Today we took a ship’s tour to the 400
million year old limestone Batu caves, which are about 20 kilomtres out of
Kuala Lumpur. This is one of the most
popular Hindu shrines outside of India.
To reach the cave, which is not underground like most caves, you have to
climb 273 steps. The cave is actually
situated in a mountain. The cave is very
airy and about 20 metres high, so not at all claustrophobic. As you climb the steps leading to the cave,
you are greeted by cheeky long tailed macaque monkeys who are looking to steal
food. We had no food so were of no
interest to them but the knowing monkeys realise that the Hindus who come to
pray bring food for the gods. They are not concerned about the wrath of the
gods if they pilfer a banana here or there.
The cave is filled with colourful
shrines and a 50 metre gilded statue of the deity, Lord Murugan, outside the
entrance to the steps. Brightly coloured
replicas of peacocks adorn the cave.
Next we had a tour of the Royal Selangor
pewter factory. It is incredibly well
set up and the workers seem to be appreciated by their employers. We watched one lady making a small pewter
teapot and plaiting the handle with fine pewter fibres. Later, when we had a cappuccino, the barista
decorated the top of it with a picture of this same teapot. By he way, this was the best coffee we have
had since leaving Melbourne.
After this, we went to the National
Museum. This celebrates Malay culture
and historical heritage with an impressive collection from the times of the
Portuguese, Dutch and British. Modern
Malaysia from the time of its independence in 1957 was also on display.
We had a great lunch in The Times
Square hotel in KL before the hour long bus ride back to the ship.
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