Our first stop was the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM). We didn't really anticipate this stop on our trip, so no one had any bug spray with them -- which would have been a necessity if we wanted to go on the canopy tour. However, we did go for a short (uphill!) hike to one of the waterfalls on the property. It seems like everyone comes to FRIM to enjoy the outdoors - people were playing tennis, having a picnic, and splashing in the water. It was so hot outside, I was tempted to jump in the water myself!
After relaxing in the very powerful air-conditioning in our little tour van (thank god for a/c!), we headed over to the Batu Caves. Everyone that I have spoken to said that a visit to the caves is an absolute must if you are in KL. While I was not blown away by the temples and shrines inside the caves, the setting was definitely unforgettable! Devotees, and crazy tourists like us, must climb 272 very steep steps to get to the caves. Great exercise, but not the most enjoyable activity on a very hot day. However, the caves were beautiful and the view of the surrounding area was a great reward for the climb!
The Batu Caves are also known for the very aggressive monkeys that live there. Thankfully, we did not have any monkeys try to grab our belongings, but we did see one grab at another visitor's bag. I couldn't resist a picture of this cute little guy!
As in India, no tour is complete without some mandatory stops at various shops. Tour bus drivers must love people like me, because of course, I always have to buy something. We stopped at a batik shop and I picked up several scarves as gifts and a beautiful sarong for myself. Who wants one as a Christmas gift?
We ended the day with a stop at the Royal Selangor Pewter Factory, which has been producing hand-crafted and hand-finished pewter in KL since 1885. We got to take a tour of the factory and see how the various pewter products are made. I was really impressed with the woman who makes the hammered pewter by hand - we got to try it and it is impossible to get the hammer indentations in a line and as close together as she manages to. We also stumped upon the School of Hard Knocks, where visitors can make their own pewter bowl. Of course, I had to sign up for that - I've been craftier here in KL than I have ever been in Raleigh! We learned how to hammer a pewter disc into a bowl, and got our very own graduation certificates - plus a great souvenir!
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