PINOY BOY JOURNALS: malaysia

Showing posts with label malaysia. Show all posts

ALL-TIME FAVORITE POST FROM 2008 RE-BLOGGED:
After Singapore, it's time to hit the road again to discover what Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Malaysia is my second stop on my Southeast Asia backpacking journey. I rode the bus, the expensive way from Singapore's Vivo City Mall, Transnasional, which i think seems to be an airline only that it's on the road. Spectacular. After all the hassle from the KLLCT going to Singapore, this time, i needed some comfort. It took me less than four hours with two to three stopovers for the Singaporean and Malaysian immigration and some cigarette break.

My first impression of Kuala Lumpur wasn't great. I don't know if it's because of the fucking heat that day. I was literally sweating all over the place. And after a long, long journey, I needed to hit the shower. Worse is, getting a recommendation from Inn Crowd hostel regarding yet another hostel. Welcome to Haven Guesthouse! Such a lovely place, such a lovely place, and very hard place to find at that.

When i arrived with a friend, it was the only two of us there. I liked it already. But i miss the people you talk to, and ask where you're from, where you're going next. The list of questions goes on. After a few hours, a seemingly perfect couple from England arrived. They jew flew in from Manila.

Anyway, the first day and night, they were sleeping the whole time. My first impression was that maybe these two have been trekking and climbing probably Kota Kinabalu. They look so fuckin' tired. I saw some loner guy whom i invited a few days after for some drinking and just stared at me, and didn't say a word. What a freak eh? I'm just being nice.. So what do i say about big rowdy KL?

Malaysia is a weird - mix breed of dirt and everything expensivo. You have high rise buildings and smelly corner lots. What makes Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia spectacular for me though is that it is really what backpacking is all about. Getting Lost! While waiting for the bus, and being transported to an unknown destination, walking in the streets, experimenting where to go to have a good time - it's all these. In the end, i find Kuala Lumpur a little boring, if not for the amazing show when i woke up the next day. Click here to read more on that. I would say, Kuala Lumpur lacks sophistication or urge. More on this later on my blog here.

I actually enjoyed the streets of Petaling Jaya and Jalan Alor, the hawkers stall. Malaysia is proud to have the best food so far! I love it! Batu Caves, and the 272 steps. Oh shit, never have i been more frightened and tired in my whole life and monkey-eating humans.

Petronas towers is a real magnificent structure. When you look up, you think it's moving because the clouds are too close to the rooftop. Riding the bus, a little scary, i was surprised i got stares knowing i look like everyone else. And the panic at Puduraya Bus Terminal, such an eye-opener. Malaysia is weird. But if you ask me if i'm going back to Kuala Lumpur again next time, yes, for a stop-over to go somewhere else.

Here are a few more uninspiring stories from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and at Haven Guesthouse where i stayed. Click here and here.

ALL-TIME FAVORITE POST FROM 2010 RE-BLOGGED: If you're planning to go to Kuala Lumpur and spend a few days there in the city, it is a must you visit Batu Caves. When i went to KL i had an option either go to Genting Highlands or here. I thought the former wasn't really something i look forward to. It's just not my interest so i skipped it in favor of the Batu Caves.

"Batu Caves is a limestone hill, which has a series of caves and cave temples, located in Gombak district, 13 kilometers (8.1 mi) north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It takes its name from the Sungai Batu or Batu River, which flows past the hill. Batu Caves is also the name of the nearby village. The cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is the focal point of Hindu festival of Thaipusam in Malaysia.(Wikipedia)"

How to get to Batu Caves?

I suggest you take the easiest way going there which is via a KTM commuter train from KL Sentral to Sentul Station. Went i went there, i rode the public bus. Being the only tourist in the bus, it was a really good feeling. A few stops here and there, i got to my destination. Minus the hassle of finding the right departure location of the bus. You see the buses going to Batu Caves are lined up in between old structure building which is very hard to find. If you must here's what i've researched.

"Batu Caves is located about 13km North of Kuala Lumpur city centre. Take Intrakota bus No 11D from the Central Market annexe or the Cityliner bus No 69 at Jalan Pudu to get to Batu Caves. Taxis are also available anywhere around city." www.virtualmalaysia.com/.

