Batu Caves diversion

Chinese New Year started last week to much fanfare, red lanterns, lion dancing, rabbits, and the giving of ang pao gifts. We took advantage of the long weekend and drove down to Kuala Lumpur. On the 3-hour drive, we happily realized that all of the traffic was headed toward Penang, so KL would not be as thronged with residents and visitors. 

We stopped at the Batu Caves on our way into the city. The caves are essentially caverns cutting into the large limestone cliffs staggered to the north and east of KL. Apparently, this is the place to celebrate Thaipusam -- something like a million people make a pilgrimage or take part in the procession there.  

After climbing several hundred, very narrow and steep steps, we reached the small temple set at the back of the caves. Outcroppings of trees and shrubs grew out of the limestone walls of the cave, while people prayed at the temple.

The natural setting could have been stunning, but the manmade structures marred the grandeur of the caves. Overall it was, well, underwhelming.

But we really liked this tall golden statue in all his proud muffin-top glory.