These few days were spent being a tourist in my own city. Let me tell you, having lived in Kuala Lumpur all my life, I can safely say I’ve never ventured beyond the shopping malls and eateries. It’s good to have a friend from overseas coming to visit, otherwise I’d have no excuses to go explore the city. Well, actually I do, but I’m just too lazy, if you know what I mean.

Yesterday marked the first time in 21 years I ever stepped into Batu Caves, the infamous temple where Thaipusam is perfomed annually.

More than 4,500 devotees carried a variety of kavadis up the 272 steps to the shrine at the caves, regarded as the premier Hindu pilgrimage site in Malaysia.

Chants of Vel! Vel! and the rhythm of drums lent an air of festivity as the sea of people continually trudged up the stairs along with kavadi bearers from as early as 3am.

Many of the women devotees carried paal kudam (milk pots), while couples who had their wish for offspring carried their babes in saffron cradles — hanging precariously from sugar cane stems being supported on their shoulders.

The bearers of the huge vel kavadis, decorated with peacock feathers, garlands and pictures of deities, and those who pierced their tongues and cheeks with long skewers, hooks, and mini paal kudam were an object of attraction.

Source: Murugan Bhakti

We had a pleasant dinner and then someone came up with the craziest idea. Lets climb up Batu Caves. I was wearing heels, and I thought, well, the shoes are comfortable…I’m sure I could manage.

We reached there, parked our cars and proceeded to walk towards the staircases. Only then I realised the sheer height of the stairs and I began to regret skipping gym in the last 3 months. What to do, too late to chicken out.

Thankfully, a friend lend me her Mom’s flat aunty slippers. I honestly think I wouldn’t have finished climbing the stairs if I were in my heels.

Hauling myself up the stairs.

The steps were numbered. By the 205th, I was flushed and gasping for air. Boy what a feat it felt like the moment I set foot onto the ground of the temple.

Checking out the temple.

The size of the cave overwhelmed me. It was tranquil and very beautiful.

A portion of the cave.

It was already dark by the time we got down, so we went home. I think I’ll go back again to check out the rest of the attractions such as the Hindu Art Museum.

Leaving for Genting Highlands now, have a nice Sunday.