Saturday, March 20, 2010

Batu Caves

This giant caves were first discovered in 1878 by the American William Hornaday. Today the caves are the main tourist attraction. You have to climb 272 steps to reach the main cave which is called The Cathedral or Temple Cave. This cave is 180 meters long and 100 metres high. This enormous chamber has some openings in the vaulted ceilings, and the day light creates a magic feeling. At the bottom of the Light Cave is a Hindu temple. On our way up to the cave, and inside the cave, you will find statues depicting Hindu mythology. 




Another cave is The Dark Cave, not open for tourists, which is 400 meters long with the ceiling more than 100 meters above the floor and a two kilometre long network of caverns. 

The Batu Caves are among the holiest Hindu shrines in Malaysia. Once a year, in January or February, the Hindu Festival at the Batu Caves called Thaipusam is held. The festival is celebrated all over Malaysia and in Singapore. Up to 800,000 devotees and tourists come to the caves during the festival. This is a festival of faith and endurance; it combines the celebration of Lord Subramaniam, the youngest son of Hindu god Shiva, and the union of Pusan and Brihaspati stars.  

Address: Batu Caves Sri Subramaniam Temple, Selayang