- Address: Batu Caves, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
- Phone: +60 1-300-88-5050
- Website: tourism.gov.my
- Cost of visit: free of charge
- Working hours: daily from 7:00 to 21:00
Batu Caves - one of the most interesting sights of Malaysia . Annually it is visited by more than 1.7 million tourists and pilgrims. The caves are in Kuala Lumpur and are famous for several facts . For example, the Hindu temple, located in caves, is the largest beyond the territory of India.
What you need to know about the caves of Batu?
Batu's caves are a unique place. On the one hand, it is the most famous Hindu shrine in the world, and on the other - it is an ancient natural attraction. Scientists agreed that these limestone caves are more than 400 thousand years old. Their strength inspired some Indian merchant to build in one of them a temple to the god of Murugan. This happened almost 200 years ago, and the pilgrims who started visiting the temple were the first to pay attention to the beauty of the limestone mountains. Today photos of picturesque caves of Batu are among the most popular in Malaysia .
Today Batu is a temple complex, to which a long staircase leads. Near it stands a statue of Murugan 43 meters high. The very same staircase is also decorated with various religious statues and compositions. Rise on it will be interesting and informative, and if you are tired, you can relax on one of the sites specially equipped for this.
The four main caves of Batu
The temple complex includes about 30 caves, but the main only 4:
- Ramayana Cave. Her visit will be a good start to travel around Batu. It is located next to the main entrance and is dedicated to the life of the god Rama, therefore it is decorated with numerous characters of the Indian epic. Most recently in the Ramayana restoration has come to an end, thanks to which now there is a high-quality and modern decorative lighting. It enhances the effect of the unusual atmosphere in the cave. Moving between the statues, tourists quietly find themselves in two waterfalls that merge together (Hindus see this as a sacred meaning). The entrance to the cave itself costs about $ 0.5.
- Light, or Temple Cave. It is in front of her is a tall statue of the god Murugan. In his hands is a spear, which emphasizes his vocation to protect people from demons and other evil spirits. By the way, the 43-meter statue is the highest in the world, dedicated to this god. A large staircase leads from it to the Temple Cave itself. Its name was given to this place thanks to several Hindu temples built here at different times.
- The dark cave. It can be reached only by climbing the stairs. It differs significantly from the others, which can be understood by reading the sign. In the Dark Cave, flora and fauna studies have been conducted for a long time: here they are so unusual that they are interested in scientists from all over the world. Today, the Dark Cave is a natural monument. It is in it that lives a rare species of spider, which tourists can meet. Therefore, many travelers do not dare enter here. Entrance to the Dark Cave for adults costs $ 7.3, and for children - $ 5.3, which by local standards is quite expensive. Also remember that you have to spend on a helmet, without which the entrance is not recommended here.
- Cave Villa. It serves as a museum. The cave itself is located at the foot of the mountain, so the path to it does not go through a long staircase. On the walls of the Villa are murals in the form of scenes from the life of Murugan. In a separate room there are paintings depicting mythical characters, some of which are also presented in the form of statues on the stairs leading to the main part of the temple complex. In the cave there is another hall where local reptiles are exhibited.
Interesting facts about the caves of Batu
Going to the caves of Batu, it will be useful to know some information about the sights:
- The staircase, which leads to the main cave of Batu, consists of 242 steps.
- For the statue of the god Murugan was spent about 300 liters of gold paint.
- In the temple complex there are a lot of monkeys that will accompany you throughout the tour . Some of them ask tourists for food, and they can do it quite aggressively. Therefore, it is better for animals to not show it, then they will show an extremely friendly interest to you.
- In the caves of Batu for many years in the period from January to February, the Taipusam Festival is held. It is also dedicated to the god Murugan. The event can be attended not only by Hindus, but also by tourists. Believers are always happy when other guests join the temple.
How to get to Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur?
The tour to Batu caves usually starts from Kuala Lumpur, as the landmark is only 13 km away from the capital. Knowing how to get to the Batu caves by public transport , you can do it yourself. It is worth using one of the options:
- KTM Komuter (local train) - you need to take the Kuala Lumpur station and get to Batu Caves. The ticket will cost about $ 0.4, and the journey will take 30 minutes;
- buses Nos. 11, 11D, 13 - you need to sit down on the street Pentaling, and get off - at the same stop Batu Caves. The fare is about $ 0.52.