Situated just outside Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia lies a mystery, a well sought after adventure, The Batu Caves.
First it’s getting there. Now there are so many options like taking a taxi or train or by car obviously, but they know how to screw foreigners over big time with the taxis, so the best advise I would give is: travel like a local, see like a local and eat like a local. Best adventures ever.
Taking the train is about 40 minutes ride and it drops you right off at the caves, it was efficient and a ticket costs us 2 MYR one way. The trains are forever changing the departure times, and are never on time to head to the caves, still cheaper than a cab though and super clean. You can take the train literally everywhere, to central downtown, to the tourist attractions and big shopping malls and many other places.
Entrance into the one cave area is free, the one where the Munugan Statue resides. There are plenty of places to explore around there, you can go up to the prayer room where a Buddha is present, but you have to leave your shoes at the bottom. It is an amazing experience, you can see how the Hindu Culture is portrayed, and how similar but different their beliefs are. Many people give merit and donations, to be blessed by the Monk or the Priests. Some an exquisite view to witness. The pictures below show the people giving out merits to the Monks.
After the temple you can walk around different stalls, I would describe it as kind of like a market vibe, but a little on the expensive side, this is on the way to the caves. Once you reach the caves you will see Lord Munugan standing gold and tall, he sure is a magnificent view and of course the famous stairs to the top.
It is a popular tourist destination, so it is hard to get pictures without the crowds. The stairs are pretty steep, and a long way up. But all worth it at the top. If you aren’t wearing anything that covers your shoulder and knees, then before you enter you are given a wrap around as shown in the pictures above. They look very traditional and smart and you are allowed to wear your shoes. There is a prayer vicinity up at the top, in the cave so that is why we were given those wrap around.
Now if you are not fit, like me then getting to the top can totally be a mission, but all worth it for the splendid view on top.
Once inside, it is indescribable at how gorgeous the creation of the caves are. They are such a beauty of nature that its mesmerizing. And to top it all off this part of the cave is free to enter. It is massive inside lined with limestone and natural formations. There is plenty of monkey’s to see and feed and a lot of roosters confused at the times. You can explore the caves all you want, and head deeper in where a Buddha is situated at the top. It is simply beautiful to see.
The formation of the caves are unique and amazing.
The monkey’s and the birds waiting for snacks.
The prayer room.
When you exist this cave, going down the stairs again to your right you will see another entrance leading you to another cave, there you can take guided tours deeper into the caves for a fee though. After you have finished exploring the caves and reach back down to the bottom of the stairs, you have to hand your skirt back in and you can continue exploring around. There are quite a few places to see.
Exploring the caves was majestic and magical, it is definitely worth climbing those 272 stairs to the top and back down again.
xoxo
C.v.t
My Travel Adventures 