Thomas Ong, 57, slips & fractures ankle 10 days into 45-day Japan trip after photographing waterfall

Singaporean actor Thomas Ong's planned 45-day Japan trip was unceremoniously cut short after he slipped and fell while taking photos of a waterfall.

He told Lianhe Zaobao his injury occurred barely 10 days or so into the trip, which mostly involved exploring more remote areas of Japan.

He said he initially thought it was an ordinary sprain, but an X-ray after the pain got worse showed that his right ankle was fractured.

In a Facebook post, Ong said the doctor had given him two options.

One was surgery, inserting a metal plate to hold the fracture in place.

That would see him get back on his feet in about two weeks.

Another was to let the bone heal by itself, which would take about six weeks.

Ong eventually decided on the longer option.

He also joked about his situation, saying that the two souvenirs he brought back from Japan were his crutches.

Despite the setback, Ong said he felt grateful that the timing of the injury and recovery meant he would be able to lead a tour group to Europe as he originally planned in December.

Ong, who stays alone, will be living with his family during the recovery phase.