KL Walkabout...

Recently, I realized that I've never been to interesting places that's close to home. Except for the National Zoo, I'm yet to visit Batu Caves, hike Bukit Tabur, go up the KLCC Bridge, enjoying the view from the Lookout Point.. and all these are within 10 minutes drive from my house! What a shame!

For those living around Gombak area, Batu Caves needs no introduction. The picturesque limestone hill, the long flight of stairs to the caves and the gigantic Lord Muruga statue are enough to make an impression to all the drivers using MRR2 heading to Kepong or Ulu Kelang.

I went there last year only to find it already closed for the day.

So, when another Japanese colleague came here for business trip, I went to Batu Caves for the first time in my life. It's counted as first time la kan since I've never been inside there.

The cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, dedicated to Lord Muruga. It is the focal point of Hindu festival of Thaipusam in Malaysia, which attracts over hundreds of thousands pilgrims yearly.

This 130-feet high statue of Lord Muruga is the tallest in the world.

Monkeys are everywhere around here. But they are a nice bunch unlike those in Uluwatu, Bali. hahhaha...

Ready to start the climb. 272 steps to go y'all... jia you!

Almost there... almost there....

Inside the caves.. oh oh... steps again??!!

But it's worth the climb. The view inside there was superb. The limestone hill is definitely a beautiful sight to behold. Makes you wonder and think about the power of our God to make such rock formation happen.

The temples inside the cave.

Snakes have been a part of worship in Hinduism.

Next pit stop was Petaling Street. I wondered whether he got stomachache after he went back to the hotel as we made him tasted various kind of foods here. The purpose we brought him there was to shop, since our other Japanese colleagues like PS very much. But he has no interest with all the display of fake goods. Only after much pushing from us, he bought some souvenirs for his friends.

Had our lunch at Pavilion and did some shopping. The high currency exchange of yen really was a bless to Japanese people. They shop like mad coz for them, everything is cheap! =_=

Final stop was the KL Tower. To our surprise, the entrance fee has been increased to RM38. Dang! I went there last year and paid only RM10 (actual entrance fee was RM20 but for Malaysians, when you show your IC you can get 50% discount). The new entrance fees includes entry to observation deck, animal zone, F1 simulator, cultural performance, forest walk, winter park and an MKL H2O.

Went back home feeling tired, but it was certainly fun playing tour guide and tourist in my own hometown!