So, you've successfully arrived in Batu Caves? When i arrived there, it was boiling hot. I thought Manila was hot but at around 1PM, it was really hot. I suggest you take your time to admire the surroundings. There are really good scale Indian structures abound, birds flock, and locals praying to the gods and goddesses.

Are you ready? With over 272 steps to climb, it is a must to relax every 50 or so steps. It's hard or it's just me. It was very hard for me but i managed on. I silently prayed to the Hindu gods to give me the strength to overcome the steps. From a night of no sleep and silent hangover, it wasn't a good day to do it but i had to. The worst part was, the monkeys were playing around. They're everywhere, at around 180 steps, there they were, a group of monkeys looking at me already. I tried to ignore them and stepped my way till i got to the top. These monkeys are born here and have been here for a very long time. This is their playground. And even if you're an animal lover, touching or playing with them isn't really a good idea.

When you get to the top, there are numerous stalls that sell cold refreshments, souvenir items and uhmmm, batteries for your camera. I know its a tourist trap but heck in case your battery is dead, it comes out very helpful. Once you get inside, it's actually very quiet and serene.

It's quite interesting to look around. A few more steps is a very sacred place where people pray and give their offerings to the gods. As i look back, i realize the sanctity of this place. It just might be the pain in my back carrying my huge backpack the whole day or i am just dead tired, but i honestly wished i could have stayed longer and just take time to relax and pray. I watched the people pray, while i try to communicate with the monkeys to leave me alone. It's so hard. Below are some photos. But staring up at the hole in the middle where the light beams is a refreshing surprise.

On my way down, here comes an experience i will never forget. I was holding in my hand my coca cola. I just bought them for less than $1. Very cold, very refreshing. Then here comes the monkey bunch - brown, hairy, but very thin looking. Looking straight at my drink. I thought it was nothing, but little by little they were approaching me. Things suddenly start popping out in my head. What the hell should i do now? I instantly thought of the Ebola Virus, and Rabies, etc. I didn't care about anything else so i just threw the can out in the open and made my way to escape. The monkey left me, thank God!

These monkeys are everywhere. The thing is, you shouldn't feed them. But these monkeys look exhausted and hungry. I couldn't point fingers because this is human nature. I just thought what a way to end my journey in Batu Caves. With monkeys going for a kill at my soda in can.

For your Information

"They are a sacred place for the Hindus in Malaysia. They consist of three main caves and a number of smaller ones. The caves are made of limestone and 400 meters long and 100 meter high. They were discovered in 1892. From your hotel in the Golden Triangle you can reach the Batu Caves easily by taxi or public bus (11 and 11d). The public busses can be boarded at the Pudu Raya Bus Terminal in Kuala Lumpur."

At your arrival, you will be greeted by lots of monkeys. They are going for your peanuts and bananas, which you can buy in several shop, before you climb up to the caves. You have to climb 272 steps, which will lead you to the religious and magnificent Batu Caves. When you don't visit the Batu Caves at Thaipusum, they are still very beautiful. Every day there is a little celebration of a group of Hindus in the Batu Caves. Every time it's an imposing event, although there's no self torture. Temple Cave or Cathedral Cave is he best known and biggest of the caves. It's visited by many devotees. The ceiling is 100 m above the ground and this huge chamber is lighted by daylight from several holes in the ceiling. At the end of the caves you can see the bright sky, when you look above you. If you go up the stairs, you can meet a lot of long tailed-macaque monkeys and if you have peanuts with you, they'll climb to you as I won't consider recommending. You might fall though.

You can take photos of them, carrying their babies for the peanuts. There are locals in the entrance who will approach you to buy peanuts!

Long tailed-macaque monkeys: they love peanuts, but they love crisps also !

So i say to people travelin' around Kuala Lumpur, you must visit this site. Heck, i suggest spending more days here than in the busy city. Because finding enough reasons to go back to Kuala Lumpur is quite hard for me, but places like this gives me more reasons to understand the different facets of Malaysia. This one in particular boosts it.

