4th July 2009 a Saturday,we that is Lawrence, Gilbert, my brother Victor and I decided to put our planning into action. So we boarded a taxi that took us to the Labrador Park; it sits on 16.8 hectares that is about the size of 16 football fields. And it is one of the two British Fortress that guards the entrance to Keppel Harbour; the other one is Sentosa (formerly known as Pulau Blakang Mati). The relics of World War Two remains in the form of pillboxes, bunkers, tunnels, casemate (ammunition store) and gun emplacements. It’s history goes back as far as 1878 when the British erected this Fort at Pasir Panjang. Upon arrival selected a suitable spot to unload our barang, barang. Next was setting up of our 6-man tent and kept our belongings, haversack, sleeping bag, torchlight etc… A sanitation facility located nearby, there is changing-room, bath, toilet and even a vending machine dishing out hot/cold drinks.
From Left: Gilbert, Victor and Lawrence
At one end of the Park is located a historical site, an information stand reveal some information relating to the story of Keppel Harbour named after a British Admiral Henry Keppel of the Royal Navy. However history goes back even further back as the entrance at one time had a rock outcrop, known to early Chinese navigators as “Long Ya Men” or Dragon Tooth. The local Malay called it “Batu Berlayer” it marks the spot for entry into safe anchorage. Sadly in the year 1848, the British Authority blew it up to clear what they considered as a obstacle to safe navigation.
Old drawing of the rock outcrop “Dragon tooth” (Long Ya men)
The famous Chinese Admiral Zhen He (Cheng Ho in Hokkien) made 7 epic voyagers between 1405 – 1433 a period spanning 28 years. He must have stopped here as it is shown in early Chinese Charts and sailing instructions. Admiral Zhen He had a a fleet of 300 ships of all types, men-o’war, food ship, horse ship, water-carrier and the largest the grand treasure ships (Pao Chuan). In all they carried some 27,000 men and definitely a powerful display or projection of naval power in early times; un-matched by any and un-challenged. At that period of time China was the only country that was capable to assemble such a large fleet, much larger than any of the European sea-going nations like the Spanish, Venetians or Portuguese. Zhen He was commissioned by the Chinese Emperor Yong Le as an envoy and his mission to obtain recognition from the foreign countries also to receive homage for the Emperor. He was a eunuch from the Imperial Court and a Muslim.
Chinese Admiral Zhen He (Cheng Ho)
Early Chinese Chart shows “Long Ya Men”
The Singapore Tourist Promotion Board built a replica of the “Dragon tooth” (Long Ya Men) at the Tanjong Berlayer side just by the corner of Labrador Park.
Replica of the “Dragon tooth” (Long Ya Men)
The 9/11 terror attacks on the New York Twin Towers were “wake-up” call for many countries and nations including tiny Singapore. We could not afford such attacks it would damage our international standing for stability, peaceful, a safe country and would damage our tourism industry, commerce and foreign investments.
A Police Coast Guard gun-boat
A Police Coast Guard gunboat patrol the water close to shore within the boundaries of the Port to deter terrorism, refugees, and illegal immigrants. While our Navy with their bigger ships patrol the sea lanes to secure and protect our life-line; where most of the trade comes or goes.
An Indonesian ferry leaving Keppel Harbour
The ferry from the Rhio Islands of Indonesia, from Bintang, Batam or Karimon makes regular trips ferrying many passengers, including local and foreign tourists. There are many Resorts that caters for holidaying or for short get-away weekends. They provide a variety of games and recreation, such as golfing, mountain biking, beach buggy, ATV off-road, jungle adventure. For water sports, there is fishing, jet-ski, snorkeling and of course spa and fine dinning.
The red stone beacon marks the entrance into Keppel Harbour
It is on the Labrador/Tanjong Berlayer side while the opposite is the Tourist Island of Sentosa (former name was Pulau Blakang Mati). Can be seen a green beacon as a navigation guide for entry into Keppel Harbour; red denote for portside and green for starboard side and flashing red/green light respectively at night. The ships has to comply a guide to collision rules; a regulation for prevention of collision at sea. It is for sake of safe navigation as this narrow waterway is truly congested. Mindful the width of the entrance is only 240 meter and there is no room for error. Just right of the green beacon are relic of World War Two British machine-gun pillboxes erected to guard the entrance to the harbour.
Tanjong Berlayer, the ramp.
The site formerly belongs to our Navy which houses the landing craft squadron; the ramp was for the landing craft to use for loading or un-loading vehicles, equipment and men. However the Navy have been booted out and re-located to Tuas Naval base. And now this site has turned into a favourite fishing spot.
What a crap!
Gilbert giving instructions on how to use the fishing rod properly; a sort of last minute ‘crash programmed’ And Lawrence is suppose to swallow this instant input; follow it and you will catch big fish. My brother Victor looked on with disbelief, hey! what a crap, are you expecting a miracle?
Two formation of helicopters
We were rewarded by two formation of helicopters, 2 heavy-lift CH-47 Chinook helicopters each bearing a huge Singapore Flag measuring 20m x 30m suspended on a cable weigh down by ballast weight. They are rehearsing for the preview of our National Day’09 fly-past held at the Marina Bay. The first flag bearer is the main formation with the three ‘Apache’ attack helicopter as escorts and the second flag bearer is in support role just in case if the first one encounter some problems.
Lawrence decide to name our tent “Hotel California”
Well! it least we have a roof over our heads, who knows it might rain in the night. Anyway it was roomy inside; Lawrence and myself retired early as our two fisherman went on to fish at the nearby jetty.
A cruise-ship entering Keppel Harbour
Early next morning a cruise-ship seen here approaching the entrance to Keppel Harbour; a harbour tug assisting her to berthing at the Cruise Centre located further in.
Another bigger cruise-ship
Another bigger cruise-ship appearing at the Western Anchorage heading in for Keppel Harbour. This huge white ship is probably the “Leo” or “Virgo” from the Star Cruise Company.
The 4 stooges
Time to ‘break camp’ so Lawrence and I went on the business of dismantling our tent, undoing the ‘tie-downs’ and removing the metal pegs, the posts, folding the tent and stuffing it into the canvas bag-carrier. Finally the 4 stooges, from left myself (David) my brother Victor, Gilbert and Lawrence. The end result was that we caught nothing to boast of, in spite of having 2 self-claimed fishermen Gilbert and Victor. On the contrary Lawrence caught some much needed sleep and as for me I believe that my catch of fish is from the market where I have a variety of choices. ha! ha! Don’t worry be happy!
Our story ends.
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