Best locations to watch the New Year's fireworks over Marina Bay

The best locations to watch the New Year’s fireworks over Marina Bay

Angela Goh

23 Dec 2016

updated the Friday, December 23, 2016

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For the well prepared
If you don't mind staking out your position from the crack of dawn, the Helix Bridge is a prime spot to catch the fireworks. Situated just beside the launching platform, you'll get as close as possible to the fireworks, with Singapore's breathtaking CBD skyline and Marina Bay Sands in the background. For an equally great view that’s ever so slightly less crowded, The Lawn and Marina Bay Promontory on the other side of the bay is a great choice. Stake out a spot right by the bay at the Promontory for front row seats to the show, or lounge around on the Lawn and watch the fireworks reflected against the surrounding buildings.
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For the shutterbugs
For some of us, the best way to start the new year is by getting perfect shot of the breathtaking fireworks. Unfortunately, with so many people around to see the show, lugging a camera, lens, and tripod through the crowds is no easy feat. If you’re not keen on setting up shop hours ahead of time but still want that perfect snap, Gardens by the Bay East is the perfect choice. Here you can catch not only the fireworks, but Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Flyer, and even Gardens by the Bay, all in one glorious shot.
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For those willing to splurge
For the ultimate New Years Eve fireworks experience, nothing beats heading to the top of Marina Bay Sands and getting a bird's eye view of the show. Of course, booking a room for the night will set you back quite a bit, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience certainly worthy of spending your bonus on this year! If MBS is all booked up already, the Mandarin Oriental, Ritz-Carlton, and Pan Pacific along the Esplanade waterfront all have equally brilliant views.
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For the party people
Don’t fancy sitting around in the heat for a few hours waiting for the fireworks to start? Why not head to one of Singapore’s many rooftop bars and party away the last few hours of the year before catching the show from some of the country’s highest vantage points? Whether it’s admiring the breathtaking 360-degree views at the city’s tallest bar, 1-Altitude, dancing the night away at Ce La Vi, or sipping on bespoke cocktails at Orgo, these party spots are by far the best places to catch the new years show.
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For those who don’t mind an obstructed view
If you’re not keen on rubbing shoulders with half of Singapore, but still want to catch the magnificent fireworks, there’s still hope! Gardens by the Bay East (that swathe of garden you see across the river from the main Gardens by the Bay) has gorgeous views of the bay area. This under-patronised park is the perfect quiet spot to bring some wine, cheese, a blanket, and spend the evening chatting with friends (or a date!) before catching the fireworks across the water. Another great vantage point to ring in the new year is atop Marina Barrage. Though the fireworks might be hidden slightly by Marina Bay Sands, you can still catch some of the bigger ones above and between the buildings making up the hotel. Marina Barrage is great place to relax with friends, family, (and even your pets!) before catching the show.
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For the foodies
If ringing in the new year with a swanky meal sounds more up your alley, but you’re still hankering to catch the fireworks, don’t despair, there’s still hope! Chow down on delectable and authentic Italian fare at Aura before heading up to sprawling Sky Lounge atop the National Gallery for magnificent views of the fireworks against the Marina Bay skyline. For truly high-flying fine-dining, you can’t go past JAAN at Swissôtel The Stamford. Regarded as one of the best restaurants in the world (with its very own Michelin star), the beautiful French cuisine at JAAN is rivalled only by its superb view of the fireworks over the bay.

Here’s the best way for you to end your New Year’s Eve with the best possible bang!

If there’s one thing that Singapore does well, it’s putting on an awe-inspiring fireworks show. And whether you’re young, old, a die-hard romantic, or a humdrum, no-nonsense type, we all love a good fireworks show. Unfortunately, securing a good vantage point to catch the show from is rather difficult when everybody else has the same idea. From rubbing shoulders with half of Singapore along the waterfront to chowing down some of the best food in the country 70 floors above the bay, we’ve come up with a snazzy list of our top spots for catching the fireworks this New Year’s Eve.

We’ve got everything from vantage points for the ultimate shutterbug to spots that require a bit of extra moolah to get in (but the view’s worth the splurge). Head up to the gallery and get planning for your New Year’s Eve to end with the best possible bang!

Angela Goh

Photos: Getty Images, 1-Altitude

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