Labrador Nature Reserve contains the only rocky sea-cliff on the main island of Singapore that is accessible to the public for recreation, education and scientific research. The Labrador shore is a remnant of the original coastline that once stretched as far as the present West Coast Park. Historically, it was one of the main points of defence used by the British during the Second World War.
Previously gazetted as a national park. Labrador won its war for survival when more recently, the 10 ha coastal secondary vegetation and the rocky shore have been gazetted as a Nature Reserve since 1 January 2002.
Labrador Nature Reserve has a rich variety of flora and fauna that will delight nature lovers. More than 50 kinds of birds, including the Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, the Rufous Woodpecker and Abbott’s Babbler, have been seen here.
Tree species like Symplocos Adenophylla, Eugenia grandis (Sea Apple), Rhodamnia cinerea (Silverback), Ixonanthes Reticulate can be seen here. Many of the trees are rare, and of special interest is the monocotyledonous tree, Dracaena Maingayi, estimated to be more than 80 years old.
Fronting the 30m high cliff sides, the 300-metre Labrador beach is extremely rich in marine flora and flora. Plants such as the sea-grapes, sea-fan and red algae provide food for the fauna at the beach.
The coastal forest has species of plants that can only be found here, and they are becoming less common. It also has some introduced plants that are very attractive. Labrador is also unique because it is home to a rare fern, Diptera Conjugata, usually found in montane habitats elsewhere in Malaysia.
Labrador Park is an oasis of tranquility and natural wonder. The Park offers a picturesque view of the sea. An aerial staircase built on the edge of the secondary forest offer a prime view of the cliff side vegetation coupled with a panoramic view of the sea. It is not uncommon to hear songs sung by a variety of bird species, including the Oriental Magpie-robin and Black-naped Oriole. While you are taking a leisurely stroll along one of the nature trails, you can spot squirrels scurrying up trees. Raptors like the Brahminy Kite, Oriental Honey-Buzzard and Black Baza soar in the sky above while Monitor Lizards sun along the footpath. Even the Southern Pied Hornbill has been sighted occasionally.
