Labrador Nature Reserve – aka Labrador Park – offers lots of things to do for families! Expect playgrounds, historic sites, nature trails and more!
Venue: Labrador Villa Rd, Singapore 119187
Opening Hours: 7 am - 7 pm
Admission: Free
Easily accessible by public transport, Labrador Nature Reserve, or more commonly known as Labrador Park is a popular spot for the public, including families who are drawn to the open space, playgrounds (yes, with an "s") and the experience of visiting an actual World War II fort.
The 22-hectres Labrador Nature Reserve is part of the Southern Ridges, which also comprises Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, and Kent Ridge Park.
How To Get To Labrador Park
By public transport
Labrador Park MRT makes it easy to access the park. Simply follow the signs down Labrador Villa Road, about 10 - 15 mins, you will reach the park and the Labrador Battery. Alternatively, you may choose the seafront route by heading to the back of the MRT and following the Berlayer Creek Broadwalk through the park.
By Car
You may choose to drop at Carpark A (nearer to the top of the hill and Tamarind Hill Restaurant) or at Carpark B (which is next to the water and nearer to the playground)
What To Do At Labrador Park
The park offers an experience that is different from popular venues like East Coast Park, Jurong Lake Gardens or Coney Island Park. It boasts a thriving wildlife as home to 70 kinds of birds, 11 species of butterflies as well as numerous tree species. To us, it is the combination of history and development of the park that makes it unique, and we will tell you why!
2 Playgrounds - One With Machine Gun Bunkers
Labrador Park has 2 outdoor playgrounds. Both are sand-based, so do come with your spades and shovels for the kids to dig!
The first playground is located next to the Red Beacon. It is good place to drop by in the morning as it is well-shaded and you will get a cool sea-breeze too. The playground is simple, its just lots of sand, 2 see-saws, a roundabout and 2 swings. What's interesting about the playground is the historical machine gun bunker that were used as part of our coastal defense in the 1930s.
The second playground is larger and newer with a climbing structure, slides, fireman's pool, and a more modern 3-way see-saw too! There's a unique maze made of wooden planks, that's something you might wish to get lost in! Otherwise, do come in the evenings as the playground is not shaded and can get pretty hot!
Dragon Tooth Gate and Red Beacon
As you stroll along the seafront, you will also come across 2 unique navigation aid structures. "Long Ya Men" or Dragon's Teeth Gate was a large rock that stood at the mouth of Keppel Habour and was used as a marker by sailors and merchants. The original was blown up in 1948 to widen the habour and the current 6-meter replica was erected to commemorate the Dragon's Teeth Gate's role in Singapore's maritime history.
The modern equivalent will be the Red Beacon found along the seafront.
Berlayer Creek & Bukit Chermin Boadwalk
To continue on a nature trail adventure, you will want to head towards the Labrador Nature and Coastal Walk, which is made up of three sections: Alexandra Garden Trail, Berlayer Creek mangrove trail and Bukit Chermin Boardwalk.
The 5.61-hectare Berlayer Creek comprises three types of habitats including - mangroves, rocky shore and mudflats and is home to a diverse group of fauna and flora. It's shaded wooden path alongside the mangrove leads to the Labrador MRT station about 15-mins away.
At the eastern-end of Labrador Park, you will find the 300-m elevated Bukit Chermin Boardwalk that provides a "by-the-sea" stroll to take in the sights of Keppel Marina and the many luxurious yachts parked there. This leads to the promenade at Reflections at Keppel Bay.
The walk continues to the 1-km Alexandra Garden Trail that links Labrador Park to Hort Park (here's where you will find a nature playgarden), and the Southern Ridges.
Hillside - Remembering History
Photo Credit: visitsingapore.com
As you ascend the hillside, you will also start to discover what was formally Fort Pasir Panjang. Built in the 19th century, this was part of Singapore's coastal defense and you will find replicas of the heavy guns and artilleries as well as models of soldiers depicting what it might have been like in that era.
Photo Credit: Tripadvisor
The younger kids may not understand the history, but there are many information boards dotted around for older kids and parents to better understand our history and the history of Fort Pasir Panjang. Regardless, we are sure the kids will be impressed by the replicas and there is opportunities to play make-believe! However, be sure to take care of the little ones as the area has many ledges that may lead to nasty falls!
What To Eat At Labrador Park
The main part of the park does not have any options. The nearest will be the high-end dining restaurant, Tamarind Hill Restaurant, while it is located in a beautiful historical bungalow, it may not be the most kids-friendly option.
Your other options will be to head to Keppel Marina Bay where you will find Prive, which is popular with both parents and kids. Otherwise, you may head to Alexandra Retail Centre, VivoCity or Habourfront, depending on where you started and ended your adventure!
What To Bring When Visiting Labrador Park
When visiting the park, do take note and remember to bring the following
- No pets are allowed into the Nature Reserve
- The Nature Reserve is open from 7 am to 7 pm
- Insect Repellent, Sunscreen, a Hat and Umbrellas are definitely good to bring along
- Since you will be walking most of the time, a backpack will be great for storing everything!
To find out more, visit NParks!
