With Singapore celebrating its 59th birthday this Friday, visitors can expect the Marina Bay and Padang areas to be crowded due to the National Day Parade (NDP) celebrations, according to a police release.

So, if you're one of the lucky ones to snag a ticket or if you'll be around the area to soak in the festivities, here are some tips to help you beat the crowds and get around more smoothly.

Arrive early for security checks at Padang

Those going for the parade at the Padang are advised to arrive early to buffer time for security checks.

Do minimise the number of personal belongings you bring into the venue to facilitate security clearance.

Any container (100ml capacity or larger) containing liquid, aerosol or gel will be subjected to additional checks.

Canned items, such as canned drinks, are not allowed to be brought in.

Each ticket holder will receive an NDP Pack, which includes items such as water and light snacks.

For security reasons, items such as sharp objects that can be used as weapons and toy guns are prohibited in the venue.

Avoid more crowded areas

Certain entrances or exits of MRT stations around Marina Bay will be closed to regulate crowd flow.

In case of overcrowding, trains may also bypass affected stations such as Bayfront MRT station.

Other areas in Marina Bay that will likely see crowds include:

• Esplanade Waterfront
• One Fullerton Waterfront
• Merlion Park
• Marina Bay Sands Waterfront

Police officers and auxiliary police officers will be deployed in affected areas for crowd control.

Visitors are advised to be vigilant and to safeguard their belongings.

Visitors can also check out the Crowd@MarinaBay map at https://go.gov.sg/crowd-at-marina-bay to view real-time crowd levels and areas that may be closed at the various fireworks viewing spots.

Be aware of road closures

Road closures around the area will also happen at stipulated timings to facilitate the event.

Access will only be granted to authorised vehicles as well as police and emergency vehicles.

Traffic delays are also expected along the following roads:

• Battery Road
• Beach Road
• Bras Basah Road
• Collyer Quay
• Guillemard Road
• Hill Street
• Marina Boulevard
• Mountbatten Road
• North Bridge Road
• Ophir Road
• Raffles Avenue
• Raffles Boulevard
• Raffles Link
• Republic Boulevard
• Rochor Road
• Temasek Avenue
• Temasek Boulevard
• Victoria Street

Motorists going to Suntec City and Marina Square from Bras Basah Road, Esplanade Drive, Nicoll Highway, or Raffles Boulevard can take alternate routes via Bayfront Avenue or Rochor Road, which leads to Temasek Boulevard.

Parking restrictions along the affected roads will be strictly enforced, and vehicles found parked illegally or causing obstruction will be towed.

Going off after the parade

After the end of the parade, visitors can expect dispersal to be slow, with City Hall, Raffles Place and Bayfront MRT stations expected to be especially crowded.

One tip is to use alternative stations such as Esplanade, Promenade, Downtown and Marina Bay MRT stations.

Visitors are also encouraged to be patient and to follow the directions of the marshals and the police.

For further enquiries, you may contact the organiser at 1800-637-2024.

Top image from Voices of Singapore / Facebook