To get to the climbing area, visitors can opt to use the main roads in front of Batu Caves and through the housing estate, or travel via the route that goes through the village behind Bolton Industrial Park. The latter is by far the more "scenic" route, so to speak. After entering the village area proper, smaller cars would have the advantage of easily weaving past the parked vehicles at the sides of the lane, with the occasional gentle humps, running chickens and other household pets to slow you down on your way.

The scene at Damai is quite different from other climbing areas. The grounds, for one, have been purposely levelled out by the local municipal council, and two "huts" set up for climbers' convenience (especially in seeking shelter when it rains). There are even public amenities like washrooms built next to the parking area for vistors' convenience. Food stalls can be found scattered around the village area, within walking distance from the wall.

And everyone digs the giant rock at the mouth of the cave. People have wondered what it would be like if it ever popped out of its hole, but thankfully (and hopefully) no one would have to witness that catastrophic event... yet.

Being predominantly limestone, the routes at Damai could look quite crumbly at the first glance. However, the rock has somewhat stabilised over the few years, and what was loose and wobbly have mostly been peeled off by the various climbers (which could either be good news or bad news, depending on how you look at it). Of course, caution is most wisely advised when one has to put full weight on what looks like a thin flake. It would be these moments where experience - and a little faith - would be most helpful when choosing your holds.

The vegetation on the rock face is slowly growing back despite a good clean up of the wall a year ago during its development. Tree roots and tree trunks can be part of a climb if they are in the way, especially when there is just no other part of the wall that is showing through the vertical timber. This is where slings would come in handy as extra protection on climbs!

With vegetation comes lots of soil and loose dirt which cover the various ledges, bomber holds and crimps. This can be quite cumbersome to climbers who try to look for positive grips to pull up, only to find soft, gunky compound digging in their fingernails. Patrons who climb the wall for the first time would almost always find themselves covered in dirt and moss, and many a time "eewwww's" can be heard from above!

The variety of climbs is amazing. Ranging from easy 5c's to enduring 6c's, there is always a challenge waiting for each climber. The routes are about 20 to 25 meters on average, and multi-pitch routes are a real enticement for those who want to go beyond ground level. For an average 6a climber, it's almost intimidating powering up the first 6a+ pitch, then continue on the second pitch - a sharp, crimpy and balancy 6b route - and ending with a most forgiving 5c at the top of the rocks with a breathtaking view as a reward.

What sometimes is most interesting at Damai, though, is the people who frequent the site. Many climbers from neighbouring countries like Singapore and backpackers from Thailand would do a pit-stop in Kuala Lumpur, and by word of mouth, via a website or with a guide, find Damai an absolute joy. Even the local climbers come back time and again to do the pleasurable routes, and regulars can be easily recognized - like the serious climbers who constantly push their limits on the multi-pitch routes, the ones who relax in comfort on their home-brought pillows, and the weekend crankers with their ice-cold drinks from the cooler.

So should you come around Damai for a climb or just passing through, enjoy not only the climbs, but also the "extras" that make it a very unique place of sporting bliss.