The Arrival:
As a starting point, we choose KL Sentral, because it is easy for everyone to find.
KTM Komuter: With the red line there are eight stops to the Batu Caves. They also mark the final stop. In about 30 minutes you have reached your destination, and the ride costs 2.00 RM. Unbeatable as I think.
Taxi: A cheap cab costs about 25 - 40 RM. Although the distance to the Batu Caves is only 15 km, due to the many traffic jams, it can lead to significant delays.
Bus: I'm not even sure if there is a direct bus line to the Batu Caves, but it is possible to drive from KL Sentral to "Sentul Station" and switch there to the KTM Komuter. This variant is not much cheaper to my knowledge, but it takes longer. Depending on traffic, the bus ride is already about 30 minutes.
We decided to travel by train because it is easier, cheaper and more relaxed.
In Front Of The Caves.
After you have reached the last stop, it is only a stone's throw to the caves. As you leave the train station, you pass a few traders selling souvenirs and bananas to feed the myriad macaques. If you decide to grab some bananas for the monkeys, you should not carry any valuables on the body (camera, mobile phone, handbag, etc.) because the little monkeys are not shy at all. Be prepared that they will "attack" you and take everything they can get their hands. It does not have to be, but it is possible.
Immediately behind the train station, you will find an impressive Hindu statue with a monkey face (appr. 15 m high) and a small temple on your left.
From afar you can see the huge golden statue, and you get a first idea of the dimension of this temple complex. It was awe-inspiring to see this 43m high statue, but it is difficult to describe.
Arriving on the forecourt of the Batu Caves you will find all sorts of souvenir shops, which destroys the mystical atmosphere, but these are the traces of tourism.
The Way Into The Batu Caves
As we approached the foot of the mountain, I felt a sense of awe. In addition to the incredibly colossal statue, many steps rise out of the hill. To be precise, it's 272, and they're so impressive when you think of climbing up them. In the high temperatures, the climb is a sporting challenge.
Due to construction work, the workers carry sandbags upstairs and ask almost every visitor if they can take a sack. Because of the pleading look of the Malays standing in front of me, I agreed to climb up with additional weight. Let me tell you: I was utterly exhausted when I got to the top despite some breaks.
But I had time to look at the goings-on of the monkeys while they are waiting to prey on it. If they could steal something, they vanish up the mountain or in the trees next to the stairs. Pretty naughty the little guys.
Left below the main entrance is a small entrance to the Dark Cave. Since a guided tour is more than worthwhile there, I will write a separate article in this regard.
The Cave
Finally arrived at the top it was time to catch a breath, then to go inside the cave. The rock walls of the main cave rise 100 meters in height, and they are decorated with statues. A small temple invites pilgrims to pray.
One highlight is the annual Thaipusam Festival in January, in honor of the god Murugan. Its statue adorns the entrance to the caves, and thousands of Hindu pilgrims flock to Kuala Lumpur to attend the festival in the Batu Caves. A spectacle that you will undoubtedly never forget as a tourist.
Further inside there are once more stairs that lead you to a clearing. The cave is open up here, which gives you a view into the mostly bright blue sky.
I hope I could give you a little overview of the Batu Caves. It's best to check it out for yourself if you're nearby or planning a trip to Malaysia.
If you like, please also check out my other articles about Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur Part 1
Kuala Lumpur Part 2
Kuala Lumpur Part 3
| camera | HTC Nova |
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