Tips in going to Batu Caves:

1. Don't go in the middle afternoon, either go here early in the morning of just before the sun sets.

2. Keep quiet, for however this is a tourist spot, it's a sacred place for Hindus. This is their place of worship. Respect.

3. Take time to sit in one of the benches and find yourself lost in a different world out there.

4. How to avoid the monkeys: Ignore, hope for the best, run.

5. Make sure you have everything you need like batteries, etc. Everything is more expensive on top.

6. Don't smoke before you climb 272 steps.

7. Drink loads of H20 to prevent nausea and heat stroke.

8. Go your own, avoid tour groups because everything is timed. You don't want to rush your adventure here, right?

9. Be careful with the steps, always go for the side railing for extra support just in case.

10. Pray.

Additional Info sourced from Here.

ALL-TIME FAVORITE POST FROM 2008 RE-BLOGGED: Borrowing my good friend's line, let me share with you my story of how, of all the hostels I've stayed in my seven years of traveling, this one sucked balls! Big Time!!! (Pardon me for the word).

Hostels are fun and i always look forward to staying in one, because it's the way to go when you're traveling cheaply plus you meet so many people, those later on will become your friends. Watch out for my future post on the joys of hostel living.

With no intention, whatsoever, to discredit this business. I am just stating true accounts of what have transpired on my trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in November 2008.

After two hours of walking back and forth along Bukit Bintang, i found Haven Hostel tucked somewhere near the corner with no sign. Who cares, i'm so ready to throw in my duffel bag and hit the shower! Welcome to Heaven Hostel, where you'll experience sleeping in hell!

When i arrived, there were a couple of Muslim women who were chatting over tea. I thought this would be great so i can chat with them and get to know more about their religion. They left as soon as i entered the hostel. It's business as usual. Some backpackers were inquiring. Some stayed, some left. I never saw those who stayed actually.

It's a big hostel, made of wood and cheeky posters and Americanized displays. The one manning the desk seemed like a local band guitarist, with skin art, dreaded locks and a cigarette on one hand. I showed my passport and paid my stay, for two nights. My biggest mistake. Ever!

There were not a lot of people when i came inside. A group of Englishmen were ready to leave. And as soon i got to my dorm room, i saw a couple of bunk beds. It's a pretty huge room, with very basic bed, one pillow and super thin blanket. The floors, the ceilings and the walls were all made of wood.There was no one in the room. So off i went to hit the shower and left the hostel a few minutes after freshening up.

After a nonsense night out which composed of drinking a bottle of beer before 11 pm and the bar closing and getting last orders, i was so disappointed so i headed back to sleep.

The next day came the, first reason why this hostel sucked.

The Attack of Bedbugs. For the next two days, i found myself scratching my right arm and seeing myself in the mirror with red patches that looked similar to a victim in one of those Biohazard film.

The next day came and as i was trying to ignore the dots and patches in my left arm, and eventually in my back. I experienced the second reason why this hostel sucked.

The Most Unfriendly Backpacker I've Ever Met!

The night before i left, i was already dead set in leaving. I was checking for flights out of Malaysia and into Thailand. I was ready to leave this city and head somewhere south of Thailand. I chanced upon this lone traveler beside me. I travel solo, and it's a good place to meet solo travelers, too. You can see in the photo above: I was the one in the left, the bloke was the one beside me. It's quite early to call it a night. A few drinks would be a cool idea so i can doze off and wake up early for tomorrow's flight. So i asked him if he wanted to join me for for some beer. And this is what he answered back, "NO". With no exaggeration or whatsoever, he was very rude and said NO as if i did something wrong. After that, he continued on with his business and tried to ignore me. And i was left speechless.

Porn. I was awoken to a noise that seemed only familiar to one of those films your mom and dad wouldn't want you to see. I am not a conservative, I'm actually liberal in most cases. But i know what's right and what's wrong. And i know when something is okay, but i also when something is definitely uncalled for.

I woke up to two people having sex in front of me. Yes, the graphic kind. I know that this is not new in the history of hostel living but it's not tolerated. And it doesn't look proper. I also think, it shows lack of respect for your dorm mates. Get your own room!!!!

