Batu Caves, Malaysia

Batu Caves is a limestone hill with a series of caves with built-in temples in the Gombak District, north of Kuala Lumpur. This is one of the most famous Hindu shrines outside of India and is the site for the famous Thaipusam Hindu Festival in Malaysia.

It is, without a doubt, my favorite part of this April’s Malaysia trip. :)

The Batu Caves is dedicated to Lord Murugan. His statue is the focal point of the place. Behind him is a 272-step staircase leading to the cave temples.

I wasn’t kidding about the monkeys. There really are a lot of them in Batu Caves. Even pornographic ones like the pair you see here. :P

When we went, a cute little blond girl got really scared of the monkeys when one of them ran over to her and started hugging her leg, prompting her to cry to her mommy. It was the most adorable sight. :P

Batu Caves, Malaysia.

More colorful Hindu statues :)

Batu Caves, Gombak District, Malaysia.

Upon reaching the topmost flight of stairs, you will be rewarded by this magnificent view…of yet another flight of stairs :D Isn’t it just the most beautiful thing ever?

One thing you need to remember when going to Batu Cave is to bring an extra set of clothes. When we went, water was pouring in from the limestone cliffs, resulting in rain showers inside the cave. On top of that, there are a lot of monkeys and birds joining you as you climb up and once you’ve reached the topmost part of the place. Needless to say, you will come out of the Batu Cave experience ten times smellier than when you came in. So take it from one traveler to another—bring clothes!

One of the many colorful Hindu statues in Batu Caves.

You have to traverse a steep flight of stairs (272 steps!) before you reach the cave temples :) The view beyond is spectacular!

I love how these Hindu statues are so colorful. :)

Batu Caves, Gombak District, Malaysia.

Trip to Malaysia

One among the many quaint shops we passed riding around Melaka, Malaysia’s historical city. :)

View from the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

One of the few Catholic churches in Melaka, Malaysia.

A traditional Malay Hut in the Malay Village in Melaka, Malaysia.

The famous traditional (and ubercolorful) tourist rickshaws of Malaysia. They usually have an electric fan, a radio and designs that range from stuffed toys, paper flowers to barbie dolls. We rode these in pairs around Melaka, the historical city of Malaysia. It’s a three-hour drive away from Kuala Lumpur, and is the melting pot of the predominant cultures inhabiting Malaysia—the Malays, Indians, and Chinese.

Last photo related to the Batu Caves—that is, until I find myself back there again :D

Here’s the view from behind the giant hindu statue :)

Koi fishpond at Genting Highlands in Malaysia.

The Flying Fiesta in Genting Highlands’ theme park is a feast for the eyes. So colorful! :)

Genting Highlands, Malaysia.

The view from Gentings Highland, Malaysia.