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 currently houses Villa Samadhi, a luxury hotel, as well as Tamarind Hill, a Thai-Burmese restaurant.
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.
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.
If you have little ones with you, the park has 2 playgrounds for them to run around in and entertain themselves. The playgrounds are built right on the sandy beaches, meaning you won’t have to worry about your kids getting hurt if they fall.
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
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 Harbor.
This replica of Dragon’s Teeth Gate served as the gateway to Keppel Harbor in the past, where the area around it was rumored to be a pirate’s hideout.
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.
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-serve basis. The validity of the permit starts at 12pm and ends no later than 10.30pm on the date that you’ve booked.
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 which you’ll need to release 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.
Last, but not least, 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. If you have no intentions of eating the fish that you’ve caught, practise catch-and-release fishing.
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, as well as the rare Paradise Flycatcher.
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 it that these tunnels were used by the British as a way to travel to Fort Siloso – that’s all the way in Sentosa – although it was never confirmed as the tunnel’s interior had collapsed, leaving no way to explore.
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.
With the convenience of the paved walkways and boardwalks, fitness enthusiasts can choose to 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
How to get there: 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.
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 Shannon Lee and Gracelyn Lim on 10th May 2024.
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