Sungai Chandong Kechil

We are in Malaysia now. Malaya achieved Independence on 31st August 1957 from the British, and Malaysia was formed with the inclusion of Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore, on 16th September 1963. Singapore seceded from Malaysia in August 1965 to become its own country and has been extremely successful. Malaysia is still working towards becoming a modern country, with Kuala Lumpur being its center of spreading infrastructure and modern buildings.
Malaysia has a monarch, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (He who is made lord.) He is elected by the Conference of Rulers, comprising the nine rulers of the Malay states, with the monarchy rotating between the nine rulers, making Malaysia one of the world's few elective monarchies.
The monarch is muslim, and by law, all official Malaysian are muslim. There are many proud Malay people who choose not to be, and their rights to practice their own religion protected by the constitution as long as they don't interfere with anything muslim.
Kuala Lumpur was an extremely important port for spice trading until WWII, when rubber, tin and palm oil became its most important commodities. It was occupied by the Japanese during WWII.
Our adventure today started with a bus ride to the Royal Selangor Pewter factory.
This company produces many of the award statues, trophies, and heavy drink steins for the world. We had no idea! With tin being so plentiful in the area, it is a logical place to manufacture pewter. After a tour of the museum and factory, we were invited to make our own pewter bowl, using the original method of hammer and wooden form. We both succeeded in making a bowl shaped object, haha, and had a grand time doing it.
Next up was the Batu Caves, a Hindu temple complex built inside a cave., honoring the god Kartikeya. This temple is so important to the Hindu people that most Hindus try to make a pilgrimage here once in their lifetime.
The climb up to the Caves is an extremely steep 272 steps. Not for the faint of heart, considering that it was 98 degrees with 87% humidity. However, we were determined to see it all, so we headed up. We are quite proud of ourselves, as, bad knees and all, we marched up the stairs like champions. And it was so worth it! The temples were magnificent! We are so used to seeing ancient Hindu temples, which are aging stone. These are still painted with such vibrant colors! And the cave itself was beautiful.
After descending the steps very cautiously, we bought the all important magnet and boarded the bus for our trip back to our floating home. What a great day!
Mar Bersulang! Cheers!Read more