Labrador Nature Reserve
Last Updated on 7 April 2025
Ah, Labrador Nature Reserve—or as we affectonately call it, Labrador Park—the go-to escape when our office chairs have numbed our rear ends and we desperately need fresh air and salty sea vibes to remind ourselves we’re still alive.
Good news for those who drive: there are two small parking lots with free parking—as long as you familiarize yourselves with all the parking rules.
If you’re hopping over via public transport, just hop off at Labrador Park MRT and enjoy a leisurely 1 km stroll along the scenic Berlayer Creek Boardwalk.
It’s a lovely route where the creek snakes along thick mangrove vegetation.
Berlayer Creek is a bird nerd’s paradise, hosting an incredible 60 species of birds. So, yes, we keep our eyes peeled and binoculars ready, hoping to spot a kingfisher or two: the Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris) doing brunch on a branch…
…together with his best chum, the Ruddy Kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda), competing to see who has the biggest catch.
Want more animal gossip? Check out this post on the wildlife of Berlayer Creek.
But wait, there’s more! Beyond the boardwalk, Labrador Park’s got even more trails for your feet to conquer.
For the brave, there’s the slightly spooky forest path leading to the old Fort Pasir Panjang perched on a hill. Built in 1878, this fort was once the bodyguard of Labrador Bay—now it just chills with educational signs and brooding vibes.
While trekking through the Nature Path, don’t be alarmed if you suddenly feel ticklish ankles—that’s just a curious army of ants conducting a surprise leg inspection. They’re harmless. Probably.
Around the hilltop, you’ll find historical relics of Singapore’s wartime past and info boards oozing with history (and algae).
There are even mysterious doorways that look like they lead into a parallel universe—one with hidden underground tunnels and secret rooms filled with military ammunition. Sadly, it’s now closed off, so you’ll have to let your imagination run wild. (Cue dramatic spy movie soundtrack.)
A balcony labelled the “Promenade” juts out of the hilltop with killer seaside views.
From the platform, we can hopefully spot the occasional fly-by from our airborne pals like the Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus)…
…the Changeable Hawk-eagle (Spizaetus cirrhatus)…
…the Oriental Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus).
…or the White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster).
During mating season, you might hear those Sea Eagles honking like confused geese trying to flirt. Curious what that sounds like? Have a listen.
Back down to civilization, a scenic path will lead you pass the adorable Dragonfly Pond—a local hangout spot where dragonflies chase each other in what looks like a high-speed insect dating show.
Across the pond is a large muddy field, perfect for spotting migratory birds who’ve flown thousands of kilometres just to chill in our tropical backyard. Most of them head to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, but some clearly prefer a quieter Airbnb and settle here instead.
One of the regulars is the Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus), always on the hunt for plump worms.
The Medium Egret (Ardea intermedia) also drops by often, gliding around the field like an elegant white ballerina.
The Snipes are also migrant visitors here, and if we’re lucky we might spot one of these elusive creatures when they happen to pop out of the long grass. It is challenging to tell apart these snipes, especially since Pin-tailed and Swinhoe’s snipes are basically bird doppelgängers. But hey, if one of them is obliging enough to spread his tail feathers, we just might nail his ID.
The Pin-tailed Snipe (Gallinago stenura) can be identified by a series of 6-9 very narrow (<2mm) pin-like outer tail feathers (as seen in the photo below), which is not found on the Common or Swinhoe’s Snipes.
In the heart of the main park area, you’ll likely run into the unofficial welcoming committee: the Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus) family—basically wild chickens living their best, drama-filled lives. You’ll spot them scratching the ground for fodder or occasionally breaking into a spontaneous chicken dance. On a good day, you might even witness a feathery showdown—it’s less of a cockfight and more of a chicken tango.
Come dusk, these brave feathered warriors awkwardly remember they’re supposed to sleep in trees. Watching them attempt take-off is like witnessing a flying potato—there’s flapping, squawking, and eventually a crash landing into a branch that was probably not the original target.
And then there’s royalty.
If the stars align, the majestic Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) may grace us with his presence—tail feathers shimmering like a Vegas showgirl on opening night.
Can’t see him? No worries. You’ll hear him. His screechy, nasal cries echo through the park like a peacock trying to imitate a broken trumpet. Need a sample? We suggest listening with headphones… or maybe earplugs.
These flamboyant fellas don’t believe in staying grounded either. You might spot one strutting down the road like he owns it, or casually roosting on top of someone’s car, probably contemplating his next modelling gig.
For those who fancy a longer adventure (and perhaps a calorie deficit), we’d recommend taking the 5-km round-trip from Labrador Park to Keppel Island. Think of it as cardio with a view.
The Bukit Chermin Boardwalk stretches from the eastern edge of Labrador Park and leads to the swanky waterfront promenade beyond.
While strolling along the boardwalk at low tide, our favourite activity is to spy on the shorebirds that come to feast on the crustaceans buried in the sand. The hungry little diners we have spotted here include the Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)…
…the Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)…
…and the Pacific Reef Heron (Egretta sacra).
As you stroll along the waterfront promenade, you’ll notice the classy condominiums standing tall and proud against the backdrop of a glittering marina.
As the sun makes its slow-motion descent, painting the sky in vibrant orange hues, we plop down by the waterfront, sore feet and happy hearts, letting the last golden rays remind us why we keep coming back.
Because nothing quite beats a sunset with birds, breeze, and a dash of jungle chicken drama.