It's worse for that girl who came in a day after i arrived in the hostel. She was alone, and staying in the same room as we are. I knew she was already up, but she was also stunned of what was going on.

With relatively no idea how to ignore this, and my flight to Krabi is leaving in two hours. I just acted as if i was half-awake and tried to look pass them and out the door. Got my towel and took a bath. When i got back, there were there, fooling around under the sheet and cuddling. I thought to myself, "good gracious at least they're done!" They caught me, still with water dripping over my forehead, and trying to change. We chatted for a bit. Yes, while they were naked. Yes, while the guy was somewhere. They even wanted to shake hands to say goodbye, and i thought that was really unhygienic. So, i tried to ignore and acted as if i remembered forgetting one more item that i haven't packed. I left the hostel with no intentions to go back ever again.

Notes: Accommodations are actually the least of my worries whenever i travel. Just as long as i have a bed to sleep in, i'm good. If you have experienced hostels like this one, kindly share them so everyone reading would know, where not to stay next time!

I woke up and decided i needed to get my foot moving. I went up to the concierge and booked a shuttle going to to KLIA2 where i will ride a transit to Putrajaya. I haven't been there yet, and i'm quite excited to travel around. There was free breakfast so i took advantage of the toast, butter and jelly. I arrived at Putrajaya station and booked a taxi to travel around for 2 hours. My driver was dead tired, and needed a cup of coffee on my next stop. We went to all the best places, like the PICC, the marina, and the best mosques you will ever find in Malaysia. There were a lot of couples doing their pre-nup shots so that was great that i was able to take their photos as well. My driver was courteous to me, and i would have given him a tip but i was saving money big time. I didn't even got his name.

It was a good trip and i paid 75 ringgit for the 2 hours spent roaming around. After which, i went straight to ride the transit going to the airport. I wanted to avoid the rush hour. I met a Filipino couple who were lost somewhere in between. Some stranger gave them the wrong direction.

The trip going back home was to Sri Packers was unimaginable. I befriended the driver and guide, and decided i tell them about my home country. Long story short, i have a guest going to the Philippines soon, and were heading North of the county. Guess where???

I left the next day bound for Kathmandu. It was still scorching hot, and glad that the flight went well. Everybody was clapping once we arrived at the capital city of Nepal.

I'll write soon. I had 2 big bottles of Gorkha beer and 1 Everest at one of the best bars in Thamel, Kathmandu but was totally forgettable, so imagine how lousy i am writing this. Cheers!!!

P.S. Tonight was totally cold.

I arrived last night at the huge KLIA2, around half past ten in the evening. It was a very long walk to get to immigration. That's how vast the new airport is. After flying on a delayed Air Asia Zest flight from Manila, all i wanted to do was just relax in my bed, or bunk bed for that matter and doze off. This is my first stop on this new adventure, and i wanted to start refreshed and energized.

It's my seventh or eight time to fly to Kuala Lumpur, but i must say this particular flight was the best landing I've experienced. I told the cabin crew to tell the pilot "Nice landing!"

Good thing my rented iTunes movies kept me busy during the turbulent flight to the city. It has been raining heavily the past few days here. And we were advised that it's gonna be bumpy as we approach Kuala Lumpur airspace.

Last night, a couple of local Malaysians were watching PK, the new Amir Khan movie. I wanted to watch and join them but the subtitles were in local language. That would be a waste of time for me. They were all laughing all throughout the movie. Must have been a really funny movie.

Convenient that 7-11 is right next door Sri Packers, so i bought 2 cans of Tiger beers at around 10 ringgit each and enjoyed the rest of the night. Good investment after a very long day, i must say.

I hope Mary and her friend will still have the time to visit the city. The Finnish girls who came in late at night just flew in to the city after a month in Thailand. I really hope they can come visit the Philippines soon.

That's it for now. I'm home alone here at the 10 mixed dorm room at Sri Packers, and i'm just killing time. It's burning hot outside so i'm taking shed in the air conditioned room. I'm planning to go to Putrajaya later today as i haven't been there yet. Let's see how things pan out later.

Oh, i just remembered how fantastic it is to see the Petronas Towers from the window of the plane. It is out of this world. Beautiful Malaysia!!!

