Hiking Guide: Greater Southern Waterfront

One of the major nature reserves in the Greater Southern Waterfront area, Labrador Nature Reserve is built on the edge of a secondary forest. In fact, the reserve contains the only rocky sea-cliff in Singapore, offering a panoramic view of the sea and cliff-side vegetation. The nature reserve is home to over 70 species of birds, 11 kinds of butterflies, a few species of trees and many other insects, all calling the 0.1km² of secondary coastal vegetation home. It's not uncommon to hear songs of a variety of bird species including the Oriental Magpie-robin and Black-naped Oriole.

History buffs can also set out to explore remnants of World War II such the Red Beacon (a.k.a the Berlayer Point Lighthouse), Dragon's Teeth Gate, and abandoned tunnels that were forgotten after WWII. It's said that a secret tunnel that connects to Sentosa. 

Explore the underside of Singapre's colonial history belly on a walking tour of wartime relics and tunnels left behind in World War II. The casemate (bunker) built in 1886 and other military structures were only unearthed in 2001. Now, you can visit to learn about how Indian and Malay soldiers under British command defended the fort through the Battle of Singapore. Labrador Park provides the perfect seaside setting for a scenic skirmish with wartime history.

The Berlayer Creek mangrove trail is part of a larger network of habitats snaking through the Southern Ridges to the waterfront. The place got its name from Batu Berlayer (Sailing Rock in Malay), which stood at its mouth to the sea. You can't see the stone now but you can take a walk on the boardwalk to observe life in the mangrove swamps up close.

Start from Labrador Park MRT Station and follow the sheltered pavilion with wooden panels. You will come across two look-out points or rest areas on the left. Perched over the creek, these look-out points allow you to observe the surrounding mangroves and get closer to the rich biodiversity. Keep your ears and eyes open – you will be able to spot (and hear) the many species of birds that reside in the area. You can also find macaques and squirrels here. Remember not to feed the monkeys!

The boardwalk then leads to the seafront where you can spot Sentosa Island across. Here, the ocean and the mangroves intersect – look closely and you can see the difference in colours of the waters. Follow the boardwalk to explore more of the Labrador Park coastal trail or head back to civilisation. 

Over at Sentosa, there's a secret slice of beach at Tanjong Rimau. This secluded spot is located a stone's throw from Siloso Station and is one of Singapore's last remaining coastal cliffs and rocky shores. Come at the right time of the year and you'll be treated to a variety of marine life exposed in the intertidal zone.

The best way to explore this unique habitat is in the company of a seasoned guide from the Siloso Headland and Intertidal Programme. They'll take you down when the tides are low and point out the interesting plant and marine life – such as seagrasses, hermit crabs, a variety of corals and even eels – while ensuring that the sensitive habitat is protected. Slots go quickly, so keep a lookout on the page to snag a space once registration opens. 

If you're heading there yourself, we suggest sticking to the Coastal Trail. Alight at Siloso Station and head to the shuttle bus stop. Beyond it is the entrance to the trail, which winds through the forest and along the water's edge. Enjoy a good view of Labrador Nature Reserve and glitzy residences at Keppel from here. But the daring can venture down to the rocky shore, following it to the tip of the headland to explore hidden caves, as well as a conical green beacon which (along with the corresponding red Berlayer Beacon on the southernmost edge of Labrador Park), helps to guide ships through the narrow strait. 

Pack comfortable shoes, or even wet shoes if you plan to go down to explore the shore. And remember – mind the tides, take only photos, and leave only footprints!

Nestled on the slopes of Mount Faber is Keppel Hill Reservoir, a hidden sanctuary dating back to 1905. It's often dubbed as 'the forgotten reservoir', as it's disappeared off of modern maps until it was rediscovered a few years ago. Maps from 1924 show that it was one of the three small reservoirs in the area that supported the small village there. However, its small size made it impractical and it fell out of use. Residents continued to use it as a swimming pool.  

That is, until it was rediscovered by the National Heritage Board (NHB) in 2014. Today, you can still find the remnants of the diving board and concrete steps. Soft, natural sunlight filters through its foliage, creating an almost dream-like state. The reservoir is framed with creeper plants and littered with dry leaves and twigs. 

Getting there, however, takes a bit of trekking through vegetation – but it's not as complicated as you think. Start your trek from Keppel Hill Road. From there, look out for the sign that says “Joaquim Garden & Landscape” and follow the path upwards past the barrier. You'll reach a fork in the road where you'll need to take the left path. Walk into the forested area and follow the path to the reservoir. When you see an abandoned gate in front, turn to your left and you'll find a path that will take you to the reservoir.

If you must know, Telok Blangah Hill Park is part of a very huge park. While the other parts of the Southern Ridges are HortPark, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Park are more well known, don't put down this park just yet. There are heaps to do like getting on the trek for the Forest Walk and taking in the natural beauty of the secondary forests, admiring flowers at the Terrace Garden, a popular spot for weddings photos, and getting to know the history of the area. It was once a place of gathering for trading communities since the early nineteenth century. The prosperity of the traders is symbolised by the Alkaff Mansion, an elegant colonial bungalow built by a family of Arab Traders, which used to host grand parties for the social elite.