Library around 17:40, the rooftop gardens has a good view of the sky. Later if mum want to see fireworks i will bring her there, else I will go alone or with my beloved sister, At there point of my visit, the garden is quite free......

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      1. Great alternative for those finding difficulty getting into the city at this time

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    31. I wanted to declare thankfulness to you with regard to this outstanding article!!

      ReplyDelete

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