New trail opens in Singapore

Photo: Falco/Pixabay

The Keppel Coastal Trail has been officially opened in Singapore by Minister Desmond Lee.

The trail is a part of the Labrador Nature Reserve. It comprises an elevated boardwalk that offers scenic views of the coastline along Labrador Nature Park; and a rustic path with swales that serve both as habitats for fauna as well as natural drainage solutions.

Lee said: “With the new trail, you can enjoy views of the sea from an elevated vantage point, and a serene walking experience through Labrador Nature Park, away from the more active areas of the park.

“Along the way, learn about the biodiversity within our nature park – such as the Greater Coucal and the King Crow butterfly – through interpretative signage. During the migratory bird season, you may even spot birds such as the yellow-rumped flycatcher (Ficedula zanthopygia) or the Oriental honey buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus).

“The trail also connects to the jetty at the southern end of Labrador Nature Park, where you can appreciate the shoreline and the rocky shore habitat. The rocky shore habitat is the core of this nature reserve, and the important habitat we want to protect.”

Lee added that the Keppel Coastal Trail passes through a part of the coastal forest that has undergone active restoration under NParks’ Forest Restoration Action Plan. One hundred species of trees and shrubs have been planted along the trail, including native coastal species such as the sea mango (Cerbera manghas).

The project was supported through the Garden City Fund, with a donation of $1m.

“The completion of this trail complements our efforts to transform Labrador Nature Park into a Destination Park, with its own identity and features,” Lee added.

“Labrador Nature Park is one of 13 Southwestern parks, which will be enhanced to provide visitors with greater access to recreation amidst nature and heritage.

“One of these parks is Pasir Panjang Park, which stretches from West Coast Park to Pasir Panjang. We will be adding another 2 hectares of park land to Pasir Panjang Park at the former industrial waterfront of the Pasir Panjang Power District, thereby expanding the park from 6 hectares to 8 hectares. This new park extension will complement the rejuvenation of the Power District.

“It will serve as a major activity node with play features and paths for park visitors to cycle or stroll along the coast. We will develop this node sensitively and strengthen the coastline along the park extension.”

When fully completed, the expanded Pasir Panjang Park will link other green spaces via the continuous Park Connector Network to Labrador Nature Park. These include West Coast Park, Pandan Reservoir, Jurong Lake Gardens and Jurong Central Park.