Labrador Nature Reserve – aka Labrador Park – offers lots of things to do with kids. Here’s all the info you need from the best playgrounds to a map of Labrador Park and deets on how to get there
You may know it as Labrador Park though the official name of the beautiful green park nestled by the sea is Labrador Nature Reserve. Labrador Park offers great walking trails and old British military battlements, two playgrounds to keep kiddos happy, and a refreshing sea breeze! Do note that currently the Bukit Chermin Boardwalk (that connects Labrador Park to Keppel Bay) is currently closed until 30 June 2023 and some parts of Labrador Nature Reserve, including the jetty are closed for repair works.
Here’s what to know about Labrador Park if you’re planning to visit with kids:
How to Get to Labrador Park
What to do in Labrador Park
Is Labrador Park haunted?
Labrador Park Playgrounds
Map of Labrador Park
Labrador Park Food: Restaurants
How to Get to Labrador Park
Labrador Park MRT
Labrador Park MRT makes it super easy to access the 22-hectare Nature Reserve with public transport. Exit Labrador Park MRT, and follow the signs down Labrador Villa Road on foot until you come to Labrador Park (it should take you about 15 minutes to walk). You can also approach Labrador Park on the other side from Labrador MRT by taking the Berlayer Creek Boardwalk (more info on this below), although this will take longer.
Labrador Park Carparks
If you’re coming by car or taxi, follow driving instructions down Labrador Villa Road (off West Coast Highway). You will first come to Carpark A, which is near Tamarind Hill Restaurant (one of the prettiest alfresco restaurants in Singapore, in our estimation!); these lead to some of the trails that go up the back of the Nature Reserve’s hill. If you continue down Port Road, you will terminate at Carpark B, which will put you right next to the water and closer to amenities like the playground and restrooms.
Map of Labrador Park
If you are looking for a map of Labrador Park click here for the NParks map which includes a guided walk of the Labrador Nature Reserve and Coastal Trail.
What to Do in Labrador Park: Playgrounds, Walking & Fishing
It is possible to walk, cycle or scoot along the waterfront from Labrador Park all the way to Keppel Bay where you can reward yourself with coffee or a meal at kid-friendly restaurants like Prive or Bayswater Kitchen. Update: Do note that currently the Bukit Chermin Boardwalk (that connects Labrador Park to Keppel Bay) is currently closed until 30 June 2023
If you head off to the left from Carpark B, you’ll first come to a large sandy play area that includes a see-saw, swings, and merry-go-round.
Set back behind the sandy area is an obelisk built by the British in the 19th century that marked the original Western Harbour limit.
There is also a replica of Dragon’s Tooth Gate (also known as Long Ya Men and Batu Berlayer), a rocky outcrop that was used as a navigational marker for seafarers from the 1500s. The original rock was blown up by the British in 1848 to widen the Keppel Straits.
If you continue walking along the water, you’ll find yourself on the Labrador Nature and Coastal Walk, which connects to Alexandra Road through the Keppel Harbour area.
The 2.1km pathway starts with the Berlayer Creek Mangrove Trail within Labrador Park, then connects to the breezy Bukit Chermin elevated boardwalk. The Bukit Chermin Boardwalk however is currently closed (see below) so you are not able to continue along this boardwalk to get to the promenade at Reflections at Keppel Bay (terminating near the Cable Car entrance).
*UPDATE: Temporary closure of Bukit Chermin Boardwalk
Bukit Chermin Boardwalk will be closed for maintenance from 3 November 2022 until June 2023. Please use Berlayer Creek boardwalk from Labrador Park MRT to access to Labrador Nature Park. For more information, click here.
Coastal views at Labrador Park
If you head off to the right along the water from Carpark B, you’ll be walking along the only rocky sea cliff on the main island of Singapore, with lovely views and the occasional soundtrack of pounding ocean waves. Just be mindful if you have little climbers – while the walkway is fenced in, it would not be difficult to climb up and topple over to the water below.
Labrador Park is a particular favourite for birdwatchers, with more than 70 different bird species known to populate the area. In addition, more than 30 species of butterflies have also been recorded at the park! Fishing is also permitted along the water in some places of Labrador Park.
If you backtrack from the water to the little traffic circle near the entrance and the restrooms, you’ll see the main walking trail that heads up the hill. This is shady and paved, so totally stroller-friendly, and passes by a number of former British military battlements. Look out for the former machine gun post (which also features a few lifelike statues), and the ancient-looking fort. Just be sure to keep a close eye on your kiddos, as there are lots of precarious ledges.
Playgrounds at Labrador Park
As mentioned above, there is a tiny play area near the Dragon’s Tooth Gate with sand for digging along with swings, a see-saw, and a merry-go-round.
On the other side of Labrador Park if you continue to follow the path along the water (past the restrooms and vending machines) you’ll come to a newer bigger playground with slides, a fireman’s pole, a maze and fun tunnels to crawl through.
Labrador Park Restaurants & Food
With its extensive ocean frontage and plenty of grassy vistas, Labrador Park is a fabulous place for picnics. If you are looking to escape the heat check out the following restaurants at Labrador Park:
Tamarind Hill
Tamarind Hill is set within a historic bungalow in Labrador Nature Reserve. Perched atop a hill at the top of steep steps, it offers lovely views of both the water and the surrounding forest, making for one of the most romantic outdoor dining spots in Singapore. The menu features primarily Thai and Burmese dishes, along with an extensive array of cocktails, house-infused gins, and wines.
Tamarind Hill Singapore, 30 Labrador Villa Road, Singapore 119189
Three Peacocks @ Labrador Park
Three Peacocks @ Labrador Park is an open-air live seafood and barbeque buffet located along Port Road. Three Peacocks @ Labrador Park claim they’re the largest outdoor buffet here in Singapore offering a huge range of meat and seafood BBQ.
Three Peacocks @ Labrador Park, 8 Port Road Singapore, Singapore 117540
Labrador Park BBQ
Labrador Nature Reserve also offers barbeque pits near the beach. Booking of barbecue pits can be made via the AXS system at axs.com.sg.
Toilets at Labrador Park
The nearest toilets at Labrador Nature Reserve are at the bigger playground.
Is Labrador Park haunted?
Like many other World War II-era spots in Singapore, legend has it that military ghosts haunt the hill. It’s apparently also known for pontianaks (carnivorous female vampiric ghosts) and there is a network of underground tunnels further up the hill that are legitimately eerie.
Originally constructed in 1886, the tunnels were abandoned after the war, then forgotten and overgrown with vegetation until NParks officials stumbled upon them in 2001. In 2005 two tunnels were opened to the public.
At the top of the hill is a pretty grassy clearing with benches, and paths that lead to Tamarind Hill and the other carpark. There is also a restroom near the top that includes a handicap-accessible toilet and changing facilities.
Are dogs allowed in Labrador Park?
Enjoy your day out getting to know this lovely breezy park. Just be sure to leave your labrador at home if you visit Labrador Nature Reserve, as dogs are not allowed!
Labrador Park is open daily from 7am to 7pm daily, www.nparks.gov.sg