It's the Climb! 272 Steps To The Batu Caves

[Oct.15-19, 2014]

Malaysia-Singapore Trip

We woke up early for our 2nd day in Kuala Lumpur to explore the famed Batu Caves. We took the metro and enjoyed a very smooth ride to Selangor, Malaysia. 

When we arrived, we saw this huge 50 ft. statue of a Hanuman god (noble monkey devotee) near the entrance. The whole place was considered sacred with carefully designed temples. It was very quiet and it seemed like we were the only ones there. 

As we walked further on, we saw that there were already hundreds of tourists before us. We even noticed that a wedding was about to take place. And like it was on cue, the bridal car arrives..

Wedding attendees scampered around all excited for the ceremony.

 Since we were not invited, we carried on our way and headed to the base of the hill where the Batu Caves were located.

And yes, the doves were as many as, if not more than, the tourists that day.

Standing a jaw-dropping 42.7 meters (140 ft) high, the world's tallest status of Murugan, a Hindu deity, is located outside the caves.

So here we are, staring at the 272 steps before us..wondering whether or not we could make it. But then we saw people way older than us who make it seemed very easy. It would be such a shame if we wouldn't do it. After all, the caves are what we came for. Let's climb! Oh and before you can start your ascend, you need to be dressed properly. Shorts and miniskirts are not allowed. You have to wear sarongs or long skirts as a respect to this holy place.

 Aside from the doves, monkeys also roam about. Tourists are advised not to get too close to them so as not to agitate them. 

 After almost a hundred steps, we took a breather (heavy breathing with knees shaking and sweating). And then we had this view of the city. Not bad!

And we're almost there. Just a few more steps and...

We have made it to the amazing Batu caves! When the caves were discovered back then, they turned it into a place of worship and later dedicated a temple inside to Lord Murugan. The cave's dome reached as far as 440 feet and the lime stone-wall you can see behind me is believed to be around 400 million years old. Awesome! There are lots of interesting things you can see inside this huge cave but of course, you have to see them for yourselves. 

No need to worry about keepsakes, there are several souvenir shops at the foot of the cave and this store owner was kind enough to pose for a photo with us. Thank you kind sir!

You can also visit the art gallery, the beautiful gardens and temples while you're there.

Don't miss this place when in Malaysia :)