Known as one of the most popular Hindu shrines located outside the borders of India, Batu Caves is a Hindu religious site dedicated to God Murugan. The name of the place is derived from the river of the same name that flows past the hill where the caves are located. It is also known by the name “Hill for Lord Muruga”. While the Hindus flock here due to its religious significance, it is an attraction to the non-religious visitor due to its structure. Batu caves are located on a hill made of limestone where the caves and temples are carved into the stone.
Approximated to be about 400 million years old, the limestone caves were dedicated to God Murugan by an Indian traveller in 1873. The cave complex comprises of three main caves and several smaller ones. The largest and most famous cave out of the lot is the Temple Cave, so dubbed due to housing of several Hindu deities. This cave has a high ceiling, and can be reached only by climbing 272 steps. The other two main caves are located at the base of the hill and are named Art Gallery Cave and Museum Cave. Both these caves depict stories from the life of God Murugan and other Hindu statues and paintings. In addition to these, a cave that is often visited by the masses is the Ramayana Cave. Depicting the story of Ramayana on its walls, there exists a 50ft tall statue of Hanuman – the aide to Lord Rama – on the way to the cave.
Batu caves are open to the public and can be reached by private or public transport. While there are monorails and buses available a plenty, there is no single public transport to take to the premises. An alternative would be to drive, or a rent a car, once again, easily done. There are plenty of rent-a-car services in the area, and some hotel chains, such as Berjaya Hotels and Resorts, offer car renting for their guests. As many of the places that are renowned for being the “Best Hotels & Resorts in Malaysia” are located in the vicinity, finding a mode of transport should not be difficult, and would not prevent you from witnessing this nature’s craft that is revered by man.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+
