Kuala Lumpur The Batu Caves
Feb 03, 2012 7 Comments There are a lot of tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur. So many that we haven’t even tried to see them all. But we chose a few highlights to enjoy during our month here. One of these was the impressive Batu Caves.
Batu Caves Entrance
Guarding the entrance to the Batu Caves is a 43 meter high golden statue of the Hindu diety Lord Murugan, followed by a staircase of 272 steps. I’m not sure which is more formidable. Regardless, the caves themselves were breathtaking! The ceiling is a towering 100 meters high, and extends through multiple caverns. The inside of the caves has been leveled and cemented with stairs, so walking through it is easy.
Inside the Batu Caves
At the cave’s end was a Hindu temple where priests were accepting food offerings and performing rituals with paint and fire. A mystical and reverent spirit was in the air in that impressive setting.
Hindu Priest
On our way back down the stairs, we took a tour of a second cave known as the “Dark Cave” which is home to the endangered trap door spider, poisonous centipedes, several varieties of bats, large cockroaches, snakes, and more. This tour was optional and the only part of the trip that cost money, but we thought it was worth it. There were some beautiful formations in the cave, a smooth and sparkling limestone wall, and giant stalactites and stalagmites. At one point when we all turned out our flashlights, complete darkness came instantly, and all you could hear was the chirping of the bats. It was fun to feel that for a minute, but I’m glad I had a working flashlight.
The Dark Cave
After exploring the caves, we had a nice Indian lunch, and then the girls had a henna artist decorate their skin. Emily had one painted on her foot, and Marie on her hand.
Emily's henna
Marie's henna
We really enjoyed the Batu caves. Tomorrow, they’re celebrating the huge festival of Thaipusam, an eight hour pilgrimage where men pierce their skin with large metal hooks to which they attach ropes and pull heavy decorated carts on wheels. We won’t be witnessing that, but we’re impressed with the devotion.
Check out the video below for more footage and pictures of our time at the Batu Caves.
Brandon Pearce
Brandon is a location independent entrepreneur, musician, worldschooling father, and the principal author of this blog. He's all about reaching his potential and enjoying life to the fullest in each moment.
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I liked the sparkling cave wall quite a bit. There is just something really magical about caves in general. Fun to visit and experience. It makes for an amazing natural Hindu temple, that’s for sure. The Indian lunch was delicious and very welcome after climbing up and down all those stairs. My legs felt like jelly. It was interesting to watch the henna artist too. Such pretty designs.
You know me and sparkly things… I’d love to see that sparkling wall. In the dark cave, do they ever have visitors who are attacked by any of the venomous spiders, snakes, or the bats which call it home?
The free-hand henna art is really beautiful. How long did it last?
Ha, I have been to this attraction before. Have you guys seen the monkeys when you climb up the stairs.
Yes, they were great! :)
Magical. I went to Timpanogas cave once. I saw water.
@Paul LOLOL
The girls’ henna is beautiful. I assume they do that free-hand…? Incredible. What cool pictures!
And yes, LOL to Paul’s comment.