0
0
0
0
0
We just returned from a short weekend trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KL). We mostly went for some sweet quality time with friends. However, Saturday morning we had about a half-day of free time and we decided to do some exploring. We had heard that the Batu Caves, located about 15 km outside of downtown KL were beautiful, and an interesting cultural experience, so we set out to see for ourselves!
The first thing we noticed as we approached the cave is an enormous gold statue of Lord Murugan (a Hindu deity). It stands at an impressive 42.7 meter (140 feet) and is the tallest Lord Murugan statue in the world.
The climb to the top is 272 fairly steep stairs. I made sure my Garmin Vivofit was counting steps (I wanted to get credit for this!) and we started the climb.
We came expecting that the climb would be quite difficult, but it seemed like no time until we were at the top! You can certainly break up the climb by turning around and taking in some sweet views of KL. Our friend good friend Kristin was practically jogging up it in an attempt to avoid the entire troop of monkeys that was lining the stairways. While I find them quite cute, it should be noted that these monkeys can be quite territorial, and also are known to be mischievous thieves. So, guard your belongings carefully, and avoid trying to pet the monkeys.
Having reached the top, very sweaty and slightly out of breathe, we were able to take in the caves. The area inside is impressively large. Unique rock formations draw your eyes up to the sky which is peeking through a large opening in the cave ceiling. There is a Hindu temple in the middle of the top cave. We were able to observe several people performing Hindu religious ceremonies, and I was convicted by how little I knew about Hinduism. All in all, visiting the Batu Caves was a great experience that combined the beauty of nature and the culture of Malaysia into one half-day adventure!
How to get there: Being as we were traveling as a group of 3 adults plus a baby, we decided to taxi from our hotel near the city center. The cost was 25 Ringgit (MYR) to the caves and 30 MYR back to downtown. If you have more time than money however, there are train and bus options to get you from the center of KL to the Batu Caves for around 4 MYR per person. There was quite a bit of traffic as we approached the caves due to the Hindu festival – Thaipusam and one would be well-advised to use public transportation during this time of year. It is said that over a million people visit the Batu caves to give Thanksgiving or pay penance during this festival which occurs in January or February each year.
