Morning Walk with Friends at Chinese Garden and Japanese Gardens

Singapore - This morning, I had a wonderful and refreshing walk with a group of friends around Chinese Garden and the nearby Japanese Garden. It turned out to be one of those simple but meaningful mornings where good company, nature, and food all came together perfectly.

We arranged to meet at MRT Chinese Garden MRT Station at 9am. Unfortunately, just as everyone arrived, the sky suddenly opened up and it started raining cats and dogs. The heavy downpour caught many people by surprise, and instead of rushing around, we decided to wait patiently under shelter.

The rain gave us time to catch up and chat casually. Sometimes these unexpected pauses become part of the enjoyment, especially when spending time with old friends. We joked about Singapore’s unpredictable weather while watching the rain pour endlessly outside.

Fortunately, after some time, the heavy rain slowly softened into a drizzle. Seeing the weather improve slightly, we decided to continue with our planned walk.  It was great to see Gwee Koon joining us for today's walk with Kiat Leng, Carol and Heng Choo.

The cool weather after the rain made the gardens especially pleasant. The air felt fresh and clean, and the greenery looked even more vibrant with droplets of rainwater glistening on the leaves. 

One of our first stops was the beautiful Cloud Pagoda. The pagoda looked peaceful against the cloudy morning sky, surrounded by calm waters and lush greenery. Nearby, we came across the zodiac dragon sculpture and naturally stopped to take a fun group “wefie” since all of us happened to be born in the Year of the Dragon. There was plenty of laughter as we squeezed together trying to get everyone into the photo.

We then continued our walk toward the bamboo grove and waterfall area. The bamboo trees swayed gently in the cool breeze, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The sound of flowing water from the waterfall added to the relaxing environment, making it one of the nicest parts of the walk.

Along the way, we also visited the edible gardens where various herbs, fruits, and edible plants were grown. It was interesting seeing how beautifully the gardens were maintained while also serving an educational purpose. Nearby flower displays added vibrant colours throughout the pathways.

Another favourite stop for many of us was the bonsai garden. The carefully shaped miniature trees reflected years of patience and artistry. Some of the bonsai looked incredibly old and detailed despite their small size.

After exploring the Chinese Garden section, we crossed over into the serene Japanese Garden. The atmosphere there felt slightly different — quieter and more minimalist in design. We stopped for a while at the beautiful Water Lily Pavilion where the still waters reflected the surrounding greenery perfectly.

One particularly enjoyable section was walking through the forested walkways where tall trees provided shade and shelter. The cool post-rain weather made the walk especially comfortable and refreshing.

Eventually, we made our way to the Floral Garden shuttle bus point and waited for the shuttle service to bring us toward the North Car Park area. Around 11.10am, the shuttle bus finally arrived, driven by a kind and cheerful gentleman who greeted everyone warmly.

From the North Car Park, we walked toward Taman Jurong Market and Food Centre for lunch. After a good morning walk, everyone was naturally hungry.

We decided to try the famous lor mee there, and it did not disappoint. The thick, savoury gravy combined with noodles and crispy ingredients made for a satisfying local meal. After lunch, we headed to Ya Kun Kaya Toast for coffee and more conversation.  Alec managed to join us for lunch and coffee.

By the time we finally left and reached the bus stop, it was already around 1.30pm.

Although the morning began with heavy rain, it eventually turned into a very enjoyable outing filled with laughter, beautiful scenery, good food, and great companionship. Sometimes the best experiences are not about travelling far or doing anything extraordinary, but simply spending quality time outdoors with friends and appreciating the little moments together.

Tekka Market @ Little India MRT

 Singapore -  This morning I walked from Serangoon to Potong Pair MRT and got on the MRT to Little India station.  Little India is one of Singapore’s most colourful and culturally vibrant districts. Easily accessible via Little India MRT Station, the area is always lively with its mix of heritage buildings, bustling markets, traditional shops, and most importantly, amazing food.

My first stop was the famous 545 Whampoa Prawn Noodles at Tekka Centre, one of Singapore’s best-known hawker centres. Although the bowl cost $6, which felt slightly expensive for hawker food, this stall carries quite a reputation. It has received recognition from the Michelin Guide and was even featured in an episode of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown by the late Anthony Bourdain. The stall has also attracted visits from famous chefs including Massimo Bottura and Julien Royer.

I ordered the dry bee hoon mee prawn noodles, and the highlight was definitely the rich umami flavour from the prawn broth. The prawns were fresh and the noodles absorbed the savoury taste beautifully. It was easy to understand why this stall has become so popular over the years.

Next, I visited another well-loved stall, Grandma Mee Siam. What made the experience memorable was not only the food but also the owner herself; a friendly and chatty aunty running the stall all by herself. She shared that she started helping her grandmother sell mee siam at the young age of eight and still uses the same family recipe dating back to 1963.

