Batu Caves ROCKS!

Batu Caves ROCKS! Well…at least that’s how I felt of my recent visit to the site. The last time I visited Batu Caves was about 20 years ago! Except for some religious purposes (for the Hindus) there was nothing really one could do at Batu Caves back then… other than to look at and admire some of the odd and unique rock formations.  So when some friends invited me for a half-day ‘excursion’ to Batu Caves recently, I went along because I wanted to see how much Batu Caves has changed.

The 272 steps leading to the 'cathedral' cave (main cave)

 

Lord Murugan statue @ Batu Cave

When we arrived at the main gate of the Batu Caves complex, we were ‘greeted’ by a tall golden statue of Lord Murugan.

Standing at 43meter (135 feet) this is claimed to be the tallest statue of Lord Murugan in the world!

Completed in January 2006, the statue cost RM 2.6 million to build and used 1,550 cubic metre of concrete and 300 litres of gold paint.

 

A family taking a break mid-way the climb.

Now…to reach the main cave, which is popularly referred to as the ‘cathedral cave’, one needs to climb up those 272 steps. But not to worry, the view one gets as one goes higher is worth the climb! Tired? Loosing the breath? Well…take a break! Sit on the step and enjoy the scenery:)

 

 

 

Monkeys roam the steps all the way to the top. Get your camera ready!

 

The last time I was here I could not enjoy this luxury:( It was on a Thaipusam day and there were millions of people (devotees and curious visitors like myself) climbing those steps… all at the same time! I did not even have to ‘try’ to climb…I was literally ‘pushed’ from the 1st step on the ground all the way to the final step on the top… by the crowd! Talk about good ‘vibes’ and ‘energy’…:)

 

 

 

 

An 'opening'.

 

Located at the top of the staircase is actually the main cave.

My friends and I continued venturing deeper into the cave.

The cave formations were really wonderful. Long stalactites hanging down from the ceiling. Stumpy stalagmites rising up from the floor.

I was also informed that these stalactites and stalagmites were indeed still very much alive! And growing! Whoa!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A 'green mouth opening'.

 

 

It is also claimed that the rock forming the cave is actually 400 million years old! Indeed, I was told that the cave itself is about 60-100 years old. But the most fascinating fact I found was that the limestone rock (of the cave) was originally formed from layers of shells and corals once UNDER the sea! They were then uplifted into hills and mountains!

 

 

 

We also found a strange looking rock formation at the most end side of the main cave. Strangely enough, this unique shaped rock (…or rather stalactite) remind me of my trip to Koh Sa Mui in Thailand. Over there I found a rock formation which was almost similar to the one in Batu Cave. The only difference is… Koh Sa Mui’s rock  stood erected by the sea while this one in Batu Cave was found hanging down from the ceiling…

 

Rock @ Batu Cave - Pic 1

Rock @ Batu Cave - Pic 2

Now… compare with these photos I took @ Koh Sa Mui, Thailand…

Rock @ Koh Sa Mui - fondly referred as 'Grandpa' by the locals.

eSa with 'grandpa' (in orange circle)

Chicken in the Cave!

We ended our day at the Batu Cave with a stop at a small cafe located in the complex.

I ordered a cup of ‘teh tarik’ (tea with milk – done in a very ‘Malaysian’ style) and … soon after I found myself ordering another cup of the same thing! The reason? That was the best ‘teh-tarik’  I’ve ever tasted in Kuala Lumpur… ever!

Rock Climbing activities @ Batu Caves

On the way out, we came upon a group of people actively participating in rock climbing activities. Well… this only proved that there are actually  lot of things one can see and do when visiting Batu Caves nowadays. Cave exploration, rock climbing, nature walk-about … just to name a few. And of course, on a Thaipusam day, you can watch the colorful and fascinating ‘kavadi’ parade too.

 

So… if you visit Kuala Lumpur I would recommend you to include Batu Caves in your ’10 Things Must See in KL’ list simply because… Batu Caves ROCKS!

The PETRONAS Twin Towers (in orange circle) seen from Batu Caves