The 2012 Hindu Thaipusam festival, culminating at Batu Caves just north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was a phenomenon unlike any other I have witnessed. At times it felt as if I had truly walked into the pages of National Geographic magazine. A longer post describing Thaipusam in more detail along with pictures of the event is forthcoming. In the meantime, enjoy this “Faces Series” concentrating on the day’s proceedings.
[…] I arrived in Manilla and met three other backpackers who also wanted to head north. After an amazing few days checking out the coffins, caves, and rice terraces in Sagada and Bontoc, we made our way back to Manilla on a long night bus journey. A few fitful hours of sleep later we hopped back on a bus for the couple hour ride to San Fernando. What greeted us was a scorching sun and a procession that is unique to the Philippines but that also reminded me in some ways of the Thaipusam festival in Kuala Lumpur. […]