Visiting historical sites around the world has been one of my greatest pleasures from traveling. Being fond of world history (particularly Egyptian history), I have always wholly enjoyed the chance to feel as if I have walked through a time machine, and stepped out in another life, another world, another existence.
Such is the case when you visit the magnificent temples of Southeast Asia. Even more so than my trips to European countries, as I was not stepping back only around 400 million years old.
Batu Caves, a complex of limestone grottoes in Peninsular Malaysia. The caves are one of the country’s biggest tourist attractions and are a place of pilgrimage for Tamil Hindus. They are named for the Sungai Batu (Batu River), which flows nearby, and is located 7 miles (13 km) north of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.
The hollow limestone tower has been around for 400 million years, its caverns, crags, and crevices formed in the prehistoric era. Its earliest known recorded homo-sapien inhabitants were the Bersisi, or the Temuan tribe of indigenous people.
Since then, Batu Caves, named for the Batu river than runs through the area, has been one of the major pilgrimage sites for Hindus all around the world; especially during the earlier half of the year to celebrate Thaipusam, a festival in which devotees pierce their bodies shocking acts of penitencia. A 140 feet tall golden painted statue of Lord Murugan was erected during 2006, a tribute adorning the feet of the divine steps.
This is a fascinating location for both religious and non-religious visitors. Should you wish to explore more of the cave’s natural labyrinths, head to the Dark Cave for some amateur spelunking tours, or try out some rock crag climbing at the back of the mountain.
Batu Caves, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia +60 1-300-88-5050
