Kuala Lumpur Excursions
Temple in Batu Caves © thomaspix
Batu Caves
Stalagmites and stalactites festoon the interior of these
impressive limestone caves together with the Hindu shrines that
honour their deities. The caves were discovered by the American
explorer William Hornaby in 1881 but have since become associated
with the celebration of Thaipusam, a three-day religious festival
during January/February. Thousands of devotees flock to the caves
during the festival to pay penance and undergo rites of
self-flagellation that are fascinating to observe. The largest of
the caves, Temple Cave is reached by climbing 272 steps to its
entrance from which a path leads to Museum Cave - housing a
dazzling display of ornamental religious art. There is a clear view
from the top to the Subramaniam Swamy Temple, set within a large
cave that extends for 262ft (80m).
Transport: There are regular trains from Kuala Lumpur Station, and buses 11 or 11D leave from Pudu Raya Bus Terminal;
Admission: A small entrance fee is charged
