Selangor / Attractions / Batu Caves
Photo: The cave interior of one of Batu's Caves
First discovered
over 100 years ago, the Batu Caves have never ceased to
attract visitors. Only 13 km north of Kuala Lumpur, they consist
of three main caves and a number of smaller ones.
The best
known of these caves is the Temple Cave, a large cavern with a
vaulted ceiling about 100 metres above the floor. To reach it
one has to climb 272 steps, a feat performed by many Hindus on
the way to the caves to offer prayers to their revered deities.
Every year, on Thaipusam, as many as 800,000 devotees and other
visitors may throng the caves. As a form of penance or sacrifice,
many of them carry kavadis. These are large, brightly decorated
frameworks, usually combined with various metal hooks and skewers
which are used to pierce the skin, cheeks and tongue.
A little
below the Temple Cave is the Dark Cave, a two-kilometre long network
of relatively untouched caverns containing a large number of cave
animals, including several found nowhere else in the world! Access
to this cave is restricted and permission and guidelines must
be obtained from the Malaysian Nature Society.
At the foot
of the steps is the art Gallery Cave, in which are displayed statues
and wall paintings depicting Hindu mythology. Access is via a
concrete walkway spanning a small lake and nominal entrance fee
is charged.
Local buses
to Batu Caves can be boarded at the Pudu Raya Bus Terminal in
Kuala Lumpur.
Other attractions
in Selangor:
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