Malaysia: A Batu Caves Sidetrip
Pigeons, Lord Murugan and the Batu Cave
We had to say good bye to Impiana Hotel the day after our Genting Highlands and Zouk visit. We were headed to the Cameron Highlands found at the northern part of Kuala Lumpur. It is on the upper tip region of Pahang. And since the road to Cameron Highlands was on the same way as going to Ipoh, Marie suggested that we should make a stop-over at Batu Caves since it’s already on the way even if it wasn’t in our itinerary. Since Nina and I haven’t been there yet, were gladly obliged.
Climbing the 272 steps of the stairs
While inside the van on our way to Batu Caves, Marie shared some info about the cave. The cave is a popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan. According to divine legends, Shiva and Parvati had two divine sons, the stout and younger Genesha and the fitter and older Murugan. The parents held a contest for the brothers. The first one who could go around the world thrice would win the Divine Mango of Knowledge.
Macaque Monkeys roam freely at Batu Caves
The younger Genesha circumnavigated around his parents and said “I don’t have to go around the globe since both of you are my world” while Murugan sped through around the globe three times. The parents were touched by Genesha’s words and decided to give him the Divine Mango. This however made Murugan upset and decided to leave and hide inside a cave forever.
Stairs leading to the upper cave cavity
The limestone hills and caves of Batu Caves are said to be the home of Lord Murugan. That’s why during the Hindu Festival of Thaipusam in Malaysia, it becomes the central point of worship where devotees do a pilgrimage to the cave. Batu Caves has become one the most popular Hindu shrines outside India. And in 2006, after three years of work, Malaysia unveiled the highest Lord Murugan statue in the world. The gigantic golden figure stands at the height of 42.7m (130 feet high) in front of the Batu Cave entrance.
Lord Murugan Souvenirs
We were dropped off near the plaza jump off point towards the cave. We had to climb a steep 272 steps stairs until we reach the actual cave mouth. We weren’t really dressed for the climb at that time since this was an unexpected detour. But since we’re there we might as well explore and enjoy the place. The climb wasn’t really that hard. We only had to stop climbing the stairs on a few occasions to breathe and cautiously avoid the numerous macaque monkeys scattered at the place.
Stairs leading to the upper cave cavity
We got into the first huge cave chamber. A few stalls there selling souvenir items while playing some Hindu music. Cave walls have a few temples and lit up sculptures of the divine family. There’s more stairs leading to the open cave cavity and seems to be the main temple with an impressive and detailed gopura. A smaller cave on the side holds more sculptures inside. There are still more monkeys roaming around here freely.
The upper cave temple
The cave isn’t really for nature seekers as it has been developed to hold hundreds of people inside. I could just imagine the huge crowd as devotees flock the area during the Thaipusam season. We didn’t stay long in the area and was contented on seeing this famous religious Hindu cave and the gigantic sentinel statue of Lord Murugan.
The large chamber as we leave Batu Cave
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Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 8:30 am 
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October 30th, 2009 at 9:25 am
its huge! kasya ilang buildings dyan sa loob
October 30th, 2009 at 9:39 am
been there last 2003 wala pa ata yung malaki statue sa baba, ang baho sa loob diba hehehehe
October 30th, 2009 at 9:46 am
this is what i call an awesome place to take pictures
October 30th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Haha. Onga Allan! Pwede pa ilang structures sa loob.
Elvin, buti di sya masyado ma-amoy nung andun kami, medyo damp air lang.
Hey BW, thanks, and congrats on your win at PBA
October 30th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
If you return, you should make another visit. You can explore the not-so-developed caves nearby. And there is one where you can photography like a ray of light beaming through.
October 30th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
[...] the original post: Malaysia: A Batu Caves Sidetrip | Ironwulf.net: En Route – Best … Tags: 2009, asia, caves, ferdz-decena, hindu, Kuala Lumpur, philippines, photography, religion, [...]
October 31st, 2009 at 1:02 am
This is an amazing destination. Question – do they have accommodations near the cave or one has to go to the nearest city?
October 31st, 2009 at 2:06 am
Haha, bigla ko naalala yung nakaka-LSS na Hindu music!
October 31st, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Thanks Nicholas! If I have time to visit KL again, I’ll explore further and probably during the Thaipusam season.
Hi Photo Cache! Batu Caves is only less than an half an hour from Kuala Lumpur. So it’s okay if you stay somewhere in KL.
Hahaha! Onga Nina, I remember that tune well
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Hi there Ironwolf,
Nice pictures on the Batu Caves. I must have photographed this place over 20 times and still have not even uploaded the pics to my travel blog. I guess after seeing how beautiful the place is from your pictures, I should go look at my old pics. Keep up the great work!
Regards,
David
Malaysia Asia
November 4th, 2009 at 8:31 am
[...] continued on the road to Pahang after our brief stop at the Batu Caves. The ride to Cameron Highlands from Kuala Lumpur was said to take around 6 hours. Somehow it [...]
November 5th, 2009 at 7:14 am
ganda dami pla mapupuntahan sa malaysia
November 20th, 2009 at 9:29 am
[...] A Batu Caves Sidetrip [...]
February 5th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
It’s a beautiful religious site, pero di nila masyado inaalagaan. Madami basura sa loob at medyo smelly.