I arrived at the Hostel c/o my taxi driver who likes to call himself Bruce Lee. ha ha ha Oh, Malaysia. You always surprise me. :)

https://ihavebedbugs.com/bed-bug-bites.htm

STORY: One of the cons of traveling cheaply around South East Asia is risking yourself staying at a dodgy place. To save cost, proper maintenance becomes questionable. Although recent studies show that whether you're staying in a cheap hostel or a fancy hotel, you can still be bitten by this.

It's bed bugs. To be honest, prior to my trip to Kuala Lumpur, i haven't heard of it. And i haven't experienced it. I've heard about bugs, but never bed bugs. The closest thing that i know of was a bug that bit hard my dog before.

I've stayed in numerous hostels around the Philippines and in South East Asia, yet i haven't experienced it. But this time, i wasn't lucky.

I arrived in Kuala Lumpur from the bus departing from Singapore. I got a very good recommendation that this hostel called Haven Guest House along Bukit Bintang was a star. I saw a leaflet/brochure and the rooms look neat, and the hostel was spacious.

I arrived at the Haven hostel. It was about less than $8/night. Not bad at all, plus i could see not a lot of people were staying then when i got there, so even if i book a dorm bed, chances are i wouldn't be spending nights with too many people. Apart from the huge second floor, and the interiors all made of wood, I got a feel of living in a cabin - very homey. The rooms are so dark at night, that going to take a leak in the bathroom is like walking as a blind man. The fan rooms weren't really working. I was just wearing my boxers, and i was sweating profusely. There weren't any windows, so it was a bit suffocating.

The next day as soon as i got up, i noticed that my right arm was a bit itchy. I grabbed my towel, and i was off to hit the shower. As soon as i took off my shirt and looked in the mirror, there it was red island like patches on my right arm. The spots were very red, and it made me worry a lot. I didn't take it too seriously. I thought that it's one of those instances were you sometimes get rashes but nothing to worry about. I washed my arm with clean soap and water. Soon after, swabbed some alcohol. And the OC that i am, i immediately went for my off lotion.

When i got to the hostel again after a very long day, i decided to change bunk beds just to be sure. Maybe, the mattress wasn't clean. The next day, my arm looked worse. The red patches now reached my back and i was beginning to worry about a skin infection, or worse a disease. I was scratching the whole day, and i was very worried about my condition. I was contemplating on calling my father who's a physician but i knew that would be the end of my trip. For sure, he would tell me to fly out to Manila the ASAP.

I met up with the two american backpackers i met in a bar and i showed the gravity of the patches in my arm and back. Everyone in the table, a couple of Malaysians, some English and the Americans said.. "BED BUGS". Right there and then, i was able to grab first hand information on the 101's. And it was an absolute confirmation that i got sucked.

The next day, i woke up early in the morning and left Kuala Lumpur for Southern Thailand. I was dismayed and very disappointed. I saw it as a sign that i need to move on now. I am traveling pretty slowly anyway. The night after, i woke up scratch-free. There were some signs of red patches but as days pass by it disappears quite easily.

I wrote this story to warn people to actually inspect very carefully where to sleep. I know the sound of $2 bed is like jackpot but if it means having to dread about the suckers, i don't think its worth it. The really awful feeling is that the haven hostel in KL was very clean, very neat, it looked very well-maintained. And after a month of traveling to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, this is the only place where I've stayed that i suffered this rash. I mean, I've been to the shadiest, spartan rooms in South Thailand and i didn't get this. It's definitely safe to say, you really can't tell.

So to help people out and spread the word, let's get thing straight...

What are bed bugs?

Bedbugs (or bed bugs) are small, elusive, and parasitic insects of the family Cimicidae. They live strictly by feeding on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. The name 'bed bug' is derived from the insect's preferred habitat infesting houses and especially beds or other common areas where people may sleep.[1] Bedbugs, though not strictly nocturnal, are mainly active at night and are capable of feeding unnoticed on their hosts.

