Port Klang is the closest cruise terminal to Kuala Lumpur,
called KL by the locals. There are no
markets or sights in Klang, so be prepared for the hour commute into KL, the
federal capital of Malaysia.
We are familiar with KL since I lived in the area while we
built a new cellular telecom network.
However, much has changed in the past twenty years. Malaysia wanted to be a first-world economy
by the year 2020. The people have
improved the economic and the living conditions, but still have room for
improvement. Still, it was a very
pleasant surprise – except for the jam.
Traffic in KL is almost like a living thing, the jam moves,
grows, and blocks traffic. Don’t go
anywhere in a hurry, and always carry something to read and a bottle of
water. Take a ship tour in Malaysia (we
do not recommend a private guide), the ship will wait for your tour to return
to the dock. A private guided tour can
easily be delayed in the jam and you may miss sail-away.
Our first stop on the tour was to Batu Caves, a Hindu temple
built in the limestone hills near KL. To enter
the caves, you must climb 285 steps – the same to exit the caves. Don’t try the climb if you have any physical
disabilities. There is no elevator or help
available. Watch the monkeys because
they are watching you… Don’t carry
anything in a plastic bag because the monkeys will try to steal it. The locals carry food offerings into the cave
in plastic bags.
The steps to the cave are narrow, wet, and dirty. Take your time and enjoy the view – and watch
the monkeys. Be sure your knees are
covered. If not, you will be stopped at
the entrance gate and told to rent a scarf to cover your knees. When you exit the gate, the attendant will
take your rented scarf and refund part of your deposit (5 Ringgit to rent, 2
Ringgit will be refunded for the scarf).
Like most places in Malaysia, there is a charge to use public restrooms. Carry change or one
Ringgit bills (25 cents). There are no
facilities, or water, in the caves. It’s
a Hindu place of worship.
Our tour included a visit to the museum, a visit with lunch
at the top of the KL Tower (1379 feet), and a stop at the Petronas Twin
Towers. Unfortunately, it rained most of
the afternoon and we had a limited view from the KL Tower. Our stop at the Petronas Towers was during a
rain shower so it was a quick visit.
 |
| City view from KL Tower |
With the afternoon traffic and the wet roads, our return to
the ship took ninety minutes.
Anita, your Cruise Holidays travel expert, can give you more
information about our visit to Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
