It is a general truism in life that things go in and out of fashion. Crags are no exception to this and some of us have been around long enough to witness the cyclical blessings of the KL based rock climbing public fall on the various walls in Batu Caves. Crags that are in fashion tend to be more well cared for, like any favourite child, they’re livelier, better equipped, brighter and generally less grubby when compared to neglected climbing areas.

Nanyang has been through more ‘deaths’ and revivals than the rest, probably because it is one of the oldest crags in Batu Caves. It’s fallen out of favour several times over the last few years for reasons of neglect, nearby construction works, limited access, sanitary problems and the opening of several other walls (Damai and Nyamuk).

Through the diligent efforts of Man Dyno (the most hard working bolt-meister in Malaysia) and the GreenTrekkerz (GTZ) gang, Nanyang is currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity, or a rebirth of sorts. There are eighteen new routes, new anchors, a new access path which avoids the quagmire in front of the temple and they cleaned the place up! Credit where it’s due, they have done a good job of it. The new routes range from 5b to an possible 8a, although most of them fall in the 5c – 7a range. The new routes are reasonably well bolted with expansion bolts and the anchors look solid (two bolts, a chain and two snapgate biners).

The Nanyang revival was announced to the world on the 10th and 11th of January 2009 with a fundraising “Fun Charity Climb”, organized by the above mentioned GreenTrekkerz. The turnout was said to be “excellent” with more than a hundred people attending over the course of the two days to raise funds for the Kirtash Handicapped and Disabled Children’s Home. The even raised RM3375 for the charity organization, more than double the original target of RM1500.

The atmosphere of the whole event was fun and convivial, rather reminiscanet of a baby shower or child’s full moon celebration. All in all, a rather wonderful way to celebrate the rebirth of a much loved crag.

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Contributed by Fang

Thanks to Akandos for the pictures