(written by Ian) Really?! Yup, really. Let us take you there as just like you, we weren't quite sure of what we're about to catch a sight of. Meanwhile, back at the hotel...
After exploring the walkways, alleys, and streets of Kuala Lumpur yesterday we were exhausted. Slept early and woke up all refreshed and enlivened ready to take on another day! The northern part this time-- downright contrasting aspect of the metropolitan Kuala Lumpur we have experienced so far.
Started the day off with quite a huge spread for breakfast. Situated in the 20th floor of Hotel Istana is Club Lounge, where we had our quick eat. The area had a contemporary feel to it compared to the main lobby which was more grandeur. Its sizable windowpane allowed much lighting in and provided a broad view of the city from above... well that, on top of, feasting on a salad or sipping a cup of tea. As you're seated, server asks what you want for your hot drink-- anything chilled and everything else continental is serve on the tabletop. From pastries, jams, cold cuts, yoghurt, salmon, cheese, and fruits, the selection is vast. Walked away well-fed and all smiles!
What we had in mind was we take a cab from the hotel to the caves. In that way, we get there quickly and early to evade the heat of the midday sun. We're grateful we inquired from the hotel personnel lady at the lobby before we departed. She suggested taking the monorail, a short walk away from the hotel, can take us to KL Sentral-- a major transport hub of the city. We purchased a plastic coin that served as a ticket you tap as soon as you access the gates and drop/deposit as soon as you exit. So, we boarded the monorail in MR7 Raja Chulan and alighted at MR1 KL Sentral for the cost of around RM2.20 (SGD$1). It was way cheaper than a RM30 cab ride.
Boy, were we glad we heeded her advice as Casey was thrilled to ride on one. He's fascinated with different modes of transportation and this one was no exception. We pointed out to it and asked him what it was and he replied, 'train.' We had to explain to him the difference of a monorail and a train which he's so much accustomed to in Singapore. And yeah, this will be his 'first monorail ride.' He and mommy were constantly shifting sitting spots inside just to find the best, unobstructed view of the locality.
The less than 30-min ride was economical, hassle-free, and a great way to immerse oneself in KL. Just seated there in an elevated, moderately-paced, constant moving transport just gives you ample time to soak in the sights... an experience in itself. Noticed there were not a lot of tourists in this ride or maybe it was just the time of day.
The transfer from the monorail to KL Sentral was a good 10 - 15 minute walk. We were initially fazed where to catch the next train. You need to exit the building, walk through an uncovered sidewalk (not sure if there is any covered nearby), cross the street while paying attention to the "KL Sentral" arrow signboard. KL Sentral had a number of novelty shops and food stalls. Stopped by Famous Amos for some of Casey's fave choc chip pecan cookie and some bottled water... important to keep yourself hydrated.
From KL Sentral to Batu Caves we took the KTM Komuter, RM3 roundtrip, arriving every 15 minutes. It is the first electrified train commuter train service in Malaysia. Inside the coach, the seats are comfortable as they are covered in cloth and are foam-cushioned. It's fully air-conditioned making the ride the more irresistibly comfortable to sleep on. Just as soon we disembarked was when we noticed one of the coaches had a "coach for ladies only" emblazoned marking on the side. Not sure if we were seated on one of those when we hopped on but I think they weren't so strict about it. Again, being in a pre-dominantly Muslim country, the "no indecent behavior" notice is posted. In other words, no public display of affection or kissing. This time quite a number of tourists already can be seen boarding. Heck, we're Batu Caves bound after all.
By the gate entrance, wife saw this Indian lady artist who does Mehndi artwork for RM8 ($4). Just took her around 5 minutes to draw those intricate curves and lines. This form of skin decoration is famous during Hindu festivals practiced mainly in India and Nepal. More famous term for this in Western culture is henna. As she was applying the turmeric paste on Nina's skin, you can smell a scent from the burning incense. As soon as she was done with her tattoo work, she approached this guy selling jewelry and got a pretty good deal out of it. Dug out and scored a black onyx, white onyx and a red coral, all for RM50 ($25). Upon receipt of payment, the Indian vendor uttered some prayers and swiped the paper bills across all his stuff laid out. Seemed to us as if he was thanking the gods for his sale and blessing his remaining items. As Casey was tinkering around with his necklaces, right after, he put on a metal bracelet on him for free.
