NDP 2026: Six places to catch a view of the fireworks, and tips for taking better pictures
The main fireworks display is expected to take place at around 8.15pm.
As the National Day Parade returns to the National Stadium after a decade, spectators can enjoy the fireworks from various public locations surrounding Kallang Basin. Although tickets to the main parade on August 9 may be sold out, alternative viewing spots still provide unobstructed views of the display. Around 8.15pm, the main fireworks are expected to go off, with six locations to catch a glimpse of the spectacle and capture photos.
Near Lavender MRT, Lavender Park offers grassy areas for picnics with a river view. Tall palm trees and pavilions provide shelter, making it a pleasant spot for watching the fireworks. The Tanjong Rhu Park Connector and the four-storey Tanjong Rhu Lookout Tower offer higher vantage points, with Tanjong Rhu MRT station just a five-minute walk away.
Opposite the National Stadium, the pavement outside the venue is a favorite among fireworks enthusiasts. Arriving early and heading to the Water Sports Centre on the second level for a better view are recommended. The Sports Complex's open area may provide a less crowded alternative to the main viewing spot. Just over a mile away, an elevated location within a building offers shelter from the rain and a wider view of the surroundings.
To improve photography, use a tripod to keep your phone steady and turn off the flash. Locking focus and exposure will prevent overexposure, while burst mode captures the best moments of the fireworks. According to The Straits Times senior executive photojournalist Ong Wee Jin, the best photos come before the smoky aftermath, making the early moments of the display ideal for photography.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written; read the original for the full account.
