Batu Caves, located just north of Kuala Lumpur, is a magnificent limestone hill complex famous for its caves and Hindu shrines. The name is derived from the nearby Sungai Batu (“Stone River”). The limestone formations themselves are about 400 million years old, but the site gained prominence as a religious location in the late 19th century through the efforts of K. Thamboosamy Pillai, a Tamil trader.
The entrance is dominated by a colossal, golden statue of Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war, standing 42.7 meters tall, making it one of the tallest statues of its kind globally. To reach the main shrine inside the Cathedral Cave (Temple Cave), visitors must ascend a steep flight of 272 colourful steps. The cave features a stunning high ceiling, allowing natural light to illuminate various Hindu shrines.
Batu Caves is the focal point for the annual Thaipusam festival, a major event for Tamil Hindus worldwide, usually held in January or February. During this intense celebration, devotees show devotion to Lord Murugan by carrying elaborate offerings called kavadis, often involving acts of penance. Besides the religious significance, the site is also popular for rock climbing on its sheer limestone cliffs.