The mee siam had a comforting homemade flavour with the right balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. It felt like eating a dish filled with tradition and history rather than just another hawker meal.

After that, I stopped by Sri Aachi Appam to try freshly made appams. Two appams cost only $3 and were served piping hot with coconut milk. 

Unlike the usual versions topped with coconut flesh, these had a slightly different twist that made them unique and enjoyable. Soft in the centre with crispy edges, the appams made for my delicious brunch.

After satisfying my appetite, I spent some time walking around Tekka Centre itself. Beyond the busy hawker centre, the adjoining shopping complex felt surprisingly quiet compared to the energetic food section downstairs. Nearby stood Citadines Rochor Singapore, blending modern city living beside one of Singapore’s oldest cultural districts.

Continuing my walk, I visited the iconic House of Tan Teng Niah along Kerbau Road. This brightly painted Chinese villa from the early 1900s is one of the most photographed buildings in Little India. Its colourful façade stands out beautifully against the surrounding streets and provides a striking contrast within this predominantly Indian cultural district.  I was not allowed entrance to this house.

Just beside it is the Indian Heritage Centre, which I had visited previously. The museum offers fascinating multi-level exhibits showcasing the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Indian and South Asian communities in Singapore.

I also wandered through the Little India Arcade along Serangoon Road, where restored shophouses sell traditional sarees, jewellery, souvenirs, and henna art. The vibrant colours and lively atmosphere perfectly captured the spirit of Little India.  Just before 11.30am, I took the MRT back home.

Fuego Mesa @ Farrer Park MRT – Great Food but Service Needs Improvement

 Singapore - I visited Fuego Mesa for lunch after hearing good things about their Mexican-inspired dishes. Conveniently located just about a five-minute walk from Farrer Park MRT Exit B, the restaurant was easy to find and accessible even during the busy lunch period.

When I arrived, the restaurant was surprisingly not crowded. The atmosphere inside felt calm and relaxed, which was a pleasant change from many packed eateries during lunchtime. I was quickly shown to my seat and settled down while waiting for Joseph to arrive.

After browsing the menu, I decided to order two chorizo pork tacos and one beef burrito. The dishes arrived reasonably quickly, and the presentation looked appetising immediately.

The highlight of the meal was definitely the chorizo pork tacos. The tacos were delicious, packed with flavour, and the pork was wonderfully tender. Every bite had a nice balance of savoury meat, seasoning, and freshness. The tortillas were soft and complemented the filling well without overpowering the flavours. It was one of those dishes where you immediately know the kitchen understands how to prepare comfort food properly.

The beef burrito was also enjoyable overall. The beef itself was juicy and flavourful, with generous portions inside the wrap. However, I personally felt the filling was slightly too wet. As I ate, the moisture from the filling started soaking through the wrap, making it a little messy to handle. If the burrito had been slightly drier or better balanced in texture, it would probably have been excellent. Still, the flavours themselves were good, and the quality of the ingredients was noticeable.

In terms of food, I would say Fuego Mesa delivered a satisfying meal with strong flavours and well-cooked meats. The tacos in particular were memorable enough that I would return just to order them again.

Unfortunately, the service experience did not quite match the quality of the food.

Although there were three staff members stationed at the front counter area, service felt rather inattentive throughout the meal. At one point, when I needed a refill of water, nobody came by to check on the table despite staff standing nearby. Eventually, I had to walk up personally to the front counter to request more water.

What disappointed me more was the attitude from one of the waiters. He did not appear particularly happy to serve customers and seemed somewhat disinterested throughout the interaction. When he finally brought the jug of water over, he placed it down rather abruptly with a noticeable thud on the table. It was not rude enough to ruin the meal entirely, but it certainly left an impression.

Good service does not always require elaborate gestures or constant attention. Sometimes simple friendliness, attentiveness, and basic courtesy can significantly improve the dining experience. In this case, the contrast between the quality of the food and the lacklustre service was quite noticeable.

That said, I still enjoyed the overall lunch experience because the food itself was genuinely good. The relaxed environment and tasty tacos made the visit worthwhile despite the service shortcomings.

Day 8: Returning to Hangzhou and Visiting the Majestic Lingyin Temple, Back to Singapore

Hangzhou - After spending several memorable days exploring the ancient canals and charming streets of Wuzhen, it was finally time for us to return to Hangzhou for the next part of our journey.

We started the morning with a simple but comforting Chinese breakfast. The weather was cool and pleasant, making the warm food especially satisfying. We had silky warm tofu, tea-soaked eggs, and a bowl of warm bean soup. The breakfast was light, nutritious, and very much the type of local meal that Chinese people enjoy daily. There is something comforting about starting the day with simple traditional food instead of heavy breakfasts.

After finishing our meal, we prepared for our journey back to Hangzhou.

