We went to Batu Cave on our own. We tried to follow the directions on how to get to Batu Cave in the Lonely Planet guidebook. So we tried the public bus but unfortunately we spent our precious time wandering. We had no choice and it was already late noon so we decided to take a cab.
Batu Cave is a limestone hill, which has a series of caves and cave temples. They are the sacred place for the Hindu's in Malaysia. It took us roughly 20 minutes of travel. Upon arrival, we saw this large wooden frame plastered at the main entrance arch.
On the main grounds of Batu Cave, there are many restaurants and souvenir shops that you will see.
Batu Cave consists of three main caves and a number of smaller ones. The caves are made of limestone and 400 meters long and 100 meter high.
An Audio tour is available to visitors. At the base of the hill are two more cave temples - the Art Gallery Cave and Museum Cave both of which are full of Hindu statues and paintings.
The highlight of festivities held in Batu Caves is the annual Hindu Festival of Thaipusam, which attracts devotees and the curious tourist and spectator to the caves. Many devotees carry kavadis, large frameworks with various metal skewers and hooks, which are used to pierce the skin, cheeks and tongue. So, if you're feeling adventurous and fearless go visit this place during the festival.
On our way to the upper cave, there was a sign posted to alert the visitors.
To reach the cave, we completed the 272 steps. Phew!
I got quite nervous of all the long tailed-macaques greeting everybody at the staircase. I stopped for a while when I suddenly caught sight of a monkey looking at me intensely (as if he has a devilish plan ticking on his head). But thank God, his attention was diverted when someone came up.
Finally, i got the chance to snap some quick photos. But I was really holding my breath hoping he won't notice me. :) Fortunately, this long-tailed brat was too busy munching. These monkeys are very aggressive and a little mischievous, so be careful!
here's another one looking for food
The best known and biggest cave is the Temple Cave or Cathedral Cave. Upon entering into the dark cavern, we saw a long vibrant streak of light coming down from the cave ceiling.
Inside the 100m vaulted ceiling, there were several Hindu shrines and idols lining the cave walls on both sides. I saw Hindu couples carrying their child for some sort of religious ceremony or possibly a part of a purification ritual. There were also many Hindus offering prayers to their revered deities.
We climbed for another short flight of stairs to see the inner cave.
Batu Cave is located in Gombak District about 13 km. north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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