An aerial staircase built on the edge of the forest will offer a prime view of the cliff side vegetation coupled with a panoramic view of the sea. Growing from the cliff near to the sea can be found typical seashore plants. The sea hibiscus ( Hibiscus tiliaceus ) is a common seashore tree recognized by its large, bright yellow flowers with a maroon centre. Pandan trees with their long spiny leaves are still present along the rocky coast. Bushes of simpoh ayer ( Dillenia suffruticosa ) grow along the base of the cliff. Their large leaves, yellow flowers and colourful fruits make them easily recognizable.
Fronting the 30m high cliff sides, the 300 metre Labrador beach is the only piece of rocky shore left in Singapore. This area is extremely rich in biodiversity of marine flora and fauna. The richness of seaweed and sea grass flora provide food for the fauna such as the sea-grapes, sea-fan, red algae at the beach. The fauna require the environment created by a sheltered rocky shore, with some scattered muddy zones. The secondary forest including the coastal rocky beach has been gazetted as Nature Reserve on 1 January 2002. For avid anglers, there is a rustic-looking jetty protrudes out the natural sandy shores where visitors can fish and relax among the serenity of Labrador.
Hearing songs sung by a variety of bird species, including the White-crested Laughing Thrush, Common Mynah and Yellow-vented Bulbul are not uncommon while taking a leisurely stroll along one of the nature trails. Squirrels scurrying up trees, monitor lizards sunning, White-bellied Sea Eagles circling the sky and other wildlife can also be spotted in their natural habitat. |
