Reality check! I realized that if I were a travel writer, had sponsors on my site, and generated my income through what I write, I’d feel a bit of pressure to describe Kuala Lumpur and Batu Caves differently.
Yes, Kuala Lumpur has a thriving economy evidenced by all the high rises going up, cranes adorning the skyline in every direction and transportation hubs highly efficient. And Batu Caves has some amazing qualities and features.
Must see??? Have to see?? Those are clearly marketing terms. Two ladies from Germany asked me what they “should” see in Bali? I have no ideas what their interest are or how they travel or what experience they want.
If you feel called to go visit a place, go! Make it up as you go. There is no site on the internet than can substitute for your first hand experience! GO!
Kuala Lumpur before:
I was here 7 years ago. I started traveling over 30 years ago. My experience was of seeing a lot of places before they were “discovered” and made popular. My memory of Starbucks in downtown Seattle is one filled with a fragrance, coffee jars adorning a wall and a quaint but friendly and welcoming spot.
My memory of Sedona is of a small village soon to be thrust into world wide attention. I was there when camping was allowed and welcomed just past the mouth of Boynton Canyon and parking was free.
Jackson Hole once existed before the first McDonalds, I witnessed that village.
In the evenings on Caye Caulker,Belize, locals came out around sunset, sat on the stoop of their home and talked with everyone. Those were the days when the businesses on the island were locally owned, friendly and moved slow. Then satellite TV came in and everyone stayed indoors. Investors arrived and bought properties and became concerned about turning tables rather than getting acquainted with a new visitor.
Change is everywhere! Daily, I’m reminded to let go of what was and stay present with what is! It’s a challenge.
Visiting Kuala Lumpur, the change is unmistakable! Transportation has improved, more commercial shopping centers have arrived, and a focus has been turned to making money.
Batu Cave:
The trip to Batu Cave is an example. My first adventure there required two buses. Once there, you had to walk a considerable distance to reach the entrance. In short, getting there took some effort or payment to a tour. Crowds were light. Lines were short. The experience was intimate.
Now, trains leave Central Station stopping right beside Batu Caves. Cost is roughly 50¢ US to get there. Exiting the train station takes you through stands of people selling food or trinkets. New attractions have been added so while visiting Batu Cave is free, the attractions are not! It’s taken on a Disney feel.
Lines snake up the hill. Even early in the day, it’s crowded! Packed really!
Buckets of sand are handed to people as they pass the statue of Lord Murugan and begin walking up 272 steps. I thought it was some sort of religious ritual? It wasn’t there before.
It is not a religious ceremony but a construction aid. Visitors transport up sand being used for new construction inside the cave.
Inside was a construction site?! Wet, noisy and confusing. It appeared that some of the shrines were gone and new construction was taking place.
The once present feeling of reverence and stillness was replaced by hammering, crowds and confusion! Still, tons of people visit here.
My favorite part was the art gallery in a cave beside the train station. The energy here was lovely and it told the history of Rama.
Here are a couple links if you want to read more:
Batu Cave: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batu_Caves
Ramayan Cave: http://bit.ly/2xMZlvb
My challenge has been to set aside previous experiences and expectations and allow the places I’m visiting to be what they are now! I’m working at seeing things from fresh eyes, as if experiencing them for the first time.
What a great practice that is! It’s challenging but certainly rewarding! And the reality is, things are exactly as they are! Let go, it is what it is. A great practice indeed!
I love your thoughts here. It’s easy to assess your thoughts about any place by the past or an experience. It’s much less stressful to accept the present and “what it is” and “what it can be”. It allows enjoyment without judgement. And this mindset is way less stressful, unless you’re driving between Cheyenne and Denver on I-25. LOL.