Activities

Labrador Park: Easy Coastal & Mangrove Trail With Photogenic Lighthouse

Labrador Park Singapore guide


Living in a concrete jungle, most Singaporeans are surrounded by shopping malls and high-rise buildings. Green spaces like Labrador Park thus beckon nature lovers to take a break from urban life. Located just 15 minutes away from the MRT station of the same name, Labrador Park is an expansive nature reserve located at the southern tip of Singapore.

It got its name from Labrador Villa, a 2-storey colonial bungalow built for steamship company owner George John Mansfield in 1881. The structure still stands today and housed the now-closed luxury hotel Villa Samadhi. Nearby is also the progressive Asian restaurant, ASU.

If you’re looking to switch up the views, head down and lose yourself in a variety of landscapes, from mangroves and gardens to coastal boardwalks.


How to get to Labrador Park


Alight at Labrador Park MRT station and simply follow the signs. You can also reach Labrador Park via Berlayer Creek Boardwalk or through Labrador Villa Road. Both paths will take you to opposite ends of the park.

If you’re driving, you can consider parking at Labrador car parks A, B, and C. While car park A is located closer to Labrador Park MRT Station, car parks B and C are on the other side of the park, nearer to Berlayer Point Lighthouse.


What to do in Labrador Park


Now that you’ve reached Labrador Park, here’s a quick guide on what to do here.


Take a stroll along the coastal walks


Labrador Park, which is also known as Labrador Nature Reserve, consists of many different terrains besides the familiar lush greenery that’s typical of most parks in Singapore. What sets this place apart in particular is its mangrove and coastal trails.


Image credit: ranggapb via Flickr

Starting from Berlayer Creek Boardwalk, the trail is flanked by dense mangrove trees and mudflats on both sides. During low tide, there is even an opportunity to spot the rare Giant Mudskipper, one of the largest mudskippers in the world.


The Giant Mudskipper is native to Singapore.
Image credit: @sg_fantasticbeasts via Instagram

Once you’ve made it to the end of the boardwalk, turn left to find yourself at Bukit Chermin Boardwalk. In stark contrast to Berlayer Creek’s mangroves, the boardwalk has a breathtaking view of the sea. You can even spot Sentosa off in the distance on a clear day.


Catch a glimpse of the sunset when you visit the park in the evening.
Image credit: @sean5821 via Instagram

Head back towards the end of Berlayer Creek and turn towards Labrador Nature Reserve. As 1 of our 4 main nature reserves, it is unique for boasting Singapore’s only coastal rocky shore.


Enjoy the Labrador Park Playgrounds


If you have little ones with you, the park has 2 playgrounds for them to run around in and entertain themselves. One of which is located near Car Park C, featuring a retro merry-go-round, swings, and a see-saw. Alternatively, the second, larger playground in Labrador Park is right next to Keppel Coastal Trail, equipped with newer facilities such as a play tower with slides, tunnels, and a fireman’s pole.


The merry-go-round is no longer a staple in most playgrounds, but it can still be found in Labrador Park.
Image credit: Cheen T. via foursquare

The playgrounds are built right on the sandy beaches, meaning you won’t have to worry about your kids getting hurt if they fall.


Snap a pic at Red Beacon & Dragon’s Teeth Gate


As you continue down the trail, it won’t be long before you come across a structure that resembles a lifeguard tower. This is the Red Beacon or the Berlayer Point Lighthouse – a navigational aid that sailors in the past used when sailing in from Keppel Harbour.


The second navigational marker you’ll come across is called The Dragon’s Teeth Gate, also known as Long Ya Men. It served as the gateway to Keppel Harbour in the past, where the area around it was rumoured to be a pirate’s hideout.

The original rock formations were destroyed by the British in 1848 to provide more room for larger ships to enter Keppel Harbour. In place is a 6-metre-tall replica of the Dragon’s Teeth Gate, which was assembled in 2005 as a homage to its role in Singapore’s maritime history.


Interact with former British military relics


It may surprise you to hear that Labrador Park is also home to many abandoned WWII relics, many of which are accessible to the public.

The smaller of the park’s 2 playgrounds is built right next to a machine gun pillbox. Back during the British Rule, soldiers would man the post in order to prevent enemy troops from entering Singapore via the harbour.


This was part of Fort Pasir Panjang, an old British Fort located at the top of Labrador Park.

Back at the entrance of Labrador Nature Reserve is a main trail that leads up the hill that was once part of a key British military fort. Today, you can still interact with the monuments and read up on their history from the helpful information boards located nearby.


The guns helped to fend off enemy troops during the Battle at Pasir Panjang in February 1942
.
Image credit: @aussie_boymum_in_singapore via Instagram

What stands out the most is the replica of the 6-inch gun batteries used by the British troops. This is complete with statues of soldiers loading up the ammunition, simulating what they would’ve done to fire the gun during wartime.


Image credit: @chicmonk
via Instagram

Finally, if you venture further up the hill, you will find the entrance to a set of tunnels that have been sealed off to the public. One of Singapore’s conspiracy theories is that the British used these tunnels as a way to travel to Fort Siloso, which is all the way in Sentosa. This was never confirmed, however, as the tunnel’s interior had collapsed, leaving no way to explore.

