Batu Caves - Malaysia

I got my 1st card of the Batu Caves in 2015, depicting the Thaipusam festival, which is celebrated every year between January and February. 

Last week, I've received a 2nd card from there. Kristiina, a girl from Finland, was on a 6 weeks solo trip in Asia, and sent the card on travel mode. 

Just ten kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves stand as one of Malaysia’s most iconic cultural and spiritual symbols. This fascinating natural site, nestled along the Gombak River, offers much more than a geological spectacle. It is a true living sanctuary of Hindu tradition, rich in history, spirituality and color

MY-726020, sent by Kristiina.

The Batu Caves have a captivating history that begins in the 19th century. Originally, these natural caves were exploited for their limestone and guano (bat droppings, used as fertilizer). In 1891, Indian merchant K. Thamboosamy Pillai had a vision of transforming these caves into a shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war and victory. Today, this site has become the largest Hindu shrine outside India. 

The entrance to the site is marked by the imposing statue of Hanuman, the monkey god, who watches over this sacred place from a height of 15 meters. Visitors then undertake an ascent of 272 steps, at the top of which sits a 43m golden representation of Lord Murugan, inaugurated in 2006. This icon, one of the tallest in the world, symbolizes the harmony between masculine and feminine energies and embodies divine wisdom.
The caves themselves are a true masterpiece of nature. In 2018, their walls were decorated in bright colors, sparking both admiration and controversy. Although some purists have criticized these additions for their impact on the historic authenticity of the site, many visitors appreciate this new visual splendor. 

The Batu Caves become a focal point of activity each year during the Thaipusam festival (...). This Hindu religious festival commemorates the gift of a spear by the goddess Parvati to her son Murugan to defeat the forces of evil. Thousands of worshipers take part in a procession from Kuala Lumpur, carrying “kavadi”, decorated wooden or metal structures, often attached to the body by hooks or needles. These acts of extreme devotion demonstrate the faith and spirituality of the participants. Visitors are always welcome, provided they respect local customs. - in: https://terra-cultura.com

Mulu National Park - Malaysia

It has been more than 2 years since I posted cards from Malaysia. I got 2 cards from there in the last weeks but these two are actually quite old, got them more than 10 years ago. One is an official and the other was sent by Ilyani in 2009 and it was my 1st card of the national park, a UNESCO site since 2000.

 

Photo credits: Sarah Waugh, Jan Castley, J Satem, B Wan Ullok © Perkata

MY-169142, sent by Nurul. 

From top left: forest lined rivers, the Pinnacles, Pagoda flowers, Deer Cave and layered tropical forest.

Gunung Mulu National Park is one of Nature’s most spectacular achievements and the ‘Jewels in the Crown’ of Sarawak’s expanding network of national park. It is also the largest national park, covering 544 sq km of primary rainforest; which is crass-crossed by fast flowing rivers and clear jungle streams. Mulu is dominated by three mountains – Gunung Mulu (2,376 m), Gunung Api (1,750 m) and Gunung Benarat (1,858 m). Yet many of Mulu’s greatest attractions lie deep below the surface. Hidden underneath the forested slopes of these mountains is one of the largest limestone cave system in the world. 

This system, a breath-taking natural wonder, contains a number of record breaking caves. With the world’s largest cave passage (Deer Cave), the world’s largest natural chamber (Sarawak Chamber), and the longest cave in Southeast Asia (Clearwater Cave), it is not surprising that Mulu is now world-famous. Over 200 Km of cave passages have been surveyed but this is thought to represent just 30-40% of the actual total.
The oldest of Mulu’s caves started to form about 5 million years ago when sideways earth movements resulted in the formation of both limestone and sandstone mountains, lying side by side. Millions of years of heavy rain and the action of rivers and running water carved out the vast subterranean system that exists today. The weathering process still continues; dripping water creates new rock features, limestone is slowly worn away, and underground rivers carve and sculpt the caves, transporting limestone debris to the cave mouth or redistributing it within the system.
Although Mulu is the synonymous with caves, the ‘Mulu experience’ is not limited to underground attractions; above ground there is plenty to and do. The is covered in rich primary rainforest and offers a whole range of nature-based activities. There are some excellent jungle treks and mountain hikes, including the challenging trek to view the Pinnacles – 45 meter high, razor sharp limestone spikes that sit majestically on the slopes of Gunung Api. - in: https://www.mulunationalpark.com

Badain Jaran Desert - China

 Getting a card from a  new UNESCO site is wonderful, getting two cards from new UNESCO sites is supreme joy. On the same day I got the Wortel Colony from Belgium, I also got this card of the Badain Jaran Desert in China. This desert is located in the Alashan Plateau in the hyper-arid and temperate desert region of northwestern China and was added to the WHS list in 2024.