Bedbugs are bloodsucking insects. They are normally active at night just before dawn, with a peak feeding period of about an hour before sunrise. Bedbugs may attempt to feed at other times if given the opportunity and have been observed feeding during all periods of the day. They reach their host by walking, or sometimes climb the walls to the ceiling and drop down on feeling a heat wave. Bedbugs are attracted to their hosts by warmth and the presence of carbon dioxide. The bug pierces the skin of its host with two hollow feeding tubes. With one tube it injects its saliva, which contains anticoagulants and anesthetics, while with the other it withdraws the blood of its host. After feeding for about five minutes, the bug returns to its hiding place. The bites cannot usually be felt until some minutes or hours later, as a dermatological reaction to the injected agents, and the first indication of a bite usually comes from the desire to scratch the bite site. Because of their natural aversion for sunlight, bedbugs come out at night.[8]

Most observed bites consist of a raised red bump or flat welt, and are often accompanied by very intense itching. The red mark is the result of an allergic reaction to the anesthetic contained in the bedbug's saliva, which is inserted into the blood of its victim. Reactions to bedbug bites may appear indistinguishable from mosquito bites although they tend to last for longer periods. Bites may not become immediately visible and can take up to nine days to appear. Bedbug bites tend not to have a red dot in the center such as is characteristic of flea bites. A trait shared with flea bites is tendency towards the pattern of sequential bites often aligned in rows of three. This may be caused by the bedbug being disturbed while eating and relocating half an inch or so farther along the skin before resuming feeding. Alternatively, the arrangement of bites may be caused by the bedbug repeatedly searching for a blood vein. Sourced from here

Just in case you think you were bitten by bed bugs (hopefully never) and find yourself scratching red patches anywhere in your body, I found 7 simple solutions to help you get rid of this rash.

TIPS:

1. Don't scratch, i know a few scratch here and there won't hurt a bit. The more you scratch the more chances the area will get infected.

2. Wash the affected area with soap and water just to make sure, the area is clean.

3. Swab cotton buds with alcohol on the affected area to make it infection-free.

4. I've researched and found out it actually helps. Tea tree oil is very helpful. Mix tea tree oil with water and spray it directly to the affected area. Smells good and chances are you won't get sucked again.

5. Products like Calamine lotion and antiseptic cream are said to help sooth the affected area.

6. If you've slept on a bed bug infested bed, don't sleep there anymore. These parasites are very good at hiding. Even if you'e cleaned thoroughly the bed, chances are they will get back at you that night.

7. And lastly, don't worry, it's not life threatening. It may be irritating, and it looks like you need to worry, but it's not the end of the world. Move on, and charge it to experience.

Murugan Statue of Batu Caves, Malaysia

ALL-TIME FAVORITE POST FROM 2008 RE-BLOGGED: When i went to Kuala Lumpur for the first time, i had the opportunity to visit one of KL's most astounding landmarks. Back on that day, i had a choice whether to travel to Genting Highlands or the Batu caves. I chose the latter because it was the perfect place to be blessed. I still have a month worth of travels ahead of me so i need all the prayers.

To get to Batu caves, one may ask the hostel/hotel concierge for directions, travel agencies along Bukit Bintang have information regarding bus schedules to and from the area, or you can do it your way which i did.

After a few minutes of walking from my hostel, i arrived at the Batu Caves.

Entrance to the limestone hill of Gombak district

1. How to get there?

Batu Caves is 13 kilometers north of the capital city. In order to get to Batu Caves, you must need to arrive at the bus station in Lebuh Pudu. Hop on the number 70 and 349 bus, which leaves every 30 minutes. You can also hire a taxi which will make your trip a whole lot easier or if you must, bus number 11 and 11d leave for the spot as well. There are also buses bound for Batu caves at the infamous Puduraya Bus Terminal. The route is open from 7AM till 9PM. You can also hire a taxi, agree on the price and relax on your way there.

2. What to bring?

If you think going to the caves will be a breeze, it's not! It was noontime when i arrived, and it was scorching hot. I wore a black shirt, which was really not a good idea.

Try to wear light clothing, preferably cotton. Carry with you a small backpack or a sling bag, and a good pair of sunglasses. Bring the essentials like a bottle of mineral water, some mint, and don't forget to charge your camera batteries because you will be surely taking so many photos. All of these are available at the peak, but mind you, it's going to be ridiculously expensive.

