Batu Caves is a an iconic and popular tourist attraction in Selangor.
Being the site of a Hindu temple and shrine, it attracts thousands of worshippers and tourists, especially during the annual Hindu festival, Thaipusam.
The main attraction of the this place is the large statue of the Hindu God at the entrance, besides a steep 272 climb up its steps to finally view the stunning skyline of the city centre.
Monkeys frolic around the caves, and it is a popular spot for rock climbing enthusiasts.
A limestone outcrop located just north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves has three main caves featuring temples and Hindu shrines.
The Batu Caves takes its name from the Sungai Batu, which flows past the hill. It is also the name of the nearby village.
Paintings and scenes of Hindu Gods can also be seen in the Ramayana Cave.
Of the various cave temples that comprise the site, the largest and best known is the Temple Cave, so named because it houses several Hindu shrines beneath its high vaulted ceiling.
How to go
Batu Caves is easily reached by KTM Komuter train using the Batu Caves-Port Klang Route, costing RM2.30 for a one-way journey from KL Sentral.
★ KTM Komuter: Take the KTM Komuter and stop at the Batu Caves KTM station. It is about 5 minutes walk from the Komuter station.
This place may also be reached by bus 11 and 11D from Bangkok Bank Terminus (Near to Puduraya Bus Terminal) or bus U6 from Titiwangsa Bus Terminal.
Pictures and surroundings
The limestone forming these special caves is said to be around 400 million years old. Some of the cave entrances were used as shelters by the indigenous Temuan people (a tribe of Orang Asli).
It was promoted as a place of worship by K. Thamboosamy Pillai, an Indian Tamil trader.
He was inspired by the vel-shaped entrance of the main cave and was inspired to dedicate a temple to Murugan within the caves.
In 1890, Pillai, who also founded the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur, installed the murti (consecrated statue) of Sri Murugan Swami in what is today known as the Temple Cave.
Since 1892, the Thaipusam festival in the Tamil month of Thai (which falls in late January/early February) has been celebrated there.
In August 2018 the 272 steps were painted, each set of steps painted in a different range of colours.
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