Batu Caves: Discover the vibrant Hindu temples near Kuala Lumpur

Some eight miles north of Kuala Lumpur, you’ll find Batu Caves, one of the most important Hindu sites in Malaysia.

The enormous limestone caves are home to a series of shrines and temples dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Murugan.

Once used for shelter by the indigenous Orang Asli people, the caves were discovered in 1878 by the American naturalist William Hornaday.

Thirteen years later they were turned into a shrine to the Hindu deity by the then-leader of the Tamil Hindus, K Thamboosamy Pillai, because the caves’ entrance resembled the tip of Lord Murugan’s spear.

Today some one million people visit the caves during the Thai Pusam festival, which takes place every January/February to mark Lord Murugan’s victory over the powerful demon Surapadman.

I wasn’t prepared for the gobsmacking sight that awaited me as I arrived at the entrance to the caves – a 141ft golden statue of Lord Murugan, Malaysia’s tallest statue, and a very bright, very colourful Hindu temple.

It’s a dazzling spectacle and makes an unforgettable first impression.

I was so in awe of the impressive sight before me that I wasted no time in setting off up the 272 colourful steps that lead to the caves’ entrance.

The staircase climb was very steep and very busy, and I had to dodge a lot of people on the way up posing for photos.

Inside, the huge cavern is dominated by a delightful, elaborately decorated Hindu temple, while the walls are adorned with statues of Lord Murugan and other Hindu deities.

I walked down the steps in amazement. Not only was the cave itself spectacularly beautiful, but the vibrant temple and statues added to its natural charms.

At the far end of the chamber, there’s a set of stairs leading to a second large cave where there’s another big colourful Hindu temple, as well as more statues.

I was amused to find a couple of chickens climbing the rocks (above) – they were a welcome, unexpected surprise.

Having had a good look around, I made my way back down to the entrance (above), taking care to avoid the many macaques that plague visitors on the staircase looking for food and goods they can help themselves to.

I enjoyed our trip to Batu Caves, they’re extraordinary and quite unlike any other caves I’ve been to.

The fascinating site is well worth visiting from Kuala Lumpur.