Now that we’re back to our usual National Day celebrations on 9 August, get patriotic with our guide to great eats, thirst-quenching drinks, and the best deals.
With mercy from the Covid-19 gods, this year’s National Day parade will be back in full force at the Marina Bay floating platform on 9 August, as it should be. But for those of us who weren’t lucky enough to snag a ticket, don’t worry. We’ve scouted out the next best things to do on National Day in Singapore (while listening to National Day songs on repeat to get into the mood).
Guide to National Day 2022 in Singapore
1. What to expect on 9 August: Main parade and show segment
Our yearly parade is back in its former glory! It features familiar faces like Sonia Chew and Joakim Gomez leading the pre-parade show with their fellow hosts Siti Kahlijah and Rishi Budhrani. Plus, a cross-cultural mashup presented by bands from Tanjong Katong Secondary School and Republic Polytechnic celebrates the youths of Singapore. Of course, don’t forget to catch our iconic Red Lions diving and parachuting from the skies to kick off the festivities with a bang.
The show is split into two segments with two unique themes. The first showcases our military and the strength of our nation with what’s called “heartware and hardware” (to signify the people and equipment – we love the wordplay!). The second is all about us and our fight to stay united in adversity. We’ll be treated to a film depicting two years of the nation’s fight against Covid-19. It’ll highlight how we helped one another in challenging times and ever-changing landscapes, building bonds and strengthening relationships.
2. Fireworks and NDP activities that are just a stone’s throw away
Didn’t get a ticket to this year’s show? Don’t worry, because the fun is coming to you! Celebrate National Day at 12 different locations within the heartlands of Singapore. On 6 and 7 August, you can look forward to carnivals in areas like the Punggol open field and Wisma Geylang Serai.
In the morning of 7 August, catch the Red Lions doing free-fall jumps over Bishan MRT and opposite Ghim Moh Market & Food Centre. Just listen for the emcees who will be there, gather at the spectator area, and cheer them on! We also hear there’ll be exclusive NDP merch up for grabs.
Finally, when the sun sets on the night of 9 August, head to one of the five heartland locations: the open field next to Ang Mo Kio Library, the former Tampines Junior College, Woodlands Stadium, Jurong West Stadium, and Bedok Stadium. The fireworks display will set off at about 8.15pm. Take note: entry to the stadiums is limited and starts at 6pm, so be there early if you want a front row seat to the pyrotechnics!
NDP @ Heartlands, multiple locations including Buona Vista MRT and old Tampines Junior College
3.Try Cafe&Meal Muji’s new fusion toast, made from the best of Japan and Singapore
Cafe&Meal Muji and Sunshine Bakeries are partnering to commemorate the nation’s birthday with food. Enjoy two new fusion dishes made with Sunshine Bakeries’ signature Hokkaido Milk Toast Bread available at Cafe&Meal Muji outlets at Plaza Singapura and Raffles City. Purchase any Deli Set and select Carrot Cumin Soup to get the complimentary Hokkaido Milk Toast Cheesy Crouton. Or, go for the hearty option of the Hokkaido Milk Toast with Curry Miso Chicken and Spinach Potato Sandwich Set, served with a choice of one cold deli (available from 2-5pm). Both are available from 5 August to 7 October only!
4. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore’s National Day offerings
Want to feast while watching the National Day parade? Enjoy the hotel’s Where the River Always Flows buffet on 9 August at Town Restaurant. You’ll be dining right along the Singapore River while watching the parade screened on large TVs within the space.
For an elegant brunch or dinner experience with dishes that combine Singaporean and French cuisine, pop into La Brasserie for its special National Day menu. Sink your teeth into bak kut teh beef short ribs, mud crab kueh pie tee, king prawn laksa, and chicken rice arancini for familiar flavours with unique techniques and preparations.
Finally, no good celebration is complete without a bottle of bubbly popped to commemorate the nation’s birthday. Get your champagne or house spirits at Lantern alongside its National Day snack platter. That includes iconic flavours like a Singapore-style chilli crab cake, salted egg fish tempura, and traditional chicken satay.
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178
5. Barbecue, face painting, and live DJ entertainment at Ce La Vi
Celebrate the nation’s 57th birthday 57 floors up with Ce La Vi. Bring the whole family along and get one of the best seats in Singapore for fireworks watching. While waiting for the parade highlight, kids can enjoy face painting and popcorn stations. Parents can sit back with a drink or two as you jam out to resident DJs KFC, Kenneth Francis, and Brendon P spinning house anthems. Food, drinks, music, and an uninterrupted view of the aerial flypast and fireworks? That’s your National Day celebration sorted.
Ce La Vi, Tower 3, Marina Bay Sands, 1 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018971
6. Singapore-themed weekend high tea at Regent Singapore
From now till the end of August, drop by the hotel for its Singapore-themed high tea at Tea Lounge. The buffet spread showcases delectable treats like kurobuta pork char siew, laksa, king prawn congee, and chilli crab sauce with fried mantou. For an added $78, you can even get free-flow champagne!
Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249715
7. Celebrate in style with Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
We’ll use any excuse to go on a staycation in Singapore, and this hotel has the perfect package for your National Day getaway. With its Cycle for More experience, you’ll explore the Lion City with a curated cycling tour on its collection of foldies and city bikes. Each route is catered to different interests and covers different distances. For beginners, the Marina Bay route covers the waterfront district. But, more experienced cyclists can try the farm route to learn about fresh produce, goat milking, and get an opportunity to feed cows!
After a day out exploring, head back to relax in your bay-facing suite. Set yourself up for an unforgettable fireworks watch party with your friends through the floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a spectacular view. The package includes daily breakfast for two, complimentary use of the bicycles, sustainable snacks, and other benefits when you join Fans of MO.
If you’re keen on feasting, drop by Melt Cafe for its hawker fare dinner. The spread includes bak kut teh, fried carrot cake, and live roti prata and Chinese roasted meat stations.
Cycle for More, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, 5 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039797, bookings available online
8. Check out the Istana Open House
On 17 July, the Istana will host its first open house since the pandemic. Get ready for live performances by bands and dance groups from Chung Cheng High School, Seng Kang Secondary School, Raffles Girls’ School, and Ang Mo Kio Secondary School.
Guided tours will also be held at the Istana’s main building and the enhanced Japanese garden every 45 minutes. Don’t forget to pop by food trucks and merchandise booths! We hear they’re carrying limited edition Istana and President’s Challenge souvenirs. For anyone looking to grow your collection of Singapore paraphernalia, you know where to go.
Istana Open House, Orchard Road, Singapore 238823
9. Get cultural at fun events by the National Heritage Board
Our racially diverse ecosystem is something to boast about in our cosmopolitan state. The National Heritage Board celebrates that with a huge list of events to get you geared up for National Day!
Drop in for a cooking demonstration hosted by culinary instructor and food sorceress Ruqxana from Cookery Magic. Get up close and personal to see how she creates an iconic dish that combines Chinese, Indian, and Malay flavours. Best part? You’ll get a copy of the recipe so you can try recreating it yourself at home.
For music lovers, discover traditional musical instruments like the oud, Indian bamboo flute, and dizi. Plus, enjoy a live performance by three classical musicians. If you’re feeling artsy, customise a tote bag with unique block prints or make your own shadow puppet figurines.
National Heritage Board events, multiple locations including the Malay Heritage Centre and Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
There you have it – a multitude of events that’ll keep you occupied during Singapore’s National Day celebrations. Enjoy!
