Batu Caves Sri Subramaniam Temple remain a very significant devotional site for Hindus. From the Batu Caves Kuala Lumpur is located about eight miles to the north making transportation to this famous tourist and religious site easy. Stretching about 1,300 feet in length and 300 feet in height, the history of the caves dates back to 1892 when they were first discovered. Buses leave on the hour from Pudu Raya Bus Terminal and take visitors directly to the caves. Malaysia tours are also offered for a more in-depth explanation of the Batu Caves.

Thaipusam, one of the most important annual Hindu events, draws thousands of the curious and devout to the Batu Caves in Malaysia. This festival happens in the tenth month of the Hindu calendar, usually around the end of January. The colorful festival sees people flocking to the area carrying kavadis which are wooden poles vibrantly decorated and carried on the shoulders by devotees. Kavadis consist of offerings to Hindu gods and act as a fulfillment to Hindu vows. When seeing them for the first time they make a lasting impression as the devotees pierce their bodies with needles and hooks to hold the kavadis in place.

There is a procession which leads to the Batu Caves Kuala Lumpur Sri Mariamman Temple hosts on the evening before the Thaipusam festival. Here the Hindus do their penance believing that this will draw favors from the Gods. Most women carry silver jugs brimming with milk on their heads and some are pierced through their tongues and cheeks. The kavadis are hooked onto the devotees and some use limes, coconuts or oranges. This is really quite a sensational sight to see! More often than not a group of relatives accompany the kavadi bearers in a parade while singing songs, dancing and playing instruments such as the flute and drums. When they arrive at the Batu Caves Malaysia Swamis then remove the hooks and spears completing the vow.

Malaysia Map

Outside of the Batu Caves Kuala Lumpur displays the most southerly lying outcrop of limestone in the northern hemisphere. At the Batu Caves Malaysia hosts an abundance of wildlife both inside and outside the area. Upon approaching during your Malaysia holiday the 272 stairs leading up to the entrance of the Batu Caves will leave you in awe. Once inside the main cave, which is the largest and called Temple or Cathedral Cave, you'll see a shrine of the Hindu deity Lord Subramaniam. Inside the Batu Caves Malaysia tourists can see a gallery filled with wall paintings and clay figures that depict figures and scenes in Hindu mythology.

Just below the Temple Cave is the Dark Cave which is a network of dens that many believe to be mostly undiscovered. To enter this particular part of the Batu Caves in Malaysia Nature Society members must give their permission first. When visiting this famous site during your Malaysia vacation you can get some shopping in at the souvenir stands near the foot of the cave or try dining on some delicious Indian cuisine from the many vendors.

When visiting the Batu Caves Kuala Lumpur visitors can also hop on a bus from Chinatown at the Lebuh Pudu station. This can be a great way to take advantage of things to do in Chinatown before visiting the caves to make a full day trip. The caves remain one of top tourist destinations in Malaysia along with others such as the Petronas Twin Towers, Mount Kinabalu and the Taman Negara National Park. Note that when you visit the caves there are tons of Long-Tailed Macaque monkeys surrounding the area. Locals will try to sell you peanuts to feed them but be warned that they are pests and will often climb hurriedly up your legs to get at the snacks!