Finally, here we are! The moment we enter the premises, we were greeted by the sweet scent of a flower famously known in the Philippines as sampaguita-- also its national flower. As Nina and Casey were trying to take a sniff at it, a hand suddenly came out of the hanged garlands. A single yellow chrysanthemum emerged, another freebie for our little one. We walked away and brought him towards the open area where people where feeding a flock of pigeons. He wiggled himself down his mommy and ran towards the birds. He was hesitant at first to get close to them but observed that they weren't harmful. Showed him you can run towards them and they'll just fly away. He started to enjoy himself and was even getting into the middle of them.
Nina was the first to notice this. It is sandalwood powder they apply on their head. They say they do this if a prayer is answered. This lady had difficulty trying to explain and answer our query as to what it was. Later in this blog, is an older lady who was able to satisfy our curiosity and advice us what it was. Right before the ascent, we found these lovely Indian ladies in their sari while Casey found himself a Chinese playmate with his bubble-maker.
The 272-step climb with a kid over the shoulder was a piece of cake! (kidding) My shirt was soaking wet halfway. I wasn't paying attention to the intensity of what we were going through maybe because I was more worried about Nina who has fear of monkeys. They were all over the fence, prying on those who were holding food or plastic bags in their hands. A good heads up to those who wish to visit-- do not bring food with you if you wish not to be mugged. I've never seen them hurt the passersby though... looks like they're pretty much comfortable around humans.
Once in a while, we're tempted to turn around and revel at the magnificent structure that is overlooking the city. Along the way, we bumped into some monks who we only asked for a quick pose with but gave us their blessing instead. As we got to the mouth of the cave, there is this other giant statue perched on the rock. Amazing how they fuse architectural engineering and nature to look like they're one. Must have been one ambitious undertaking to achieve the erection of this temple while preserving the beauty of nature.
(written by Nina) Further up was another temple inside the cave once you go all the way inside. Tourists and worshipers alike were there to pray and enjoy the awesome mix of nature and faith. It was indeed an amazing sight to behold. I have to say it has become commercialized with the presence of stores and modern structures around the caves. Nevertheless, it is still worth the walk up despite all the monkeys!
We took the opportunity to relax and enjoy the view mesmerized by the different practice of faith and the innate beauty of nature. It does take awhile to soak in long enough for you to catch your breath and just appreciate the scene. My husband was busy capturing moments when the man in the temple asked us to go inside and be blessed. All three of us got the blessing from the priest as shown in the marks in our forehead.
Going down was not as bad especially when there is coconut juice waiting for you by the foot of the stairs.
It was RM4 for 1 coconut and there are alot of other indian sweets around the area as well. I only recognize muruko as my indian colleagues usually give this around especially deepavali. I went abit overboard with the sweets shopping as it was just 3 packs for RM5 for most of the nuts and chips. The uncle was also kind enough to let us sample a few of the sweets that we ended up buying as well.
I can't help but notice bald people with a beige colored powder covering their scalp. This lady spoke good english so we took the opportunity to ask her about it. Like what my husband mentioned it is sandalwood powder. This lady said that she was very sick a few months back and she prayed that she be healed and she was. As a form of thanksgiving this is what they do. Shave off their head, put sandalwood powder and visit the temple in Batu Caves. That is faith!
It was another scenic and comfortable ride on the way back. It was perfect until Ian decided to hurriedly grab Casey and went out the train 1 stop before our designated stop. I realized soon enough and went back inside the train thinking they followed suit but the train door closed on them. I have to find my way back to them by taking another train back.
The adventure we just had got us famished so we decided to eat in a street stall just along the way to the monorail stations. I do not have the best stomach yet i love streetfood so to make it at least safer for me i always go for those street food where i can see how they cook the item.Hence I had the Maggi Goreng and the husband chose the Indian food on display. Maggi Goreng is basically Maggi noodles that they cook in a special way with all the spices,sauces and veggies that they add in. It was the best Maggi Goreng i ever tasted! We also had coconut juice straight from the fruit. We were quite surprised come payment of RM27 because as per the pricelist on the wall my goreng should have cost me only RM6, the coconut drink around RM8 making my husbands indian food of 3 items RM13? Nevertheless, it was a wonderful meal.
Back at our hotel my son yet again hurried to the well made bed excited for another 'woohoo' moment while i was impressed with the laundry / pressing service of my husbands outfit for the dinner date we reserved.
That dinner deserved another blog entry all together! :)
No comments:
Post a Comment