kuala lumpur

From Krabi, I flew to Kuala Lumpur, where I stayed for just one night before heading to Penang Island. After exploring there, I eventually returned to KL. One of my favorite spots was the Botanical Garden, where I spent quite a bit of time wandering among the greenery. It was peaceful, refreshing, and I treated myself to a fresh guava juice, which was exactly what I needed in the heat.

But the real highlight came next: I happened to be in Kuala Lumpur during Thaipusam, the Hindu festival celebrated at the Batu Caves. It’s hard to put into words — the energy was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Tens of thousands of devotees, many dressed in bright yellow, gathered to climb the steep steps into the caves, carrying offerings or even performing acts of devotion like piercing their skin, cheeks, or tongues with spears and hooks. The sound of drums and chants filled the air, mixed with the scent of incense and the sight of towering kavadi structures carried on people’s shoulders.

It was overwhelming, chaotic, and absolutely mesmerizing. Standing there, watching the stream of people climbing towards the giant golden statue of Lord Murugan, I felt like I was witnessing something both deeply spiritual and incredibly intense — a raw mix of faith, endurance, and celebration.