The Keppel Coastal Trail at Labrador Nature Park in Singapore offers a blend of history and nature. Parts of the park were closed to the public for a few years for a major redevelopment from 2023 to 2024. This following an announcement by the Singapore National Parks Board (NParks) in November 2021, following the Forest Restoration Action Plan for Labrador Nature Reserve.
Furthermore, the Keppel Coastal Trail comprises two main sections. First, a 90-meter elevated, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk offers unblocked sea views surrounded by greenery. And second, a 250-meter rustic path leads through a restored coastal beach forest.
Moreover, the Coastal Trail aims to restore and enhance the area’s natural habitats up to 2030. The park was recently opened again to the public on January 25, 2025, with a 340-meter trail that tad enhances the park’s appeal as part of the plan. Let’s take an explore of Labrador Nature Park.
On some historical background, Labrador Nature Park, also known as Labrador Park, has a rich history. In the 19th century, the British established Fort Pasir Panjang here to defend Singapore’s waters. Remnants like gun platforms and bunkers still exist today. The military fortifications here also compliments those also found at Sentosa’s Fort Siloso, which can also be seen across the sea towards Sentosa island.
Elevated Boardwalk and Scenic Coastal Views
Labrador park itself is long in shape, sandwiched between the sea and a hill at the back which runs parallel to the entire length of the park. The stretch is essentially a coastal beach forest, which allows you to experience a unique ecosystem with native vegetation.
Also, a 250m long concrete jogging and cycling path allows for a flat smooth road for exercise along the scenic coastline. It also offers views of the Sentosa island western corner on the south and Pasir Panjang shipping terminal towards the west.
Furthermore, the Keppel Elevated Boardwalk here in the park grounds is touted as a highlight which I found was tad underwhelming. This walkway connects from a trail path leading about a meter in elevation into a large central circular open area bench seating. The elevated walkway spans no more than 50 meters over dry land, which you can also climb under.
Also, I found it tad defeats the purpose of having a raised walkway. Also, the walkway is not high enough to offer any new views of the sea as opposed to say standing by the sea path.
Still, along the trail, you can observe diverse flora and fauna. The restored coastal forest showcases native plant species. Birdwatchers might spot various coastal birds in their natural habitat. There is a small garden on the ground level of the broadwalk area where a wind vane sculpture resides.
Mini garden trail
Furthermore, the Coastal Beach Forest also comprises of a 250-meter trail with native plants and a rustic nature walk through a short dirt trail. There are some sparsely spaced info boards you can read on facts of nature and wildlife here. Notably, on my visit, the park is also home to a couple broods of wild chickens, monitor lizards as well as wild monkeys.
There is also a Butterfly Garden, though a small but vibrant area filled with native plants attracting the butterflies. Also, you can also find fittings for leisure activities of what a seaside park offers. Examples includes picnic areas, BBQ pits, shaded spots for relaxation and family gatherings and playgrounds built on fresh white sand.
Moreover, you can also find Historical Relics which are still preserved in the park area. Here, you can explore remnants from World War II, including bunkers and gun batteries. An example of historical landmarks is a Machine Gun Pillbox located by the playground sandpit.
It is a wartime relic used for coastal defense. It’s presence tad blends history with recreational and play spaces together. Also, Labrador park is also home to the Fort Pasir Panjang Ruins. It comprises of old bunkers, tunnels, and gun emplacements from British colonial times.
Wrapping up the lower Labrador park area is the Labrador jetty. Located on the far end of the park, the jetty is a popular fishing spot with casual fishermen with great views of the harbour, especially at sunset.
Also, the jetty offers two fishing vantage points which branches off from the jetty’s center walkway. These clearing areas used to be berthing piers when the jetty served as a boat docking area.
Chermin and Berlayer Creek Boardwalk
Another highlight here at Labrador park not related to the inland Keppel coastal trail is the Chermin and Berlayer Creek Boardwalk. This boardwalk runs along side the coastal sea walls linking Labrador park to the Harbourfront mall and Vivocity mall area via past the Keppel island vicinity.
Also, side attractions here include the small Berlayer Creek Boardwalk. It is an interior scenic mangrove walkway spanning 90 meters where you can spot crabs, mudskippers, and herons within.
Moreover, the 300m Bukit Chermin Elevated Boardwalk snakes along the coastline starting from the Berlayer Beacon. This red seven-metre tall structure is also known as the “Tanjong Berlayer”. It served as a navigational beacon for boats and ships approaching Keppel habour back in the day. It is replaced with modern navigation equipment today. From the lighthouse, you can catch southern views of Sentosa and the Southern Islands, as well as unobstructed views of passing ships and the open sea beyond the horizon.
This part of the trail and broadwalk connects from Labrador Park directly to Harbourfront area via a 15-minute walk. I recommend taking this boardwalk route from Harbourfront MRT station. It is a more pleasant and scenic route as opposed to taking the route from Pasir Panjang area from Labrador Park MRT station.
Also, the route from Labrador Park MRT station requires you to walk through Labrador villa road, which is less scenic and not as safe as an open quiet road with vehicular traffic.
The Bukit Chermin Boardwalk towards Harbourfront on the other hand panoramic views of Keppel Bay and the Southern Islands. It provides panoramic sea views great for photography and scenic enjoyment.
Dragon’s Teeth Gate on land
Additionally, here along the route, you can see coastal rock formations, as well as the “dragon teeth”. The Berlayer Dragon’s Teeth Gate, also known as the Dragon’s Teeth Gate or ‘Long Ya Men’ were natural stone formations. It served as the gateway to Keppel Harbour’s western entrance and was a navigational.
Also, this used to reside in the sea by the mouth of the harbour, which you could see the teeth sticking out on low tides. There is only one remaining teeth left today, which had been saved from coastal erosion. It was being excavated form the seas and placed on the alongside the park path as a display sculpture here.
All in all, that wraps up our explorations of Keppel Coastal Trail and Labrador Nature Park. It is one that blends nature with history. Though the Coastal trail and broadwalk is more underwhelming than expected, the greater newly upgraded Labrador park still retains the lush coastal views with a great connecting broadwalk to boot. It offers tad a concise yet enriching experience, blending Singapore’s natural beauty with its historical heritage. The park is open daily, with park lighting hours on from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am, with Berlayer Creek lights turned off from 12:00 am to 5:00 am.
