In the jungle..

On Wednesday 1st August we explored the depths of a man made jungle just 16km north west of KL city centre! At FRIM (Forest Research Institute of Malaysia) there is a 600 Ha reserve of "natural" tropical jungle - I say natural because in fact it was created by the British in the 1920's! They call it forest, I'd call it jungle. It felt like we were in the jungle anyway. Steaming hot and alive with sounds and awash with smells! There was also a canopy walkway in the tree tops which was pretty amazing. Here are some photos:











After FRIM we went on to the Batu Caves, part of a spectacular limestone outcrop in which there are numerous caves. That largest is of cathedral proportions -it is absolutely massive! This cave is now a Hindu Temple and there are various religious festivals throughout the year. It is a typically gaudy place and somewhat dirty, but you have to see it! It's a hearty climb up the 272 steps to the top (and the geometry of the stairs is very odd for western feet) and on the way you have to avoid the dozens of monkeys scouting for food!