Kuala Lumpar 2016 LIVE - All By Myself: Day 5 - Rainforest And Caves

[Melbatb]

Thankfully I set my alarm last night as that is what woke me up this morning.

Even better news - water was hot and the toilet flushed normally.

I left at 8am and walked to my usual Starbucks. Is it sad that the barista has already learnt my name.

The only thing I booked before coming was a tour in a rainforest - FRIM. Fellow Dibber Laura provided me with how to best get there - taxi. The first one refused, the second one agreed for 60RM (15 euros). They are not meant to not use the meter but I didn't want the hassle. The meter was actually 52RM and the tolls were 4RM so it actually wasn't far off!

I arrived at 9.30am - the taxi took me all the way in. I was an hour early so sat outside reading my kindle.

I was on a group tour with nine other people. The total cost was about 35RM - less than 9 euros including entry to the forest and the canopy walk. A bargain.

The tour was very informative. This sight is apparently only found in a planted forest - how the trees form a canopy like this. There are 2 other places in the world where you will see it (Argentina and Papua New Guinea)

After about 90 minutes of tour we arrived at the path leading to the Canopy Walk. Only 500m. This took the group about an hour - one or two members of the group were quite slow and it was very steep. Thankfully the rests were appreciated

Once we got to the Canopy Walk we split into two groups. Now I am not a fan of these things (I know, I know - but I like to challenge myself)

The view over to KL was spectacular. You could just about make out the Petronas Towers.

I was proud if myself for doing it. It was then a steep walk down.

Once down I said my goodbyes to the group and walked about 20 minutes to the exit. By now it was about 2.30pm. Thankfully I got a taxi within minutes which took me to the Batu Caves (16RM - 4 euros). This took about 20 minutes as the roads were busy.

Lunch was essential - I hadn't eaten since breakfast. I went to a veggie Indian restaurant recommended in my guidebook. I had a roti - like a flat bread with a potato curry.

And two samosas. These were delicious. With a coke, cost was 12RM - 3 euros!

Batu Caves are an important Hindu holy site. There is a lot of work going on. Indeed, they try to get the tourists to carry up buckets of sand.

I found the whole experience slightly strange.

You walk up almost 300 steps - not what my legs needed. At the top is an enormous cave. There are also souvenir shops and temples with people praying. There are lots of Hindu monuments.

Walking up more steps there was another open cave and another temple. It was a lot quieter here.

On the way down were lots of monkeys who had got a bag off a lady full of bananas and grapes. These monkeys certainly knew how to get fed.

I went into another set of Caves - these were definitely VERY strange! In one set there were lots of pictures with sayings. This one made me laugh - basically if a wife is devoid of domestic excellence then notwithstanding any other greatness, the "conjugal state" is nothing...

Even on the way out there were lots of ornate structures.

This reminded me of the stance of a superhero!

I went to get the train. Unfortunately the machines were out of order so I had to queue up to buy a ticket. This meant missing the train. I sat with my kindle to wait for the next one 30 minutes later.

Now as far as I can recollect I hadn't banged my knee (I slipped once but didn't go down). But I had noticed a stain on my trousers but thought I must gave brushed it against something. But no - I had a bloody knee. It cleaned up with just a small graze left.

I relaxed for about an hour before heading out for dome dinner. As I was exhausted I didn't go far.

Thai was the order of the day. This was a mango slushie drink - very nice!

And a veggie stir fry in a garlic sauce. Tasty again. My most expensive meal at 36RM - 9 euros.

I had a wander around the mall before heading back. Only 24000 steps today - 17km but 92 flights of stairs. No wonder my legs are gone.

I think an easier day is called for tomorrow!