Singapore National Day 2008 Tips:
What to Do When You Can't Get Tickets

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[Singapore National Day 2008 Videos]
[Tips for Fireworks & Aerial Shows]

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I've been trying to get National Day tickets for the last 3 years. But no luck ;(. Well, this year I did the next best thing - I went to watch the fireworks and aerial displays. And, yes, it's possible to watch them even before the 9th of August! Find out how below. But first, a video of the irrepressible Black Knights...

Singapore National Day 2008 Videos

Aerobatics by the RSAF's Black Knights - Elite F16s!

(Black Knights Aerobatics Video - NE Show in preparation for Singapore National Day 2008. Taken on 5 July 08)

Watch this awesome display by some of the Air Force's best pilots - the Black Knights.

They are exciting because they fly dangerously close to each other.

At some points, they seem to be diving towards the water, only to pull away in time.

The spectators went 'ooh' and 'aah'. I don't think the pilots' wives and mothers are quite as excited ;-)

UFOs Invade Marina Bay! What Will They Think of Next?

(Video taken on 5 July 08)

The organisers of Singapore National Day 2008 made clever use of the setting (water) and timing (twilight).

A very pretty sight. Helium-filled lanterns moved along by SAF assault boats.

I later found out that the green UFOs are called 'baybirds'!

The Most Spectacular Fireworks in the Singapore Calendar!

(Singapore National Day Fireworks. Video taken during the NE Show on 19 July 08)

Forget about all the others. Singapore National Day fireworks is the biggest, most spectacular of them all!

I was lucky enough to get an unhindered spot at the Merlion Park, by the water's edge.

Each burst of fireworks seemed so close that they'd land on me! But this spot is too near to the fireworks to take good photos.

Tips for Watching Fireworks & Air Displays

The information below relates to 2008. But it serves as a gauge for National Day 2009. Watch this space.

How many shows are there?

Apart from 9 Aug 2008 (actual Singapore National Day), there are 3 NE Shows (preview shows for Primary 5 students) and a Preview Show on the following dates:
- NE Shows: 5, 12 & 19 July 2008
- Preview Show: 2 August 2008

(All these 'rehearsals' are as good as the main day's offerings, in my opinion.)

What's the schedule like for Singapore National Day (and all the rehearsals)?

The Parade starts about 5.15pm. But if you haven't got tickets, here's the next best thing - watch the following:
- 5.50pm: Wakeboarding performance & Stunt kites
- 5.55pm: The Red Lions parachuters landing
- 6.45pm: National Anthem & Helicopter Fly-past
- 7.00pm-7.15pm: Aerobatics by the Black Knights (elite F16s)
- 7.15pm-7.30pm: Lantern-like Floats driven by assault boats
- 8.00pm: First burst of fireworks
- 8.10pm: Second burst of fireworks
From 4pm to 5.30pm, there's also a free street theatre performance by Booly & Oooly (juggling) and Akira (mime).
Where to watch them?
- If you are keen to watch everything mentioned in 2. above, head for the Merlion Park or One Fullerton area.
- If you want to shoot the fireworks, these are the 3 best spots:
  - the Esplanade Bridge, if you want the Merlion in your pictures (need wide angle lens)
  - the open field beside Marina Boulevard (next to NTUC Centre)
  - the waterfront promenade outside the Esplanade Theatre, a convenient - and of course crowded - spot
  Do note that the main fireworks are launched from a barge on the water. So adjust your cameras accordingly.
Want to watch the fireworks in luxury?
- Hotels with panoramic views of the fireworks:
  - Ritz Carlton Millenia (highly recommended)
  - Mandarin Oriental
  - Pan Pacific Marina Singapore
  - Fullerton Hotel
  Remember to book the harbour-facing rooms!
- Restaurants with the views
What if I cannot make it for the dates listed above?

Go down to Marina Bay again on 22 or 23 Aug 08 for the Singapore Fireworks Celebrations. Each evening, the fireworks will go on for 15 minutes.

(Shucks! Why am I revealing these secrets to the whole world? And make you my competitor for space during the fireworks? Do me a favour. I scratched your back. You scratch mine. Pls help me spread the good news about this website. Tell them how great eTour Singapore is! ;-) )

So don't fret if you can't get tickets to the Singapore National Day Parade. And if you want to practice your fireworks photography, you have 5 weekends in a row in July/August!

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National Day Fireworks 2008 - A Photo Tour

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Schedule for other fireworks in Singapore 2008

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