Singapore is a country that offers countless sites designed for recreation, sightseeing, and historical exploration. As someone who takes a great interest in both nature and history, one of my favorite places to visit is Labrador Park.  

For the most part, this park isn’t much different from other sites. It’s surrounded by greeneries and all kinds of flora and fauna. 

What sets this park apart is that it houses a few historical artifacts from World War II. You will see the ruin of an old port along with casemates that are now covered with ferns and foliage.   

Let me give you a tour and show you the rich history of Labrador Park, how to get there, what rules to follow, what activities to try out, and which restaurants to visit.   

Labrador Park Singapore History

Labrador Park has a rich but somber history. This nature reserve used to be the location of a prominent fort with underground ammunition storerooms. 

During World War II, the British troop deemed Labrador Nature Reserve as the perfect defense site to set up a fort that would protect the entrance to the harbors of Singapore. The site was believed to have been fortified in 1878. 

In the 1930s, this fort, along with Fort Siloso in Sentosa, was used to store powerful new guns underground. Sadly, the strength of the fort was not enough to protect the Singaporean and British troops from the force of the Japanese army back then. 

Even up to this day, the ruins and relics left behind by the times of war can still be found in this park. There are canons and artillery pieces restored for your viewing pleasure.   

Labrador Nature Park at a Glance 

Labrador Park Singapore offers a unique experience with its stunning coastal views, rich history, and diverse wildlife. At first glance, you will notice the park’s beautiful coastline and lush greenery. 

This park also has several historical landmarks, such as underground tunnels and artillery batteries, that date back to World War II. You can explore the park’s diverse wildlife by taking nature trails that wind through the park’s lush greenery. 

Walking through the trail, you’ll encounter different species of birds, insects, and sometimes even monkeys. I encountered a macaque on my last visit to Labrador and it was quite a fun experience. 

The monkeys are prone to taking small stuff like cellphones, chargers, and headphones so you should properly store all your gadgets in your bag. Be careful not to agitate the monkeys so you can avoid trouble with them. 

One more thing about this park is that it is a popular spot for picnics and family outings. My friends and I often go out here for an outing since it already has tables and benches for a picnic set up. 

In terms of how it compares to other parks in Singapore, I think Labrador Park stands out due to its rich history and coastal views, which you will not find anywhere else.   

Labrador Nature Park Location 

Labrador Park is located at 91 Labrador Villa Rd. It is in the Southern part of Singapore along the West Coast highway, which is right off Alexandra Road. 

The park is located near the coast so you can enjoy a stunning view of the sea and the nearby islands. I enjoy the seaside location of this park since I love catching the morning breeze during my walk. 

How to Get to Labrador Park Singapore

To get to Labrador Park, type in the address to your car’s GPS or board the MRT towards the Labrador Park station. You can also take the bus 10, 30, 51, 61, 93, 97, 100, 120, 143, 166, 188, 408, 963, or 963 to arrive at your destination.  

MRT 

Take the Circle Line and alight at Labrador Park MRT Station (CC27). Take Exit A and walk for about 10 minutes to arrive by the entrance of Labrador Park.

Bus 

Take bus numbers 10, 30, 51, 61, 93, 97, 100, 120, 143, 166, 188, 408, 963, or 963 and alight at the bus stop opposite Labrador Park MRT Station (CC27). Cross the road and walk for about 10 minutes to reach the entrance of Labrador Park.

Taxi/Car

Set your destination to Labrador Park using your GPS app. The park is located along Labrador Villa Road, which can be accessed via Pasir Panjang Road or Alexandra Road.

Labrador Park Rules: Do’s and Don’ts for Visitors 

When visiting Labrador Nature Park, it is always a good idea to keep yourself in check by taking note of the park’s unspoken rules. Adhering to these rules is essential to ensure your safety and the enjoyment of the other visitors. 

With that said, here are the dos and don’ts that you need to keep in mind when visiting the park. 

Do’s

1. When walking by the nature reserve, stay on the designated pathways and trails. This will ensure that the park’s natural environment is protected alongside your safety. 
2. Respect the park’s opening hours. This is typically between 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. 
3. Follow the rules and regulations posted all over the park. Some areas prohibit visitors from feeding and interacting with the animals. 
4. Whenever you go for a picnic with your friends and family, always make sure that you don’t leave any litter behind. Throw your trash on the proper receptacle to keep the park clean and beautiful. 
5. Enjoy all the free amenities of the park like the benches and the picnic tables, but don’t forget to be mindful of the other guests. Once you are done eating, you can free up the table for other groups to enjoy. 

