Today's trip was to the Batu Caves, a Hindu shrine in a limestone hill. The caves are pretty incredible. Approximately 1.5 million Hindus make the pilgrimage here each year, making it one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India.
This was one of the first monkeys we saw, and he happened to be hanging out by one of the Hindu women and I thought a picture of both would be neat. I tried to make it look like I was only taking a picture of the monkey, but by the look on the woman's face, I think she was on to me.
Beware: this is the first of many monkey shots. We were just so excited to see monkeys!
The monkeys were all over the place! They are macaque monkeys and most were pretty friendly but I must say, I was afraid a few times that I was going to be attacked by them. Jorgen really wanted to feed the monkeys but when we saw what happened if you
did feed the monkeys, none of us wanted to anymore. They would maul whomever showed signs of carrying or giving away food. They were so smart and quick!
Can you see them perched so contently on the entrance?
But they did not sit for long, they were always moving around so quickly.
This mother was carrying her baby and the baby just clung on so tightly as the mother moved about.
Just hanging out with her baby.
It looks like Justin and Jorgen are simply taking a look at the monkey but this particular monkey was MEAN! Justin was trying to protect Jorgen. Our first experience, and last, at trying to feed the monkeys. He was ready to pounce on Jorgen.
And apparently monkeys do not like coconuts. A few times we saw them throw the coconuts down at the people walking below. It was funny
and scary at the same time. This coconut almost hit us.
Getting ready to climb the 272 steps to the top.
Almost to the top!
About to enter the caves.
Inside the caves were numerous temples where Hindus would go pray and offer things to their gods. It was interesting seeing their way of worshiping.
At the top of the highest cave was an opening to the sky. This picture really does not do it justice. It was beautiful.
There were more monkeys and birds inside the caves.
The main temple shrine.
Justin mistakenly gave the kids a few crackers at the top and then shook off some of the crumbs. Remember I mentioned how the monkeys were smart and quick? A few of them were at his feet in no time and Justin was trying to tell them he had no more and to go away!
Poor Justy, poor hungry monkeys!
Monkeys kept trickling in from the opening at the top.
Can you spot some of them in this picture?
The next four pictures are of a monkey scuffle we witnessed.
This monkey, the one with fangs drawn, was the culprit.
For some reason, all of the other monkeys were mad at him.
They started chasing him away.
More monkeys joined in the chase.
And finally they chased him off the grounds. It happened a few times, each time this culprit would come back and the gang of other monkeys would chase him away. I wonder what he did to make them so mad at him?
A ray of light piercing through the caves.
Coming down from the top cave.
We probably would have stayed up there longer if not for the monkey scuffles. They were getting kind of intense and we want Jorgen to remember monkeys as nice animals, not as vicious, crazy, nightmare-inducing animals.
This monkey made us laugh, just hanging out on an elephant statue. Their tails are so long!
Enjoying a ride on daddy's shoulders.
Oh, and what would a cave be without roosters cock-a-doodle-dooing the entire time?
We definitely we not expecting that.
A local man trying to get us to pay him to get a picture with his python around our necks. If it did not cost so much, I would have done it. Justin, on the other hand, was a little weary and it transferred to Jorgen. He touched it once but wanted nothing to do with it around his neck.
Wearily walking away from the snake!
When you are up in the cave, you feel like you are far away from the city. Once you come out, however, you remember that it's right there.
A temple that was located at the base of the caves.
Justin is afraid of holding snakes and from the looks of this picture, I am afraid of pigeons flying near.
The last two pictures are so funny! I can relate to these macaque mothers!!
Must click to enlarge - ouch!
This totally resembles little miss Shelley:)
We filled the rest of the day with lunch, long naps, the KLCC park, and dinner at CPK! Another great Saturday!
You must develop your talents.
You must NEVER allow your older brother to draw on your face with markers!!
But if it happens, do not worry, we cannot all be perfect ladies all the time.
