Torrential Downpour at the Chinese and Japanese gardens

Whilst Sunday is traditionally a "rest" day, I didn't feel like sitting around in my room and so I headed out for the day. To avoid the crowds, I visited the Chinese and Japanese gardens near Jurong East, which is easily accessible via the Chinese gardens station on the MRT. If you have a few hours and are desperate to escape the crowds (in which it's quite easy to become claustrophobic), this is the perfect spot with a great view of the skyline. 

If you want to check out the skyline, this pagoda is the place to be. Open until 7pm, this pagoda can be found just after the entrance to the Chinese gardens. With seven levels it is worth the climb, particularly when you reach the top level!

Master the art of the 'selfie' - check!

If you can, go early or later in the evening as it can get quite busy during the middle of the day, particularly on the weekend! I went on a Sunday however it wasn't too busy as it stormed for most of the day. Rather than ruining the day, I felt it made it better as the rain was refreshing and kept the crowds away - perfect! 

A storm is brewing!

The following photos were taken in the Garden of Abundance. I think the statues were representative of Chinese zodiac signs but I couldn't resist taking some silly photos - after all, I need to provide my mum and sister with ammunition for my 21st!  (and if you fail at reading sarcasm, that was a joke)

Little Miss Piggy 

It's Alice and the White Rabbit!

Serious face - no smiles here

I have no idea what I was thinking with this photo but I like how it turned out! 

After exploring the Chinese gardens, I crossed the white bridge into the Japanese gardens. Whilst the Chinese gardens were incredible, the Japanese style appealed to me more as it had a sense of quiet and peace which I felt as I wandered around. 

Just before I got caught in a downpour! 

A Koi pond

This garden may be ignored or looked over by some tourists - that's their loss. Whether you drop by to relax after battling the crowds at Orchard Rd, or pack a picnic and wander around for the day, these gardens help you recharge and appreciate the beauty in simplicity. I hope you enjoyed the landscape photos and the self portrait shots!  Inevitably there will be more to come.