Don’ts

1. Do not make excessive noise and avoid disturbing the tranquility of the park. Most guests are out there to enjoy the quiet atmosphere of Labrador Park so you should respect their peace. 
2. Do not damage or uproot the flowers, shrubs, trees, and other plants in the park. Help preserve the natural beauty of Labrador Park by leaving everything as you found them. 
3. Do not feed the animals in the park. It might be tempting to hand food to the adorable animals, but you must refrain from doing so since it might affect their natural diet. 
4. Do not leave your personal belongings unattended in the park. Although this park is generally safe, you should still be careful with your things. 
5. Do not engage in any activity that may harm you or the other guests in the park. This includes swimming, bike racing, or climbing trees.  

What to Do in Labrador Park

Labrador Nature Park offers plenty of exciting activities that cater to different interests. In the section below, I will recommend to you some of the best things to do in the park. 

1. Bird Watching

As a park sporting a unique location by the coast and a diverse ecosystem, Labrador Park has always been a popular spot for birdwatching. The mix of habitats ranging from tall trees to rocky shores attracts different species of birds. 

When I talked to a few random ornithologists in the park, I found out that there are generally five types of birds you will encounter in the park. These birds are migratory, coastal, shorebirds, resident birds, and raptors. 

Depending on the season, you might observe birds like the Pacific Golden Plovers, White-bellied Fish Eagle, and Asian Glossy Starling. One of the birds I commonly see in the park is the Paradise Flycatcher. 

I’m not knowledgeable enough about birds to introduce you to all the species, but there are plenty of experts around Labrador Park that can help you. This place is a common hunting ground for observers to study the species they like.   

2. Sightseeing

With Labrador’s Park’s stunning location near the coast and the nature reserve, it has become a popular spot for people who are looking for relaxing sightseeing. This park has a rich collection of fauna and flora that will captivate you. 

When sightseeing, I recommend following the trails leading to the park’s forest and World War II fortifications. The forest gives you the perfect view of tall trees, vines, and shrubs. 

Oftentimes, you will see squirrels, insects, or monkeys swinging by the trees. As you go deeper into the trail, you will see the remnants of the old fort alongside the gun emplacements and underground tunnels. 

You can walk inside these tunnels and explore the ruins since it is not barricaded. Just remember not to purposely put pressure when posing on with any ruin.

Posters and sign boards are placed around the park so you can learn more about the history of the fort. 

If you want to sightsee by the coast, you can explore Berlayer Creek and stroll by the Coastal Walkway located near the Keppel Harbor. 

3. Photography 

Photography is another popular activity to do in Labrador Park. Since this place offers a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty, it can provide you with plenty of photographic opportunities. 

I highly recommend taking photos of the old British military fortress. The gun emplacements, tunnels, and ruins of the park can create a stunning subject for your photo portfolio. 

You also shouldn’t miss out on taking photos of the coast and nature reserve while in Labrador Park. There are numerous vegetations and animals for you to take pictures of and exploring the nature reserve will surely be a field day for you. 

Personally, I love taking pictures of the birds and the monkeys. It’s a little tricky getting the monkeys in a shot, but the result is always worth it. 

4. Picnic 

The vast land area and open fields of Labrador Park make it an ideal place for a picnic. The tranquil and scenic setting is the perfect atmosphere to help you relax and enjoy a meal amidst nature. 

What I appreciate about Labrador Park is that it already has a table and bench setup for picnics so there’s no need to pack your things. You can also bring a picnic blanket that you can lay out on the open field.  

5. Exercise 

The open field and relaxing seaside location of Labrador Park offer plenty of opportunities to exercise and be active. As someone who loves the view of nature while going out for a run, I usually choose Labrador Park as my jogging destination. 

I love the gentle ocean breeze on my face whenever I run by the coast. The trail by the nature reserve is also ideal for running. 

You will meet plenty of other runners in the tracks of Labrador Park so it would also be an amazing opportunity for you to form relationships and bond with others through activities you both enjoy. 

6. Fishing 

Fishing is another great activity to do in Labrador Park. You can cast your bait on the rocky shores and coastal areas since anglers are welcome in this place. 

Despite the loose regulations when it comes to fishing in Labrador Park, there are still some rules that you need to keep in mind to avoid trouble with the authorities. 

First things first, there are designated areas for fishing and these are marked with a board along the coast. You are only allowed to catch fish in these areas in compliance with the regulations posted by the National Parks Board. 

Another thing you should keep in mind is that Labrador Park practices catch and release. This means that you are encouraged to release the fish after you take a photo. 

The policy above ensures that the population of fish in the area is conserved and the ecological balance is maintained within the park. 

