Once a haven for pirates and later a bastion of British imperial power, Labrador Nature Park has transformed into one of Singapore’s most unique recreational spaces. Unlike typical neighborhood parks, this destination offers a distinct “One Park, Two Worlds” experience that caters to both nature lovers and history buffs.
Located on the edge of the Southern Ridges, the park is a seamless blend of a flat, scenic Keppel Coastal Trail and a rugged, historical hillside. Whether you are looking to spot endangered wildlife or explore World War II relics, Labrador Nature Park provides an escape from the city without leaving the mainland.
This guide explores every corner of the park, from the mangrove swamps of Berlayer Creek to the hidden tunnels of Fort Pasir Panjang.
The first “world” of Labrador Nature Park is defined by the sea. This accessible, flat terrain is perfect for families, joggers, and cyclists. It connects the lush greenery of the mangroves directly to the open waters of the Singapore Strait.
The Keppel Coastal Trail is a highlight for anyone visiting the park. Spanning approximately 340 meters, this trail hugs the coastline, offering uninterrupted views of the sea and the distant Sentosa island. It is designed to be inclusive, allowing visitors of all abilities to enjoy the ocean breeze.
The trail is divided into two distinct sections. The first is a 90-meter elevated concrete boardwalk that is fully wheelchair-accessible. This section is ideal for strollers and those who want a smooth, easy walk while admiring the coastal forest.
The second section is a 250-metre rustic path. This earth trail brings you closer to nature, winding through the coastal beach forest habitat. However, be aware that this section can get muddy after heavy rain, so proper footwear is recommended if the weather has been wet.
Before you even reach the main park, the adventure begins at the Berlayer Creek Boardwalk. Located right next to the Labrador Park MRT station, this 960-meter boardwalk cuts through one of two remaining mangroves in the south of Singapore.
This area is a biodiversity hotspot. As you walk along the wooden planks, keep your eyes peeled for the resident wildlife. It is common to see monitor lizards sunbathing on the roots and mudskippers hopping along the banks at low tide.
The creek is home to over 60 species of birds, making it a prime location for birdwatching enthusiasts. The dense canopy provides shade, making it a pleasant walk even during the warmer parts of the day.
Connecting the park to the modern world is the Bukit Chermin Boardwalk. This elevated walkway extends over the water, linking Labrador Nature Park to the Reflections at Keppel Bay condominium.
It offers some of the best panoramic views of the harbor. During high tide, the water laps just beneath your feet, while low tide reveals a rocky shore teeming with crabs and other marine life.
| Trail Name | Length | Best For | Difficulty |
| Keppel Coastal Trail | 340m | Coastal views & forest walks | Easy |
| Berlayer Creek | 960m | Mangrove wildlife & MRT access | Easy |
| Bukit Chermin | 330m | Harbor views & connecting to Keppel | Very Easy |
The second “world” of Labrador Nature Park lies uphill. Leaving the breezy coast behind, you ascend into the dense foliage of the hillside, where the atmosphere shifts from recreational to historical. This was once Fort Pasir Panjang, a crucial defense post for the British.
At the water’s edge, before you climb the hill, stands a peculiar rock structure known as Long Ya Men, or Dragon’s Teeth Gate. The structure you see today is a replica, but the history is real.
Centuries ago, a massive granite outcrop stood here, serving as a navigational gateway for ancient sailors and, according to legend, a hideout for pirates. The original rock was blown up by the British in 1848 to widen the channel for modern ships, but this replica serves as a reminder of the area’s maritime significance.
As you explore the ridge, you will encounter the remnants of Fort Pasir Panjang. This fort played a significant role in the Battle of Pasir Panjang during World War II.
The park preserves the actual gun emplacements that once housed massive 6-inch Quick-Firing guns. While the original guns were destroyed to prevent them from falling into enemy hands, lifelike replicas now stand in their place.
Statues of gunners are positioned around the weapons, depicting the intensity of the ammunition supply chain. It provides a somber and educational look at the conditions soldiers faced during the defense of Singapore.
History hunters will find plenty of other relics scattered throughout the park. The Red Beacon is a bright red navigational structure that still stands along the jetty, adding a splash of color to the greenery.
Deep in the hillside, you may spot the entrances to secret tunnels. These underground passages were used to store ammunition and supplies for the fort. While the tunnels are currently sealed and out-of-bounds to the public for safety reasons, seeing the entrances offers a glimpse into the underground network that once existed here.
You will also find the Casemate, which served as an ammunition dump. These structures are reminders of the strategic military importance this ridge held for decades.
Labrador Nature Park is incredibly family-friendly. It manages to integrate play areas seamlessly with its historical landmarks, creating a unique environment for children.
Perhaps the most unique playground in Singapore is located here. It features a merry-go-round and slides situated right next to a genuine World War II machine gun pillbox.
It is a surreal juxtaposition of innocence and history. While children play, parents can examine the thick concrete walls of the pillbox, which was built to protect the hill from coastal invasion.
Near the Keppel Coastal Trail, there is a larger play area featuring a timber maze. This old-school maze is perfect for younger children to navigate.
Adjacent to the maze is a play tower with slides and a three-sided bouncy see-saw. The spacious grassy areas nearby are perfect for picnics, frisbee, or simply letting kids run free in a safe, car-free environment.
Planning a trip to Labrador Nature Park is straightforward, but knowing the logistics can save you time and hassle.
Unlike East Coast Park, Labrador Nature Park has limited dining options. The primary establishment is Tamarind Hill, a luxury Thai restaurant housed in a restored colonial bungalow atop the hill. It offers a romantic and upscale dining experience.
For accommodation, the park is home to Labrador Villa, a boutique hotel set in a 1920s black-and-white bungalow. It provides a quiet, heritage-rich staycation option right inside the nature reserve.
Note: There are no hawker centers or cafes deep inside the park. It is highly recommended to bring your own water and snacks, especially if you plan to walk the trails.
To make the most of your visit to Labrador Nature Park: One Park, Two Worlds & Keppel Coastal Trail, keep these tips in mind:
Yes, the coastal areas are very wheelchair friendly. The Keppel Coastal Trail has a dedicated elevated boardwalk, and the promenade is flat and paved. However, the hillside trails and the rustic path can be difficult or inaccessible for wheelchairs.
Fishing is allowed, but only at designated areas along the jetty and the promenade. It is a popular spot for local anglers. Please ensure you do not fish in the protected nature reserve areas or the creek.
The Keppel Coastal Trail itself is short (340m) and takes about 10-15 minutes at a leisurely pace. However, combining it with the Berlayer Creek Boardwalk and the Bukit Chermin Boardwalk will create a loop that takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
No, the tunnels at Fort Pasir Panjang are currently closed to the public for safety and preservation reasons. You can view the entrances and read the interpretive signboards outside, but entry is strictly prohibited.
