Monkeys, Elephants and Roosters…oh my!

In Hamilton, when in need of a study break, you go play basketball. In Malaysia, you visit caves and sacred shrines! Here are some of the cool adventures I’ve had over the past few days.

Look-Out Point
KL is a dynamic city filled with everything from bustling night markets, crowded mamaks (outdoor restaurants) and a buzzing nightlife. Masjids and museums contribute to its rich cultural sphere while towering skyscrapers and Gucci and Prada stores infuse the city with a hint of modernity. Tourists hungry to see the city pay an arm and a leg to go up the KL tower – the fifth tallest tower in the world. Sometimes the best things in life really do come for free. We drove on winding roads up the mountain and then climbed what seemed like a bajillion stairs to get to a look-out point in Ampang. The view of KL was spectacular. Absolutely breath-taking.

Side note: KL has a peculiarly large number of stairs cases. Forget about gym memberships – just come to Malaysia and you’ll accomplish that New Year’s resolution in no time!

Batu Caves
No Shayne, not the nah-nah-nah Batman Caves (…although it did seem like the Batmobile would suddenly appear!) The Batu Caves are 400 million years old and are actually one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world. In order to get to the cave you must, yes you guessed it, climb a bajillion stairs. 272 stairs to be exact. Each stair is numbered – perhaps, so you can plan your pit stops along the way?!

The caves were impressive to say the least. Dark and mysterious, letting in only pockets of sunlight. By my inquiry-deduced logic and years of Warner Brothers conditioning, I figured the caves would house bats. But no sirry bob. No bats, just monkeys. I speculate it’s one of those ‘when you hear hoofbeats think of a zebra’ type of puzzles. The Batu Caves were filled with monkeys – and not just normal monkeys but monkeys with an attitude. Monkeys who prey on unsuspecting tourists snatching water bottles, cameras, sunglasses…really anything in sight. I survived 2 near monkey attacks. Let it be known that I have absolutely no inclination to ever go back to the Batu Caves again!

A Thousand Dragons
After experiencing a traditional Hindu shrine, we then ventured to Thean Hou Temple, also known as the Temple of a Thousand Dragons. The entire place was ordained with Chinese lanterns and dragons. Beautiful!

Kuala Gandeh Elephant Conservation
I must say that after experiencing the wrath of monkeys, I was a tad hesitant to embrace other forms of wildlife again. Not only did I see elephants but I fed them, rode them and swam with them too. It was the most incredible experience!

More adventures to come. Stay tuned!