Every 9th of August, the nation comes together to celebrate Singapore's National Day, and the highlight of which is undoubtedly the National Day Parade, or NDP. For many, no NDP is complete without the requisite fireworks show right at the end, and year after year everyone looks forward to this spectacular showpiece that marks the climax of our country's birthday celebrations.
There's nothing better than watching the fireworks show live and up-close in person, but if you haven't been lucky enough to get tickets to this year's show at the Marina Bay Floating Platform, not to worry. There are still places where you can get close enough to the action without missing out. Even better, if you have your own car, you can even make it your own personal little picnic outing by bringing along your own drinks and snacks.
And there's no better way to experience the show than with a car like the Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet. Drop the top, kick back and enjoy the view from these five carparks, which we think are the best places to catch the fireworks show (usually starts from about 8:00pm) away from the Floating Platform.
1. Open carpark beside MBSThis location is the absolute closest you can get to the action without actually being at the Parade itself. The open carpark beside Marina Bay Sands (MBS) offers a great close-up view of the fireworks given its relative proximity to the Floating Platform.
While you could probably see the fireworks from most areas in the carpark (officially called the URA Bayfront Car Park), it's probably best to head over to the corner closest to MBS itself if you want to be really close to the action. The nearest toilet facilities are at the Marina Bay City Gallery just beside the carpark, and there are also a few dining options there as well.
Otherwise, you can take the short walk to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands for some posh nosh before the show begins.
Address: 11 Marina Boulevard, Singapore (018940)
2. Marina Bay Cruise CentreIt's probably not the easiest place to get to, but if you manage to find your way to the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, you'll be rewarded with a pretty good view of the Marina Bay area and, of course, the fireworks that will go off over the skyline above.
Head straight for the third floor of the carpark, and chope your spots at the corner overlooking MBS and the Singapore Flyer (tip: parking lots number 85 to 89) and you'll enjoy a show like no other.
The nearest toilets are at the Cruise Centre building itself, but be warned, as there are no makan options in the vicinity (the Cruise Centre's cafeteria only opens when there's a cruise ship docked there), so do pack your own food if you intend to camp here to watch the fireworks.
Address: 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Singapore (018947)
3. Marina BarrageThis one requires a bit of strategic positioning, but if you get it right you just might be able to catch a glimpse of the fireworks display. Aim for the first few parking lots just right at the entrance and you'll get a pretty good view of the Marina Bay area and the skyline from your car.
If you want a much better perspective, however, you can always walk up to the Marina Barrage rooftop park itself where you get an elevated viewpoint, but that would of course require you to leave your car. Toilet facilities are available at the Barrage, and there's a restaurant nestled within the facility as well.
That said, your best bet for makan choices would be at the Satay by the Bay food centre, which is just a short distance away.
Address: 8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore (018951)
4. Golden Mile TowerGolden Mile Tower offers a surprisingly good view of the city landscape, and is therefore a rather good spot to catch the show. Head up all the way to level five of the carpark, where you'll spot a neat little bar in the corner, graced by a classic Volkswagen camper van.
The view out of the building right at this very spot is virtually second to none, according you a scenic panoramic view stretching from the National Stadium all the way across to Marina Bay. Do take note however that this particular spot is not an actual parking lot, so do be considerate to avoid obstructing others.
The nearest toilets are in Golden Mile Tower itself of course, while you can also head over to Beach Road Food Centre just across the street for dinner before the show begins.
Address: 6001 Beach Road, Singapore (199589)
5. Gardens by the Bay (Bay East) carparkOn the other side of the bay lies Gardens by the Bay East, located near Tanjong Rhu, and while the view of Marina Bay might be slightly obscured by the Benjamin Sheares Bridge at this carpark, you could still catch some of the fireworks show from here.
If you really want an unobstructed view however, you could take a short walk from the carpark down to the waterfront, where there's plenty of space to set yourself down and watch a truly spectacular show.
There's not much around here in terms of facilities, with Passion Wave (a water sports facility by the People's Association) hosting the toilets and a chic restaurant, so again do pack your own food if you decide to hang out here during the Parade.
Address: 11 Rhu Cross, Singapore (437440)
Ideally, you would like a convertible in order to get the best views of the fireworks display at these carparks, and you simply can't go wrong with the Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet, with its chic style and cheeky appeal. Drop the soft-top roof at the touch of a button in just 9.5 seconds, and enjoy the great view that comes with it, all from the comfort of the car.
Volkswagen is also offering a special rental programme for the Beetle Cabriolet for those who are interested in having the car for their special wedding day, and for more information, please visit here.
