The beach has been closed for conservation...you can look at it but you can’t step on it
The esplanade; and that’s Sentosa
Yes, all this exists just outside your door. I’m going to wander around looking at the wonderful parks and outdoors our government has invested in for YOU! The first is the often-overlooked Labrador Nature Reserve on the South Coast, off Pasir Panjang Road. If you love being by the ocean but hate the crowds of the East Coast Parkway, this is a beautiful, serene jewel of a spot.
View of the jetty from the top of the ridge
With a rich history (the Labrador Battery) as well as seafront, a broad esplanade, a jungle-y ridge, cantilevered stairway up the ridge, a rocky beach (closed to the public) and a fantastic jetty vantage point – this park has it all.
I sat for an hour in the jetty shelter, listening to the slip-slop of the water against the jetty. Other than the few fishermen, I had the jetty to myself. Plenty of room to muse while the sea breezes blew the cobwebs out of my brain.
The cantilevered steps link the 2 faces of the park
I wandered up the cantilevered timber steps to the top of the ridge, where you could be in a completely different park. From the ocean breeze to green jungle coolness. The crick-crick of insects, rustle of leaves and birdcries, and the remains of the Battery, the (failed) British defence of Singapore in anticipation of the Japanese arriving in WWII. There’s plenty of signage to explain the history, and the strategy and mis-steps that led to the fall of Singapore. There’s also a tunnel (I never found it), and NParks does tours, check the site here.
See the people standing at the top of the ridge? View from the jetty
 If these stones could talk...one of the ramparts built to support the big guns- the remains of the Battery |
It’s amazing how quiet and empty it was. As evening drew in, it got a little busier – 2 couples in their finery for their wedding photos, a baby in a pushchair, but not very much busier. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic or contemplation. It’s Singapore so there’s hardly a view of endless ocean…our shipping lanes are busy. Interestingly, one end of the park is the inlet to Keppel Harbour, so you’ll see boats, ships and yachts slip in and out. |
A yacht, wedding finery, a public park, tropical heat and photographers. Only in Singapore
It’s pretty spooky at night, those old stones in the jungle … and I’m sure there’s a lot of romantic action in the secluded spots.
I remember seeing these on Changi Beach when I was a tiny tot
Instead of going shopping one day, head OUTSIDE. Pack a picnic, a book, take some company or go alone. There are tables, chairs, barbeque pits and lots of shady spots. Take the kids (but no dogs allowed) for a run around. Your tax indirectly pays for you to have this quiet green nook, so go enjoy.
I will definitely be back to the jetty with a notebook and pen, or maybe just a book…
See you there!
