Batu Caves, Malaysia

Batu Caves is a limestone hill with a series of caves with built-in temples in the Gombak District, north of Kuala Lumpur. This is one of the most famous Hindu shrines outside of India and is the site for the famous Thaipusam Hindu Festival in Malaysia.

It is, without a doubt, my favorite part of this April’s Malaysia trip. :)

The Batu Caves is dedicated to Lord Murugan. His statue is the focal point of the place. Behind him is a 272-step staircase leading to the cave temples.

I wasn’t kidding about the monkeys. There really are a lot of them in Batu Caves. Even pornographic ones like the pair you see here. :P

When we went, a cute little blond girl got really scared of the monkeys when one of them ran over to her and started hugging her leg, prompting her to cry to her mommy. It was the most adorable sight. :P

Batu Caves, Malaysia.

More colorful Hindu statues :)

Batu Caves, Gombak District, Malaysia.

Upon reaching the topmost flight of stairs, you will be rewarded by this magnificent view…of yet another flight of stairs :D Isn’t it just the most beautiful thing ever?

One thing you need to remember when going to Batu Cave is to bring an extra set of clothes. When we went, water was pouring in from the limestone cliffs, resulting in rain showers inside the cave. On top of that, there are a lot of monkeys and birds joining you as you climb up and once you’ve reached the topmost part of the place. Needless to say, you will come out of the Batu Cave experience ten times smellier than when you came in. So take it from one traveler to another—bring clothes!

One of the many colorful Hindu statues in Batu Caves.

You have to traverse a steep flight of stairs (272 steps!) before you reach the cave temples :) The view beyond is spectacular!

I love how these Hindu statues are so colorful. :)

Batu Caves, Gombak District, Malaysia.

Trip to Malaysia

One among the many quaint shops we passed riding around Melaka, Malaysia’s historical city. :)

View from the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

One of the few Catholic churches in Melaka, Malaysia.

A traditional Malay Hut in the Malay Village in Melaka, Malaysia.

The famous traditional (and ubercolorful) tourist rickshaws of Malaysia. They usually have an electric fan, a radio and designs that range from stuffed toys, paper flowers to barbie dolls. We rode these in pairs around Melaka, the historical city of Malaysia. It’s a three-hour drive away from Kuala Lumpur, and is the melting pot of the predominant cultures inhabiting Malaysia—the Malays, Indians, and Chinese.

Last photo related to the Batu Caves—that is, until I find myself back there again :D

Here’s the view from behind the giant hindu statue :)

Koi fishpond at Genting Highlands in Malaysia.

The Flying Fiesta in Genting Highlands’ theme park is a feast for the eyes. So colorful! :)

Genting Highlands, Malaysia.

The view from Gentings Highland, Malaysia.

Philippine Lighthouses

Batanes in Lighthouses

Well, there are really only two. At least, in Batan Island anyway. Because of the tsunami alert, travel to Sabtang and Itbayat islands were prohibited by the local coast guard.

The first we visited was the non-operational Diura Lighthouse in the Diura Fishing Village.

And the Naidi Lighthouse, which offers the best view of the sunset.

Batanes, Philippines

I love taking shots like this. Hahaha.

Diura Lighthouse, Batanes, Philippines.

Entrance to the Diura Lighthouse

I love Batanes’ stone structures.

Batanes, Philippines

Diura Lighthouse

The lighthouse in the Diura Fishing Village is no longer operational, but on the day we arrived in Batanes it happened to be open! Now that’s what I call lucky. We went all the way up the top where we were afforded a 360-degree view of Batan Island. Amazing!

Batanes, Philippines

Trip to Ilocos Norte

Sta. Monica Church in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.

The interiors are just as stunning as the facade.

Sta. Monica Church in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. Our travel guide told us that the Marcoses had the cathedral restored when the daughter, Irene, got married. You can’t blame her—this church is gorgeous. (Photo of interiors on the next entry!)

The quaint Museo ng Ilocos Norte. If you want to bring home a bottle of the famous vinegar Ilocos is known for, you can buy some at the museum store. You cannot leave Ilocos without it.

Paoay Church, Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

The magnificent Paoay Church is one among the Philippines’ many cathedrals. It is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Definitely a must-see on your first trip to the Ilocos Province.

Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

Trip to Ilocos Sur

My favorite part of Simbahan ng Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur

Simbahan ng Sta. Maria in Ilocos Sur.

Simbahan ng Sta. Maria in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. Taken from the cemetery behind it. The place is HUGE.

Simbahan ng Sta. Maria in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur.

The Sta. Maria Bell Tower.

Steps leading to the Simbahan ni Santa Maria in Ilocos Sur.

This is how a traditional loom looks like.

A loom weaver at work in Sibangan Cove. They made the prettiest tapestries. :)

Vigan Cathedral. Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Lucy’s Antique Shop along Crisologo Walk, Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Furniture sold along Crisologo Walk in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Get the full Vigan experience by riding a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) :D

Crisologo Walk, Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

One of the many gift shops lining Crisologo Walk in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Crisologo Walk, Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

“Seeing” Ilocos

Learn to SEE edges. Learn to SEE spaces. Learn to SEE relationships of objects. Learn to SEE light and shadow. Learn to SEE the whole or gestalt.

-Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

Traveling is all about noticing what tourists neglect paying attention to.