In the Gombak district, north of Kuala Lumpur the capital city of Malaysia, the Batu Caves can be found. It is a popular tourist site for those who visit Malaysia because of the limestone arrangements that were believed to have been formed 400 million years ago.
The magnificence of the Batu Caves is attributed to its very ornate appearance and because of this it has become a popular site for rock climbing, and has for long, attracted rock climbing enthusiasts from all over the world. In fact, it offers a total of 160 climbing routes that can be accessed from all areas within the cave.
Believed to hold a history as old as 400 million years, the Batu Caves tell very significant stories and has now become a famous attraction for tourists. It is located 100 meters above ground level and composed of three main caves with a satellite of smaller ones scattered around it.
The Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave is the biggest of the three main caves where the ornate Hindu shrines are showcased. Its ceiling reaches a peak of 100 meters and this can be visited by climbing a total of 272 steps by foot.
The second of the three main caves is dedicated as a Museum and Art Gallery Cave and it can be found at the bottom of the hill. It houses a collection of paintings and statues and was closed to the public until 2008, after it was renovated, and opened as a Cave Villa.
The third and final cave, the Ramayana Cave, is a well-lit portion of the Batu Caves that tells the story of Rama depicted on the walls. Another significant thing to note about this third cave is how some visitors may get the feeling as though they are strolling into the intestines of the evil Kumbhakarann, the brother of King Ravana.
The Thaipusum Festival is an annual event that is observed by all Hindus from all over the globe. During the morning of the Thaipusam, a procession commences at the Mahamariamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur and all devotees proceed to the Batu Caves carrying with them milk, that are to be offered to their god Murugan.
During the Thaipusam Festival a procession commences at the Sri Mahammariamman Temple and then concludes, eight hours after, at the Batu Caves following the pilgrimage of Lord Murugan.
A visit to Malaysia should never be complete without a glimpse of the Batu Caves. Holding much of the history of its people, it is truly an experience you cannot trade for anything else. Consider visiting during the Thaipusam Festival and see the Batu Caves at its best.
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