Originally, we had considered taking a Didi taxi combined with the High-Speed Rail, but the hotel front desk strongly recommended the direct long-distance coach bus instead. According to them, it would be cheaper, more convenient, and would avoid the hassle of changing transport between stations.

Taking their advice turned out to be a good decision.

The direct bus from Wuzhen to Hangzhou was comfortable and straightforward. Once we boarded, we simply relaxed and enjoyed the ride. The journey took approximately two and a half hours, and the experienced driver handled the roads very smoothly throughout the trip. Along the way, we passed through peaceful countryside landscapes, highways lined with greenery, and smaller towns that offered a glimpse into everyday life outside the major tourist areas.

Compared to navigating railway stations with luggage, the direct bus felt much less stressful.

Once we arrived back in Hangzhou, we headed straight to our earlier hotel and temporarily left our luggage there because our main destination for the day was the famous Lingyin Temple.  We had our graving for crab roe noodle again and one each of the famous crab before we leave Hangzhou.

After our lunch, we boarded a local public bus 5Rmb each to reach Lingyin Temple. The journey itself already hinted at how popular the attraction was. As we approached the area, crowds became noticeably larger. There were tourists from all over China as well as overseas visitors, all making their way toward the temple grounds. 

Lingyin Temple, which translates to “Temple of the Soul’s Retreat,” is one of the oldest and most significant Zen Buddhist temples in China. Located amidst lush mountains, forests, and bamboo groves, the temple is not only a religious site but also one of Hangzhou’s most important cultural and historical attractions.

Founded in 328 AD by the Indian monk Huili, the temple has more than 1,600 years of history and was once a major centre for Chan (Zen) Buddhism during imperial China.

The moment we entered the area, it became clear why Lingyin Temple is considered one of China’s most revered Buddhist sites.  Before even reaching the main temple, visitors must first pass through the famous Feilai Feng, also known as Flying Peak. 

This limestone hill is covered with hundreds of ancient Buddhist carvings and grottoes carved directly into the rock faces between the 10th and 14th centuries.

Walking through Feilai Feng felt like entering an open-air historical gallery. Everywhere we looked, there were intricate stone carvings of Buddhas, monks, and mythical figures weathered by centuries of history. Some statues were massive while others were hidden quietly among the rocks and vegetation. The carvings carried an incredible sense of age and spirituality.

The surrounding environment added even more beauty to the experience. Dense trees, bamboo groves, flowing streams, and misty mountain scenery created a peaceful atmosphere despite the large crowds.

Eventually, we reached the main temple complex itself.

Inside the temple halls stood one of Lingyin Temple’s greatest treasures — the enormous wooden Sakyamuni Buddha statue. Carved from camphor wood and coated in gold leaf, the seated Buddha rises almost 25 metres high and is one of the largest wooden Buddha statues in China.

The sight of the giant Buddha inside the prayer hall was truly breathtaking. Worshippers quietly offered incense and prayers while monks moved calmly around the temple grounds. Despite the constant flow of visitors, the temple still retained a strong sense of serenity and spiritual calm.

One interesting aspect of the temple is its connection to the famous monk Ji Gong from the Southern Song Dynasty. Known for his eccentric personality, compassion, and unconventional habits, Ji Gong remains a beloved folk figure throughout China. The temple grounds contain a hall dedicated to him, attracting many visitors curious about his legendary stories.

Lingyin Temple is enormous, and we spent several hours walking through the various halls, courtyards, stairways, and forested pathways. The entire area felt more like a massive spiritual and cultural park than simply a temple.

By the end of our visit, we were physically tired but deeply impressed by the beauty, scale, and history of the place.

We then took the local bus back to our hotel, retrieved our luggage, and prepared for dinner. Before ending the day, I had to eat the famous Hangzhou snack — Cong Rou Bing (葱肉饼).

These savoury flatbreads are made by stuffing thin dough with minced pork and scallions before baking them directly against the hot inner walls of a cylindrical oven, similar to how Indian tandoor ovens work.

Freshly baked and piping hot, the crispy exterior combined wonderfully with the juicy pork filling inside. The snack was simple, flavourful, and incredibly satisfying after such a long day of travelling and walking.

As we enjoyed our Cong Rou Bing while looking out at the busy Hangzhou streets, I reflected on how much variety China offers within a single journey from ancient water towns and Buddhist temples to local buses, traditional breakfasts, and delicious street food.

It had been another fulfilling and memorable day of exploration in one of China’s most beautiful cultural cities.

Day 7: Exploring the Ancient Beauty of Wuzhen East Scenic Zone (UNESCO)

 Wuzhen - Our morning in Wuzhen began with a simple but hearty local breakfast at Wu Fang Zhai, a well-known Chinese fast food chain famous for its traditional rice dumplings and local comfort food. 

