Next Day - Woke up, got out of bed, dragged a comb across my head. Went downstairs and had a cup. Looking up, I noticed I was late, ha, ha, ha. Name that tune. First answer via email wins a trip around the world with Brian and Karen. All expenses paid... by you.
After our overwhelming introduction to Kuala Lumpur, we spent the next day being even more overwhelmed by everything that KL has to offer. We started with a walk through Chinatown, with its crowded streets teeming with activity. We visited three Chinese temples and a Indian Hindu Temple and then to make the day religiously complete, we visited the National Mosque (Masjid Negara). Although Malaysia is comprised of different ethnic communities all practicing their different faiths, Islam is the national religion and the National Mosque is one of the largest in Southeast Asia, accommodating over 8,000 people. Non-muslims can only visit the mosque outside of prayer times and must be properly attired. All visitors must remove their shoes, men must not wear hats and women must wear a scarf over their head and a long robe. The National Mosque is a modern building inspired by the Grand Mosque in Mecca and includes a 73 meter high minaret standing in the center of a pool.
Traveling in a predominately muslim country, as with Indonesia, has a number of implications for the Western tourist that s/he should be aware of and respect. For example, Karen wears pants or a long skirt and a shirt that covers the shoulders in the intense tropical heat so as not to offend the local people or draw unwanted attention. Also, alcohol and beer, where available, are expensive compared to what we pay for other essentials (yes, alcohol and beer are essentials). A room for the night costs approximately $5 to $7 USD, whereas one large beer costs $3 USD.
Are you aware of the poor, sober backpacker walking barefoot on the beach with no money to buy a $12 USD beer (yes, $12 USD for a can of beer on the Perhentian Islands). For only one dollar a day, you too can help. Please help those less fortunate than yourself in this time of need. You can send your donations to:
Brian and Karen's Beer Fund
Fort Lauderdale, FL
United States of America
Located 13km north of Kuala Lumpur are the impressive Batu Caves. These limestone caves house a number of Hindu shrines and temples and is the focus of Thai Pusam, a three day religious festival which includes acts of self-flagellation and piercing by the faithful. Devotees walk from the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur to the Batu Caves to perform religious rites. The main attraction is the Temple Cave situated at the top of 272 monkey infested steps. There is also a path that leads to the Museum Cave where ornate works of painting and sculpture adorn the limestone walls. The Batu Caves make for a perfect day trip from Kuala Lumpur, easily accessible by public transportation.
From 1996 to 2003, the Petronas Towers were the tallest buildings in the world at a whopping 452 meters or 1,483 feet (the record now belongs to the Taipei 101 Financial Center at 508 meters or 1,676 feet). Built by the state-owned petroleum company, Petronas, the towers are a modern glass and steel expression of Islamic architecture. It is a striking geometric design based upon the eight-pointed star boldly declaring Malaysia's unique mix of the modern and the traditional. It makes a wonderful directional landmark as it is visible from anywhere in the city so you always know where approximately you are in Kuala Lumpur thanks to the Petronas Towers.
Below are some photographs from our visit to the Petronas Towers. As you can see, it was a rather gray and cloudy day but that did nothing to lessen the excitement we felt as we gazed upon these modern marvels.
