Singapore: Chinese and Japanese Gardens

Lily Pads in the Japanese Garden with a view of the Chinese Padoga in the distance 

If you want to explore a park in Singapore a little off the beaten path, I would suggest the Japanese Garden and Chinese Garden in Jurong East. Both Gardens are built on artificial islands in Jurong Lake (previously Jurong River) and are connected by a 13 arch bridge 'Bai hong Qiao' or 'the white rainbow'. The Chinese Garden features a Pagoda, a stone boat, a Garden of Chinese Zodiacs, a stunning Bonsai Garden of over 2,000 trees, and a tea house. Inspired by Japanese Gardens from the 14th-17th century, the Japanese Garden has fewer obvious attractions as its neighbor but is meant to be a place of tranquility and contemplation. Here visitors can enjoy lily ponds, stone walkways, a traditional resting house, and arching red bridges.

Everyone enjoys the Japanese garden; two turtles sunbathing; the Turtle and Tortoise Museum is on the grounds; you should also keep your eyes open for the large monitor lizards that like to lounge in the gardens

Multiple bridges cross over the Lily Pond  

Stunning Bonsai Garden in the Chinese Gardens; opened in 1992; 2,000 Bonsai trees were imported from China and other countries 

Bonsai Garden; little glimpses into a number of 'rooms' full of bonsai trees on pedestals

Bonsai Garden: a sneak peek into another part of the garden

Bonsai Garden: Bonsai trees growing from stones meant to resemble mountainous landscapes 

In the Garden of Abundance: 12 Chinese Zodiac animal sculpture, a sun dial, and pomegranate trees 

7- story Pagoda in the style of the Ling Ku Temple 

A detailed look at the exterior of the Pagoda

Looking up the heart of the Pagoda 

A view from the seventh eave of the Pagoda 

Tip: The Gardens are easily accessible from the MRT (Chinese Garden stop) and can be combined with a visit to the Jurong Bird Park a mere 8 minute drive away. Gardens are open daily from 6am-11pm.

Enjoy your green adventures!
xoxo,
The Bayou Botanist