Batu Caves is one of the most popular sights in Malaysia. These limestone caves are located in the forest, in the Gombak area, near the capital of the country - the city of Kuala Lumpur. The name of the cave is due to the nearby river Sungai Batu and the village of the same name.
Batu caves have a solid age - they were formed about 400 million years ago. For a long time, Batu served as a refuge during the hunt for the local Besish tribe, and in 1878 they were discovered by the American naturalist William Gornedy.
True, there is a version that the first cave was found by Indian merchant Tambusami Pillai in the 1800s and it was he who dedicated the natural sight to the god of Murugan. It is interesting that caves are not only a favorite place for travelers, but also a functioning temple, where a large number of pilgrims come every year. Batu is one of the most famous Hindu shrines outside of India. It is here that the highest statue of the god Murugan, the second son of Shiva, who is worshiped by the southern Tamils, is located.
Beginning in 1892, Tamil Taipusam Festival takes place in Batu caves in January, in which more than 1.5 million pilgrims from all over the world take part. It is worth noting that this is a very original festival, sometimes seen here very much surprises European tourists.
The procession of believers is accompanied by a battle of drums. Some pilgrims run into a trance and inflict wounds, pierce their cheeks and tongue.
Sami Batu consists of three large caves and seven small .The "Dark Cave" is the largest, its length is 2 km, its height is 122 meters .Here you can admire stalactites and stalagmites .The Malaysian Nature Society organizes special educational trips to the "Dark Cave" .In the "Light" or "Temple" cave leads a ladder of 272 steps .Be careful - on the stairs full of arrogant monkeys .Another cave called "Gallery of Art" contains many different paintings and statues devoted to Hindu mythology .The entrance to the Gallery is paid .
Before the entrance to the complex of caves there is a statue of the god Murugan 43 meters high. Its construction took three years, about 24 million rupees, 1550 cubic meters of concrete, 250 tons of steel beams and 300 liters of gold paint, brought from Thailand.
Practical information
By public transport to the Batu caves can be reached from the terminal Puduraya Bus Terminal. Travel time by bus without taking into account traffic jams during rush hour - about 45 minutes. You can also take the metro to Putra Terminal station, and from there take a taxi. Keep in mind that sometimes it's better and cheaper to negotiate with the driver about the return journey than to catch a taxi next to Batu.
You will need comfortable shoes and, possibly, a replacement set of clothes. If you are not a pilgrim, you should not decorate yourself with wreaths and flowers that are sold before entering the caves.
| Batu Caves |
| Inside the cave, Batu Caves |