You can also refer to this map of Labrador Park below, so you can have a full overview of your bearings.

Image credit: NParks 


What to eat at Labrador Park


If you’re looking for something to eat, here are some restaurants at Labrador Park that you can check out.


Zhang Ji Shanghai La Mian Xiao Long Bao


Best restaurant in Labrador House for handmade dumplings

Located in Alexandra Retail Centre (ARC), Zhang Ji Shanghai La Mian Xiao Long Bao is just a 7-minute walk from Labrador Park MRT Station. The Michelin Guide-approved restaurant is widely known for offering authentic, handmade dumplings at an affordable price.

Many choose the Steamed Mini Buns ($6.80), which come with 6 freshly steamed dumplings in a basket. Other popular choices include the Szechuan Spicy Noodles ($6.80) and Szechuan Spicy Wanton ($8.80), perfect for those who enjoy dishes with a bolder flavour.

Zhang Ji Shanghai La Mian Xiao Long Bao

Naked Finn


Known for affordable and high-quality seafood


Image credit: KokLeong Tham via Google Maps

Seafood lovers will want to check out Naked Finn, which has been around since 2012 at Gillman Barracks. One of their most popular main dishes is the Mushroom XO donabe ($28), consisting of Koshihikari rice topped with yellow croaker, dragon chives, and green laver. Some reviewers recommend pairing it with the Chawanmushi ($15), which comes with Dungeness crab meat, house-made umami crab stock, and white pepper.


Image credit: @kenloon via Instagram

Alternatively, those looking for light bar snacks can visit on Wednesdays and try the Stick Shift menu, which offers a variety of meat skewer options (from $2.80).

Naked Finn

ASU@Labrador House


Modern Asian fine dining inspired by TCM


Wine Poached Prawn from the Season Five Autumn 2025 Fall menu.
Image credit: @asu.singapore via Instagram

ASU has taken over the Tamarind Hill restaurant in Labrador Park, offering a modern fine dining concept inspired by traditional Asian cooking. Much of the menu is influenced by the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, thanks to owner-chef Ace Tan’s family background in running a TCM shop.


Image credit: @dandellaeats via Instagram

While the dishes don’t overtly showcase TCM elements, they are thoughtfully crafted with ingredients chosen for their health benefits. Keep in mind, however, that the tasting menu is updated quarterly, so if there’s a dish you’d like to try, it’s best to make a reservation online before the next seasonal menu is introduced.

ASU

How long is the Labrador Nature & Coastal Walk?


Labrador Park spans an area of 22 hectares, with the Nature & Coastal Walk measuring 2.1km long. This walking trail comprises Bukit Chermin Boardwalk, Berlayer Creek, and Alexandra Garden Trail. If you decide to traverse the entire trail, it would take an average of 30 minutes from one end to the other.


Can I barbecue at the park?


Yes, you can barbecue at one of the designated BBQ pits in Labrador Park. However, before you start planning your BBQ party, you’ll first need to apply for a permit through AXS online or at an AXS station. The cost of each permit varies according to the location, ranging from $12-$20 for a day.

You are recommended to book at least 2 months in advance as slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The validity of the permit starts at 12pm and ends no later than 10.30pm on the date that you’ve booked.


Can I go fishing at Labrador Park?



Image credit: @indubandara via Instagram

Yes, you are allowed to go fishing at Labrador Park as long as it’s along Labrador Jetty. However, there are some fishing etiquette to keep in mind.

Firstly, familiarise yourself with the list of protected wildlife species. This is because you’ll need to release them if they appear in your catch. Secondly, ensure that you only use an artificial bait, carbon steel micro barb, or barbless hook. Failing to do so would result in a fine of up to $3,000.

Be considerate to people around you by choosing a fishing spot that’s away from boats or other water activities and dispose of your trash after you’re done. Last, but not least, if you have no intentions of eating the fish that you’ve caught, practise catch-and-release fishing.


Is there birdwatching at Labrador Park?


Besides having the only publicly accessible rocky sea cliff, Labrador Park is home to many types of flora and fauna. Here’s where you can discover different species and expand your knowledge of birds and their natural habitats.

Some species that you can look forward to are birds like the Oriental Magpie Robin and Black-Naped Oriole. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the rare Paradise Flycatcher, too.


Are dogs allowed?


Despite the park’s name, dogs are unfortunately not allowed at Labrador Nature Reserve. Luckily, our guide to the best free dog runs and parks in Singapore will give you a list of dog-friendly spaces to visit instead.


Labrador Park – For nature lovers & history buffs


With the convenience of paved walkways and boardwalks, fitness enthusiasts can either jog or cycle here, depending on their fancy. Aside from brushing up on local history, Labrador Park also allows easy access to a variety of landscapes, such as mangroves and coastlines. This makes this an immersive experience with lots of different sights to soak up.

Address: Labrador Villa Road, Singapore 119187
Opening hours: 7am-7pm, Daily

For more outdoor things to do and see on our island, check out:


Cover image adapted from: @chicmonk via Instagram
Originally published on 16th July 2021. Last updated by Mae-Z Fam on 29th September 2025.

Tay Jin Heok