 

(...) the Badain Jaran Desert is a meeting point for three sandy regions of China and is the country’s third largest desert and second largest drifting desert. The property stands out with its high density of mega-dunes, intersected with inter-dunal lakes. It displays spectacular ongoing geological and geomorphic features of desert landscapes and landforms which may well be unparalleled. Noteworthy features, among others, include the world’s tallest, stabilized sand mega-dune (relative relief of 460 m); the highest concentration of inter-dunal lakes; and the largest expanse of so-called singing sands (describing the resonance caused for example by wind moving dry and loose sand) and wind-eroded landforms. The varied landscape also results in a high level of habitat diversity, and hence of biodiversity. - in: https://whc.unesco.org

Wortel Colony - Belgium

The Colony of Wortel is part of a unique history of a large-scale social experiment in the Netherlands and Belgium. Together with the colonies in the Netherlands, Colony of Wortel, in Hoogstraten, northern Belgium, has been classified as a UNESCO WHS in 2021. 

I already had a card of one of the Dutch colonies, now I've also the Belgium colony, thanks to Gerda.

In 1822, a Dutch general purchased approx. 532 hectares of land in Wortel. He developed the land, established the free Colony of Wortel there and built small farms to accommodate a large number of poor families. The project was not a success and was shelved after Belgium became independent.
From then on, Wortel-Kolonie became a haven for vagabonds and the homeless. After the Act on Vagrancy was abolished in 1993, the central buildings were refurbished as a prison. The remaining buildings and land were given a new use. The estate, a unique compartmentalized landscape with forests, pastures and monumental lanes, has been protected as a cultural-historical landscape since 1999 (...). Today, it is generally a beautiful place for walks and cycling tours. - in: https://visithoogstraten.be

Lake Constance - Germany

 Lake Constance in southern Germany is one of the largest lakes in Central Europe. Crossing the borders of three countries, it boasts clear waters, charming lakeside towns and historic landmarks.

As a holiday area, the Lake Constance region offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historic charm and cultural experiences.
The major part of the Lake Constance shoreline is in Germany, but there are sections of the lake in Austria and Switzerland. It is around 63 kilometres long and 14 kilometres wide.

 

© Schöning GmbH & Co. KG

 

 DE-9119260, sent by Anne.

The lake is divided into two sections. Upper Lake Constance (Obersee) is the eastern end of the lake and is the area most people would think of as 'Lake Constance'. Lower Lake Constance (Untersee) is the part to the west of Konstanz before the river Rhine flows out of the lake.
Incidentally, Lake Constance is known as the Bodensee in German. If you are a little confused about the names Constance and Konstanz, these probably come from one of the later Roman Emperors who controlled this region. - in: https://www.germansights.com

 

DE-16659809, sent by Marion.

View of the lake seen from Mainau castle.

 

© Schöning GmbH & Co. KG

DE-15386997, sent by Kerstin.

There are plenty of small towns and villages along the German shoreline of the lake, such us Lindau; Friedrichshafen; Konstanz and Überlingen.

Biscarrosse - France

Every now and then I get cards from non-postcrosser friends. My friend Natália went to France two weeks ago to spend a few days with her cousin in Biscarrosse.

 

Biscarrosse is home to some of the most beautiful sites in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Bordered on one side by the ocean and on the other by two large lakes, this beautiful town enjoys an exceptional location offering easy access to beaches and activities.

 

Éditions d'Art

Dunes, pine forests, sandy beaches, crystal-clear lakes... Biscarrosse has it all. Biscarrosse is a lively town all year round, where you can discover the Landes way of life. There's plenty to do in the water, from cruising on Lac Cazaux-Sanguinet to lounging on Plage du Vivier and surfing the waves of the Atlantic Ocean...
The lakes in Biscarrosse are sublime. One of the must-sees is the Lac de Cazaux-Sanguinet. Surrounded by pine trees, this superb 5,600-hectare lake offers a change of scenery for nature walks.
The Lac de Biscarrosse-Parentis is also full of surprises, with its 3,400 hectares. It's the perfect place to take full advantage of all the water activities...
Opinions are unanimous: the beaches of Biscarrosse are among the most beautiful in the Landes. - in:https://www.slow-village.com

CA-1679259

 Medicine Hat is a very curious name for a city. Several legends tell how this city in Alberta got it's name. 

* The Famine Legend: A brave journeyed to the South Saskatchewan River to save his starving people. A river serpent demanded the sacrifice of his wife in exchange for a "holy bonnet" that would give him the power to hunt and survive.

* The Battle Legend: During a conflict between the Blackfoot and Cree tribes, a medicine man lost his headdress in the river, creating an omen that gave the region its name.

 

 

Photo: Len Grant

CA-1679259, sent by Curt.

Once again, Canadian mail services ruined the stamps. Why??!

With its tall spires, St. Patrick's Church has long been a Medicine Hat landmark. Erected between 1912 and 1914 and designed by American architect Manley N. Cutter, it is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival church architecture in western Canada.