Batu Caves is a major tourist attraction in Selangor, Malaysia. It is one of the sites you should not dare miss when you are on a Malaysian exploration.
Location and How to Get There
Batu Caves is a short distance away from Kuala Lumpur. It is 13 kilometers north of the country’s capital and can be reached via Ipoh Road.
Aside from hiring a taxi or a private car rental, you may also ride a public bus to Batu Caves.
If you are traveling from downtown KL, you must depart early in the morning or before noon to avoid traffic. The road becomes less congested after the rush hour, which is usually around 10 o’ clock in the morning.
What to See There
Batu Caves is remarkable. It is not just about one cave but about three main caves and a couple of smaller ones. Those caves present varying adventures that every kind of tourist would surely appreciate.
There is the temple cave, which has amazing rock formations. Stalagmites and stalactites are truly interesting in this cave as they make intricate formations that are certified eye-candies. You can also find a couple of animals while exploring the temple cave, also known as the Dark Cave.
There is also the Art Gallery Cave, which contains a collection of statues and painting that showcase Hindu heritage. A pond with several colorful fishes can also be found as you walk into the entrance of the cave.
Batu Caves is also widely popular as the location of Thaipusam Festival. Annually, it draws some 800,000 Hindu devotees to participate in the colorful celebrations. To experience this site at its best, it is ideal that you time your visit during the festival.
History
Batu Caves was first discovered in 1891 by William Hornaby, an American explorer. About ten years later, local Indians persuaded the authorities to permit them to use the cave as a place for their worship. As the plea was approved, a shrine was built in honor of Lord Murugan. After some more years, another shrine was added, this time in honor of deity Ganesh.
Cost
Admission to the Batu Caves is free. There are no costs you need to prepare for to see this spectacular site.
Other Info
Thaipusam Festival is held annually, during the tenth month of the Tamil Hindu calendar. It commemorates the birthday of Lord Murugan and celebrates the victory between good and evil. During the festival, a procession starts early in the morning. The festive mood does not subside until late in the evening.
