Free fireworks in Singapore! Where to go for NYE 2017

There's nothing like the screech and sparkle of a firework display as it lights up the sky to get us pumped for a brand new year. Singapore puts on quite a show for New Year's Eve (NYE). If you want to watch for free, or have a unique experience for a low price, here's where to go this 31 December!

View the fireworks from a secret spot

The two-kilometre waterfront promenade at Bay East Garden, which connects East Coast Park to the Barrage, has a number of spots from which to view the Marina Bay skyline being lit up by those NYE fireworks. The garden is open 24 hours and there are no admission charges, so bring a picnic or your guitar, get there early and make a day of claiming your space. Here's a tip – if you cycle, you'll be able to get home more easily afterwards. Most people flock to the MRT, which means you might need to jostle for space.

Address:

18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953

Getting there:

Bayfront MRT Station and follow the underground linkway

Opening times:

24/7, year round

Entrance fee:

None

Here's a tip – if you cycle, you'll be able to get home more easily afterwards.

Make new friends at the Marina Bay Promontory

It might be in the heart of the central business district, but the Marina Bay Promontory has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere during the city's fireworks displays, and NYE is no exception. Families and friends gather on The Lawn to drink wine and toast the celebrations. (But remember, no drinking after 10.30pm to abide by the law!) You won't see the lower/ground-level fireworks from here, but you might make some new friends over shared picnic items. Get there early if you want to see the parade – it's usually broadcast live for the public on giant LED screens dotted about the area.

Address:

11 Marina Blvd, Singapore 018940

Getting there:

Downtown MRT Station

Opening times:

24/7, year round

Entrance fee:

None

Picnic on the Marina Barrage

Pack the sandwiches and plastic cups. Singapore’s 15th reservoir, Marina Barrage, is a dam in Singapore that stretches across the mouth of the bay, between Marina East and Marina South. It's also the perfect place to watch the NYE fireworks. From this grassy spot you can see the Singapore Flyer, Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands, plus a whole lot of open sky. Bring along a blanket (arrive early for a good spot) and relax in the spacious rooftop garden as you wait for those colours to light up the city.

Address:

8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018951

Getting there:

Marina Bay MRT Station, then SBS bus number 400 from Marina Bay Financial Centre

Opening times:

24/7, year round

Entrance fee:

None

Bring in the New Year at a friend’s place

House parties are not only a more intimate, hassle-free way to spend NYE, they're cheaper than heading to a bar or restaurant for a special event. Reach out to your friends and ask if anyone with a view of the fireworks happens to be hosting a party. One residential building that offers great views is the Costa Rhu at Rhu Cross. This condominium complex has extensive views of the Singapore Flyer and Marina Barrage. Likewise, The Sail at Marina Bay is one of Singapore's tallest residential buildings. Attending a party here would put you high in the sky, almost in the middle of the fireworks, in fact!

 

For another cosy – but slightly pricier – experience, try something new…

Picnic on the beach with the cats, on St John's Island

If you feel like a trip out of town to welcome 2017 in style, St John's Island is a great idea. For the price of a ferry ticket and accommodation (overnight stays are only permitted if you're staying at the Holiday Bungalow and Holiday Camps), you can avoid the crowds and see the fireworks lighting up the sky over Singapore from a distance. Stay the night and you have a romantic mini-break! There are lots of green spaces and beaches on the island, and plenty of room for a peaceful picnic. You'll also find a lot of very friendly cats roaming around.

Address:

St John's Island, Singapore

Getting there:

Marina South Pier MRT Station and then take the ferry to St John's Island

Opening times:

24/7, year round

Entrance fee:

S$18 for return ferry ticket

 

Wherever you choose to watch the fireworks in Singapore as 2016 gives way to 2017, we hope you have a very happy New Year! Don't forget to post your photos to our Facebook page, and look for ours on Instagram.