Labrador Nature Park, also known as Labrador Nature Reserve, is a 9-km long trail of greenery along the Southern Ridges of Singapore. With its rich history and picturesque setting, the nature reserve is blessed with nature trails, heritage ruins and a seaside promenade. Labrador Reserve is home to more than 70 species of birds and animals along with historical relics of the Second World War and the Labrador Secret Tunnels, making it ideal to visit for bird-watchers, shutterbugs, joggers, nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Visitors can traverse through the seaside promenade on foot, or use a bicycle towards Keppel Harbour, explore the mangrove forests along Berlayer Creek, see the relics from the Second World War, or have a picnic with barbequed meals. This coastal park was gazetted as a nature reserve in 2002.
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Labrador Nature Trail
The upside trail in the Labrador Nature Park is absolute bliss for nature lovers. The trail is covered with forest with different birds and monkeys which are rare to find. By walking through the Labrador Nature Trail, you will witness the coastal cliff vegetation and a breathtaking view of Singapore’s offshore islands from the deck. The trail will lead you to down the cliff and into the Park where you can spend your afternoon basking in the sun.
The nature trail is best to enjoy during March to May and from August to October when the trees are shedding their leaves and changing colours. You will find tall sea apple trees, almond trees, Syzygium grande, and lianas while enjoying the trail.
World War II Relic
Labrador Nature Reserve is dotted with several navigational towers, pillars and obelisks. An obelisk and a machine gun post are present in one of the two playgrounds, right next to a vintage-looking merry-go-round. Special kind of navigational markers called Dragon's Teeth Gate or Long Ya Men stood at the entrance of the Keppel Harbour. They were rock outcrops which directed the sailors through a narrow waterway, in an area infested with pirates. However, they had to be blasted off to make way for the ships. A replica of the dragon's teeth gate is present at the nature reserve.
The hillside of Labrador Nature Reserve is now the ruins of what used to be one of the war-fronts of Singapore, Fort Pasir Panjang. It was one of the defences used to protect against attackers from the Keppel Harbourside. The fort was used to hold weapons and machinery. A 6-inch quick firing canon is also on display in the area. Statues of soldiers handling ammunition and sculptures of war equipment are present on the hillside. One may also see the remains of the tunnels to the ammunition chamber and the casemate. Unfortunately, they are closed for the public. The brick walls of the fort, from 1886, are still present.
Being situated at the edge of secondary forest, Labrador Nature Reserve is rich in biodiversity. The forest canopy majorly consists of tall, shade-providing trees such as sea apple trees which can grow up to a height of 30 metres and has luxuriant growth, and sea almond trees which have a distinct pagoda shaped crown and has big leaves clustered into rosettes.
Around the promenade, the Fish Poison Tree is a common tree which is used by local fishermen to stun fish. Another tree abundant here is the Sea Grape Tree with its rusty red trunk and round leaves. The forest area thrives with mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. Around 50 species of birds and 11 species of butterflies have been recorded in the forest, with the number growing every day. Squirrels with orange bellies and black stripes along the back are a common sight. You may also spot a Malayan Monitor Lizard in the area.
Activities at Labrador Nature Park
Hike Along Bukit Chermin Boardwalk This 300-metre boardwalk is situated in the eastern side of the park and extends over the sea with ethereal views. During the low-tide, crabs and mudskippers are a common sight here. In the distance, the breathtaking green views of Sentosa Coastal Forest Trail can be seen. The red beacon, which used to be a navigational guide for sailors, can also be seen from here. The boardwalk leads to the waterfront condominium of Reflections at Keppel Bay, and eventually to Marina at Keppel Bay which is an ambient dock full of posh and contemporary eateries.
The Boardwalk (Source)Explore Berlayer Creek A 15-minute walk from Labrador Park MRT Station, this pathway leads through the only mangrove forest in Singapore, and into Labrador Nature Reserve. What you see here will be greatly varied according to the tidal condition at the time of your visit. When here, do bring an insect repellant. Bird Watching Being rich in natural habitats, birds abound at Labrador Nature Reserve. The park is home to several species of singing birds such as Oriental Magpie-Robin, White-bellied Sea Eagle, and Black-Naped Oriole.
Walk Along the Promenade The seafront Promenade at the Labrador Nature Reserve is an ideal place for people wanting to go on a short walk or a bike ride. The site is dotted with natural beauty where local people are also found fishing. Coastal trees like Fish Poison Tree and the Sea Grape Trees are a common sight at the promenade. The Fish Poison Tree is used by the fishermen to stun fished. After the walk at the promenade, you can enjoy the sea-breeze and the views of the sea.
Labrador Park Promenade facing Sentosa Island (Source)Barbeque Book a barbeque pit at the Labrador nature reserve, and enjoy a barbecue meal. The barbeque pits are named after the different artilleries like Siloso Battery, and Pasir Laba Battery. Do watch out for the signboards to locate your barbeque pit. The barbeque pits need to be booked at least 3 days in advance from the official website.
Fishingat Labrador Jetty If you are looking for some fishing opportunities, then you can visit the recently opened Labrador Jetty. It is the only rocky sea-cliff in Singapore’s mainland which is open for public usage.
Labrador Jetty at dusk (Source)Jogging and Exercising Along with the mesmerising views and seaside location, one can jog or walk on the flat terrain of Labrador Nature Reserve. Exercising equipment are also available in the park. There are also two seaside playgrounds for the young and the young at heart.
How to Reach Labrador Nature Reserve
MRT: The easiest way to reach Labrador Nature Reserve is by taking an MRT to Labrador Park MRT Station. Once you get down, follow the road in front of the station, until you reach the park.
Bus: Those wishing to take the bus, may take bus numbers 10, 30, 51, 143 and 176, and get down at Pasir Panjang Road bus stop. From there, walk till you reach Labrador Nature Reserve while following Labrador Villa Road. Alternatively, Bus numbers 61, 93, 97, 100, 166 and 963 may be taken to Alexandra Road. Once you get down ar Alexandra Road, stay on the same side of the road and walk till you reach Labrador Nature Reserve via Labrador Villa Road.