7. Nature Appreciation 

As a park that is located near the coast and the forest area, Labrador offers one of the most diverse nature views in all of Singapore. You can explore the rocky shores, the thriving ecosystems, and the lush green forests. 

Whenever I come by this park, it makes me feel a little closer to nature, especially the nature reserve trail that goes by the grove. The different species of fauna and flora in this area are truly worthy of appreciation. 

The cleanliness of the park and the simplicity of its design highlight the natural beauty of the nature around you. This is something you will rarely find in other parks around the country.  

Labrador Park Must-Try Restaurants 

Labrador Park has plenty of amazing restaurants and cafes that you can try out. Each of these establishments offers a unique delicacy that will satisfy your cravings. 

Naked Finn

Naked Finn is one of the most popular seafood restaurants in Labrador Park. This beautiful establishment that serves high-quality dishes was founded by Chef Ken Loon in 2012. 

The focus of its menu is oysters, crabs, shrimp, and fish. The ingredients are freshly sourced every morning so the dishes are flavorful and delicious.

One of my favorites in this restaurant is the Pacific Cupped Oyster which is sold for only $8. This dish is made with a chilled oyster doused in fermented red chili, fried shallots, Thai basil oil, and guava mignonette.  

Hopscotch

This place might not fit the theme of the relaxing coffee shop, but I think it’s the perfect place to grab drinks with your friends while enjoying the quiet atmosphere of the park. 

Hopscotch is well known for its extensive list of alcoholic drinks — and I’m not just talking about branded scotch and beers. This place has its unique blend and drink presentation. 

Each glass is an art in and of itself. Some beverages look like potions and I honestly love the creativity of the bartenders. 

My favorite drink here is the $24 Honey Pot drink made with honeysuckle gin, bubble gum tincture, Kyomo Murasaki, fresh citrus, Kwaifeh lychee, and mead. This drink is served in a tiny honey pot with a honey stirrer. 

Tamarind Hill

Tamarind Hill is located near the trails of Labrador Park right by the ruins of the old British fort. This beautiful restaurant reminds me of an old English house in World War II. 

It has giant windows and the color is kept simple with white and red. I love how the interior of this place truly looks like a house. 

Despite the fancy look of Tamarind Hill, the food is affordable. I got the Thai-mless brunch menu for only $60. 

The whole set comes with pomelo salad, vegetable spring rolls, deep-fried tiger prawns with salted egg sauce, and Galangal coconut soup. It’s the perfect meal to have while enjoying the view of the coast and I highly recommend trying it out. 

The Green Bar

If you’re looking for a low-calorie option for your meal, I highly recommend The Green Bar. This cafe offers a wide selection of grain bowls, wraps, and salads. 

My personal favorite from the menu, as well as the shop’s best-seller, is the Kungfu Tofu Char Siew Chicken, which you can get for only $15. The flavor of the meal is rich and the chicken is perfectly seasoned. 

Tips When Visiting Labrador Park

To ensure that you will have a smooth sailing trip in Labrador Park, be sure to keep the following tips in mind. 

1. Keep all your belongings in one place and padlock your bag. There are monkeys around the trails near the reserve and these creatures can be playful and sneaky when taking your stuff. 

Leaving your phone and other tiny objects out in the open puts them at risk of getting taken by one of the macaques. Once your phone is taken, it would be difficult to get it back so it is best to prevent these situations. 

2. Bring insect repellent with you. Labrador Park is home to all kinds of animals and plants, which includes insects like spiders, mosquitos, and mantis. 

It would be best for you to prevent getting bitten by any insects though none of them pose any harm. Make sure to lather on your repellent before entering the park premises or the area surrounded by vegetation.  

3. Put on sunscreen or bring an umbrella. These things will prevent you from getting sunburned while out on a walk. 

There are plenty of areas in Labrador Park that are covered by trees so you can stay in the shade, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.  

4. Remember not to stray off the path. You can easily get lost if you stray off the trail in Labrador Park, so make sure that you only follow the walkway. 
5. Take note of the designated fishing spots and avoid fishing in areas that don’t have a sign stating you are allowed to angle there. The signs are pretty obvious so you don’t have to be overly cautious. 
6. Wear comfortable and breathable clothes. Labrador Park’s massive landscape will require you to walk long distances toward your different destinations. 

You will feel better crossing these distances wearing comfortable clothing. I recommend wearing your sports clothes if you have any or just settling for something lighter. 

Labrador Park is the perfect destination for those looking to know more about Singapore’s rich history while also savoring the tranquility of being surrounded by nature. 

As a place that offers a unique location near the forest and the coast, you will get to enjoy a diverse set of activities in Labrador during your visit. Remember to keep our tips in mind to get the most out of your stay!