BATU CAVES
Batu Caves is an
iconic and popular tourist attraction in Selangor. Site of a Hindu temple
and shrine, Batu Caves attracts thousands of worshippers and tourists,
especially during the annual Hindu festival, Thaipusam. This natural attractionis a limestone hill that has a series of caves and cave temples in the Gombak district, 13 kilometers (8 mi)
north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
It takes its name from the Sungai Batu or Batu River, which flows past the
hill. The cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, dedicated to Lord Murugan.
It is the focal point of Hindu festival of Thaipusam in Malaysia. A limestone outcrop
located just north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves has three main caves featuring
temples and Hindu shrines.
The biggest, referred
to as Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave, has a very high ceiling and features
ornate Hindu shrines. To reach it, visitors must climb a steep flight of 272
steps.At the base of the hill are two more cave temples, Art Gallery Cave and
Museum Cave, both of which are full of Hindu statues and paintings. This
complex consists many of the shrines relate the story of Lord Murugan's
victory over the demonSoorapadam. An audio tour is available to visitors.The
Ramayana Cave is situated to the extreme left as one faces the sheer wall of
the hill. Paintings and scenes of Hindu Gods can also be seen walls of this
cave.
Below the Temple Cave
is the Dark Cave, with rock formations. It is a two-kilometer network of
relatively untouched caverns. In order to maintain the cave's ecology, access
is restricted. The Malaysian Nature Society organizes regular educational and
adventure trips to the Dark Caves.Its main attraction 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. There are
various undeveloped caves which contain a diverse range of cave fauna,
including some unique species, such as Liphistiidae spiders and Eonycteris and fruit bats.
The site is also well known for its numerous macaques,
which visitors can feed. Batu Caves is a place where you should not miss on
your next visit to Malaysia.
HOW TO GET HERE
By Car or Taxi
Batu Caves is accessible by car or taxi as it is situated beside the main highway of MRR2 in Batu Caves area.
KTM Komuter
There is also the KTM Komuter train service from KL Sentral to Batu Caves.
Monorail and Bus
From KL Sentral, take the monorail service to Titiwangsa station. Alight here and take the bus to Batu Caves.
WHO TO CONTACT
Tourism Info Line
Phone: 1300
88 5050
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