Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is home to a vast collection of natural beauty and wonders.  I took a trip there to see the Batu Caves, the caves are named after the Batu River.  The Batu Caves are dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war and victory and are the focal point of Malaysia’s Thaipusam Festival. Click a picture to see it full size and read the caption.

Climbing the 300 steps to the Batu Caves.

About 300! That’s how many stairs I had to climb to get to the Batu Caves!

“The Big H”. That’s what some call the Petronas Towers. At 1,453 feet they are the tallest towers in the world!

The Islamic Arts Museum in Malaysia does not allow photos inside. I understand why, its a very peaceful place where I took time to enjoy the art and then sit down to quietly write letters home. I spent hours listening to the bubble of the fountain inside.

Inside the Batu CavesI saw the beautiful January sun cast its glow over the jagged sides of the cave. I sat for a long while, half searching for enlightenment, I found some.

Eating clay pot chicken & rice.

A rather candid shot of a street-stall cook prepping his veggies for the evening.

The Masjid Jamek Mosque, stunning doesn’t even come close to naming the effect it had from this view. The illumination is a sight to behold.

I took a break here at #206 to get this picture of myself panting & sweating after being silly enough to think I could do it all in one go. 300 steps is a long way in the hot sun!

In the Batu Caves there were many figures, families, and offerings to behold. None compared to the two things that I became enthralled with . Monkey & the sun. I watched Monkey cook a melon in a small fire and taste it for doneness every now & then. Oblivious to me and uncaring.

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