The Batu Caves are caves with Hindu temples are about 20 km from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. This is a place well worth all know what this means in this part of Malaysia and which textually and imaginatively explore in this blog.

Photography by carolynconner

The Batu Caves on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur:

The Batu Caves are one of the most visited by Hindus outside India. The Batu Caves are dedicated to the god Karttikeya, or also known as Murugan in Malaysia. The god Murugan or Karttikeya, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is the god of war, represented with six heads, fighting against the army of demons with the win, the army of Shiva.

The Batu Caves are limestone caves, such as pools of Pamukkale in Turkey. These formed about 400 million years were discovered in the mid-nineteenth century when Chinese occupants of the area went up to the caves to remove accumulation of droppings of bats and birds that lived in the Batu Caves for use as fertilizer. However, it was not until K. Thamboosamy Pillai found the place that decided to make the caves a temple dedicated to Lord Muruga. It is said that the impressive entrance of the cave was the inspiration to make the temple Pillai. Interestingly Pillai also built the temple in Kuala Lumpur Sri Mahamariamman is interesting to visit while on a liturgy.

In 1890 Pillai the first temple known as Temple Cave and in 1920 he set up the first wooden stairs, which are then replaced by 272 steps as those currently found in Batu Caves.

Stairs and caves:

With a gigantic image of the god Murugan at the foot of the stairs in this area there are several caves to be visited with guides. Before reaching the top of the stairs you will see a small detour to other smaller steps, there is one of the caves can be visited. The aim of these expeditions is to go 45 minutes in the cave and watch in complete darkness and aided by guide animals that live in it, basically bats, beetles and other insects.

The stench of bat excremeto is quite strong in some parts, so if you want to experience strong emotions, we recommend you prepared, for example, has the right shoes for the visit and some jersei because inside of the cave’s cold. Follow the guidance and care if you bring your own face in the head because they may attract bats if they illuminate directly.

Photography by Simon_sees

The monkeys of the Batu Caves:

The real attractions of the Batu Caves are the baboons living in these mountains. These monkeys are real thieves do steal anything to get food or drinks that lead over the visitors. Therefore, if you care to Batu Caves with the monkeys because they can become dangerous.

Other people are dedicated to feeding the monkeys, but also can be a relatively dangerous activity if the monkeys want to take food from your hands. Normally, if you do not bring food and do not mind the monkeys do nothing. Still, careful with your personal items like sunglasses, among others.

Photography by saragoldsmith

How to get to the Batu Caves?

In our case we went by taxi, although we had been told that there were buses (11/11d and U6) or a train, however, decided to go there in the most flexible as possible so we can choose our origin (Petronas Towers) and destination ( in that case was the Little India of Kuala Lumpur).

By Taxi Travel time is about 30-40 minutes and the price is around RM 15-18. On the way we asked to put the meter and cost (including tip) 18 MR. On return, the negotiations were much tougher, however, eventually found a taxi driver who took us for the price closed at 18 also. Also, put the meter to show us that we were paying the right thing.

Good trip to the caves!