Steps leading to the cave complex of Batu

3. Keep fit

It's 272 steps to get to the entrance of the cave. And climbing up via steep, narrow steps is practically a challenge. You can stop after a few hundred steps just like me, and like everyone else. Batu Caves is 400 meters long and 100 meters high, so be prepared. Sleep early and avoid smoking.

Prepare for a very warm trip inside

4. Don't feed the monkeys

This sacred place for the Hindus is also home to long tailed-macaque monkeys. Even if peanuts and bananas are sold at the shops, don't even think about it! One funny but life-threatening experience i had was once i reached the caves. I bought a coca cola to quench the thirst. As i was drinking, i suddenly noticed the monkey slowly approaching me. I knew right there and then, they were going for my cola. With images of monkeys scratching my arms to rabbis and the movie Outbreak, i threw the can to their delight. I hurriedly went down after that. Gee!

Pigeons' day off around the Batu Cave complex

5. The view from below is better than the view from above

This is just my personal opinion but the experience could have been better if not for the cheeky stalls selling souvenirs and overpriced camera batteries. Moreover, it could have elevated the trip if it was the time of the Thaipusam festival, where about 800,000 devotees and visitors flock the Batu Caves to do penance and sacrifice.

World's tallest Murugan statue in the world

Stay Strong, Malaysia.

STORY: It's heart-breaking to lose someone you love dearly over an accident, yet, it's also tragedy to see one slowly die in front of you. What happened in the past couple of months has become a horrendous nightmare for the Federal Constitutional Monarchy of Malaysia. And i am one with everyone praying so hard for its final conclusion.

I've watched closely the news about MH370 since the day it lost contact from the airport. Things like this make you stop and question why. I was in Manila when this happened, planning my upcoming trip around South East Asia. I've planned to have a stopover in Kuala Lumpur for a flight out. Because of this, I've become so worried i tried my best not to think about it anymore, for months.

I just woke up from a not-so good sleep at my guest house in Inle Lake in Myanmar. I was stunned to find out from an American girl i was traveling with about the shooting down of MH17. I as i drink my cup of tea that morning, i began to have chills down my spine. I will be flying again to Kuala Lumpur by next week. Two airplane disasters from the same airline in a year is far out. "What is happening with Malaysian Airlines?", said by other travelers at the guest house.

This has become a very serious matter for me that time and frequent Asian travelers must have felt the same thing. With a fear of flying, my worrywart mind has kept me ridiculously busy with bad scenarios as i venture out to Shan State of Myanmar and on wards to Yangon. It didn't help that it was heavily raining in Hsipaw, Shan State, Myanmar and the bad weather which continued till my very last day, made my flight out of this world nerve-wracking. I dread that day as i ride the taxi cab to Yangon International Airport for flight bound for Kuala Lumpur.

With angels surrounding the turbulent flight, i arrived in Kuala Lumpur safe and sound. The airport was at its normal pace. Yet, there were only a handful of check in counters for Malaysian Airlines. Kuala Lumpur was at its most beautiful now. I couldn't leave right away. While having a long, seven day transit, i waited for my flight to Sri Lanka.

To this day, i still read about the latest news. I am one with the world, eager to find resolution to an obvious mystery surrounding the two flights. All theories aside, i pray that the cases get resolved soon, all for the families and friends of those who've perished in the air disaster. What they're feeling right now is unfathomable.

Days pass by and slowly I've become even sadder for the Malaysian people. No one wants to fly anymore using the national carrier, Malaysian Airlines, and news of cancellation from tourists visiting the country has made the situation even more worse.

It's not easy to lose someone you love dearly, yet, it's a tragedy to see something die in front of you. In trying times like now, i hope our friends from Malaysia will regain back their pride and glory. In the years to come, all of this will hopefully be put to rest.

REALIZATION: Remember that there's always an end to every beginning, and a new beginning to look forward to. The time will come for this great country, Malaysia, to be free from this bad dream.

Happy 57th Independence Day, Malaysia!

Dan Tuhan Memberkati