Climbing to the Clouds: My Misadventure at Puu Jih Syh Temple☁️🙏

#kotakinabalutrip
So there I was, huffing up 300+ steps to Borneo’s famous **Puu Jih Syh Temple**, when three things hit me:
1) The insane **360° views** of Kuching
2) The smell of **jasmine incense** swirling with jungle humidity
3) My thighs screaming **"WHY DIDN’T WE TAKE THE CAR?"**

### **The Holy Highlights**
🏮 **The Main Attraction**: A **giant golden Buddha** glowing against misty mountain cliffs. Pro tip: Come at sunrise when the fog makes it look *straight out of Kung Fu Panda*.

🙈 **Unexpected Moment**: A troop of macaques photobombed my temple selfie. One tried to steal my water bottle—apparently even monkeys need hydration for their monkey prayers.

🌿 **Hidden Gem**: The **hidden cave shrine** behind the temple (look for the unmarked path). It’s like Narnia but with more joss sticks.

### **Fuel for the Soul (and Stomach)**
After descending, I demolished a bowl of **kolo mee** (springy Sarawak noodles) at the foothill stall. The auntie added extra char siu when she saw my shaky "just-climbed-a-mountain" legs.

### **Quick Itinerary:**
⏰ **6:30 AM**: Start climb (beat the heat + crowds)
⏰ **7:15 AM**: Sunrise prayers with the monks
⏰ **8:30 AM**: Explore hidden cave
⏰ **9:30 AM**: Noodle reward at base

### **Temple Tips:**
- Wear **non-slip shoes** (those marble steps get slick!)
- Bring **small change** for donation boxes
- **Respect the dress code** (knees/shoulders covered)

Puu Jih Syh was equal parts peaceful and pulse-raising. Would I climb those steps again? **Absolutely**—but next time I’m training like it’s Mount Everest. 😂

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**P.S.** Tag your most spiritual (or most out-of-shape) friend! 👇 #templetrekking