The Batu Caves and Hindu Shrine

Next stop was the Batu Caves which little over a year ago was declared one of Malaysia's National Heritage sites.

I was absolutely disgusted about the state of this place. The caves are beautiful but there is rubbish everywhere and there are some areas within the caves which absolutely reek of urine. Very sad as you can see that the Malay people really don't care about the environment or the need to preserve what their country has to offer.

On arrival at the caves you walk to a square which are filled with souvenir stalls and loads of pigeons looking for scraps of food from tourists and seeds that you can buy at the stalls to feed them.

There is a building at the base of the stairs in which Hindu offerings can be placed etc. Then you have to climb two hundred and seventy two stairs to get to the main cave. One the way there are monkeys which if not given food by tourists will grab whatever you have in your hands or from around your neck and make a B-line for where ever they are sure you will not be able to get to them.

Loads of tourists run back down the stairs, kids screaming etc. Very funny:)

This little rascal managed to steal a coconut from a child and a flower necklace from around an elderly gentelman's neck. The kid wasn't happy the guy was in histerical laughter.

Once you arrive at the top you have to again go down some stairs into the main opening of the cave which is the size of four tennis courts. Then again up stairs to get out on the other side and this is where the main part of the shrine is.

The caves are impressive and I can see why it is one of Malaysia's National Heritage Sites, but I don't know how long this will last because sustainability was the very last thing on their minds when the construction and setting of rules took place.

The adjacent gardens

The Pewter Factory

I don't understand why, but you are not allowed to take photos anywhere.

In Thailand the only places in which photos are usually a problem is in temples and then most of the time also only when it is a prayer hour etc.

Well at least at this factory they have posters on the outside of the building which explains the whole process to you.

First you go on a tour in which they explain the history of "Tin mining" in Malaysia which is very interesting, then they take you through the process of manufacturing goods out of the pewter and of course the highlight "not sure if it's more of a highlight for them or the tourists" is the show room in which souvenirs can be purchased. Quite expensive but worth the visit.





The manufacturing process...

The Lake

After all the excitement at the chocolate factory I opted for a couple of minutes of relaxation at the lake on the way out of the city en route to the Pewter factory and the Batu Caves.

You can see some impressive buildings from the lake. From left to right, the Potronas Towers then the KL Telecommunication Tower which has a revolving restaurant and observation deck, then far right the national KL theatre which is very similar to the Sydney Opera House.

Sneaked in a photo of the local security on patrol around the park.

The Batik Factory

Day three was a early wake up day as I had to go and collect my new visa, which meant another journey down into the central city. This time (NO WALKING), I took the monorail, as I decided I'd seen enough sites around this area so whisking past it at high speed would be something different to do.

(Monorail by night)

Once I had the visa I had the rest of the time to do whatever I want so typical tourist style I sussed out a travel desk and booked a driver to take me to a few places of interest.

First stop the Batik Factory.

I could not believe my eyes, these people draw all these patterns free hand and in a matter of seconds. They have a plain piece of white silk and they draw on it with hot wax. It takes a couple of minutes to dry and then someone else comes and blobs different colored ink in different spots. The wax contains the ink so it can't run all over the material. Once the entire picture has been colored in, the frame is moved to a drying area and then the wax is washed out once all is dry.

From there the material is taken to the cutting and sewing department where it is decided what will be made from it etc.

Drawing the patterns with hot wax

Completed wax drawings

Blobbing ink in

The finished products

Next stop the leather manufacturer. Not too impressed with this one as they were making handbags out of sharks and rays and clearly this does not go well with my chosen current profession in which I prefer to preserve the marine life. Did learn a lot though and the finished products are actually quite exquisite. Couldn't take picture in this one. Not sure if that was the normal policy or if they just thought by my facial expressions that I might report them to some tree hugger organization.

Then off to the chocolate factory. I was handed a apron and a hat and off I went to learn how to make chocolate from scratch. I crushed cocoa beans to smell the quality. Still don't really understand what I'm suppose to smell, but it smelled delish.

Then we melted processed milk chocolate and I got to choose my ingredients. I opted for the hazelnuts and Tiramisu flavoured coating. I set the chocolates, placed the nuts inside, had to wait for it to cool down and set and then rolled it in the Tiramisu powder. They tasted great and afterwards you get to purchase a bag of the same chocolates you made. Bought a bag and handed it out at the shop once I got back to Phi Phi.

I found my new calling in life. Mom I want to be a chocolatier, I will probably be the size of a bus by the end of the month, but it was great fun. Unfortunately once again photos were not allowed inside the factory area. This time not because they though I had a hidden agenda, but simply because that's the rules.

Genko Fish Spa

After day two, a day on which I semi walked again even though I decided not to walk anywhere the evening before, I decided to visit the local fish spa for a nice foot massage.

Foot massage with a difference that is! :)

You take your shoes off, wash your feet and legs with a special soap and off to the spa deck you are. The minute you enter your feet into the water about a thousand small sucker fish swim up t you and start sucking on your feet and legs. It is extremely ticklish so laughing is the order of the day in this unusual spa.

No tranquil yoga music!

I loved it...

Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang

The street where I stayed is mall upon mall with small stores inbetween and every possible type of restaurant you can think of. Meroccan, Iranian, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Chinese, Malay, Thai, Western etc. You can never get bored here with the same food. It has to be impossible.

The view from my room.

My Hotel