Wu Fang Zhai is originally from Jiaxing, a city in the Zhejiang province of China.Founded in 1921, the famous time-honored brand is best known for its traditional Jiaxing-style zongzi (sticky rice dumplings). Unlike Western-style breakfasts, this was a truly Chinese way to start the day — warm, filling, and inexpensive.

We ordered hot soya bean drinks, comforting red bean soup, steaming xiaolongbao, and their famous zongzi. The hot soy milk paired wonderfully with the savoury dumplings while the red bean soup added a gentle sweetness to the meal. Everything felt simple yet satisfying, exactly the kind of breakfast that prepares you for a long day of walking and sightseeing.

After breakfast, we made our way to purchase tickets for the famous East Scenic Zone and boarded the free shuttle bus provided for visitors. As the shuttle approached the ancient town, excitement grew as we prepared to explore one of China’s best-preserved water towns.

Wuzhen is not only beautiful but historically significant as well. In 2003, Wuzhen received the prestigious UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage Conservation in recognition of its outstanding restoration and preservation efforts. Walking through the town, it became immediately obvious why it received such honour.

The East Scenic Zone felt like stepping back into ancient China. Narrow stone pathways wound alongside beautifully preserved canals lined with traditional wooden homes. The calm waterways reflected the old buildings perfectly, creating postcard-like scenes at every corner.

One of the most iconic sights was the traditional high-pole boats that used to slowly glide through this canals. These boats, skillfully operated by boatmen balancing on elevated poles, added authenticity and timeless charm to the ancient water town atmosphere.

Our first major stop was the Mu Xin Art Museum, located in the hometown of renowned Chinese writer and artist Mu Xin. The museum itself was beautifully designed with minimalist architecture that blended harmoniously with the surrounding canals and traditional environment.

Inside, the exhibits showcased Mu Xin’s paintings, writings, and artistic philosophy. Even for visitors unfamiliar with his work, the calm atmosphere and thoughtful presentation made the museum an enjoyable cultural experience.

Next, we visited the fascinating Museum of Ancient Wuzhen Beds. Some of the beautifully carved wooden beds on display were over one hundred years old. These were not ordinary beds but elaborate handcrafted masterpieces featuring intricate carvings, hidden compartments, and decorative details that reflected wealth and social status during ancient times.

The craftsmanship was truly remarkable. It was difficult to imagine the amount of labour and artistry required to create such detailed furniture generations ago.

Continuing our walk, we arrived at the ancient indigo cloth-making factory. Here we learned about the traditional dyeing process used for centuries in the region. Large pieces of deep blue cloth hung drying in the open air, creating striking visual scenes against the old stone walls and wooden structures.

The indigo-dyed fabrics were beautiful in their simplicity and represented an important part of Wuzhen’s traditional handicraft heritage.

As we explored deeper into the town, the narrow stone bridges became increasingly crowded with tourists from all over China. Everywhere people stopped to take photographs of the canals, old houses, boats, and scenic views. Despite the crowds, the atmosphere remained lively and cheerful.

One particularly memorable stop was a beautifully themed bookstore located beside one of the canals. The interior design was stunning — warm wooden shelves, artistic decorations, soft lighting, and large windows overlooking the peaceful waterways outside.

We sat quietly inside for some time besides the window, watching the canal waters flow gently past. While sitting in such a beautifully designed bookstore I felt incredibly relaxing and almost cinematic. It was one of those quiet travel moments that stays with you long after the trip ends.

Further along, we visited the ancient wood carving museum where detailed carvings demonstrated the incredible craftsmanship of traditional Chinese artisans. The intricate woodwork found in doors, furniture, windows, and decorative panels revealed the sophistication of ancient Chinese architecture and design.

Soon after, we came across a craftsman carefully making combs from buffalo bones. Watching him work patiently by hand was fascinating. Each comb required careful shaping, polishing, and detailing. In today’s world of factory-made products, seeing such traditional craftsmanship being preserved felt special.

Not far away stood one of Wuzhen’s famous silk shops. Beautiful silk scarves, garments, and fabrics filled the store with vibrant colours and delicate textures. Wuzhen has long been associated with silk production, and browsing through the shop gave us a glimpse into another important aspect of the region’s history and economy.

After several hours of walking through the East Scenic Zone, we were both tired and hungry. We finally stopped outside Suo Wah Feh for lunch.

I ordered fried noodles while Edmund chose seafood noodles. After such a long morning of exploration, the simple hot meal tasted especially satisfying.

As we sat enjoying our lunch beside the ancient waterways of Wuzhen, I reflected on how unique this town truly is. Wuzhen is a beautifully preserved living piece of Chinese history where art, culture, architecture, and daily life continue to coexist harmoniously.

It was a day filled with history, culture, craftsmanship, and unforgettable scenery exactly the kind of travel experience that makes my exploring China so rewarding.