The
Batu Caves are a series of tall limestone caves, home to a Hindu temple
that lie 13 km north of Kuala Lumpur. Of the three caves that comprise
the site, the largest and best known is the Temple or Cathedral Cave, so
named because it houses a Hindu shrine beneath its 100 m vaulted
ceiling. In late January of each year, during the Hindu festival of
Thaipusam, thousands of devotees and other visitors climb the long entry
stair and throng this magnificent cavern. A little below the Temple Cave is the Dark Cave, a two-kilometer network of relatively untouched caverns. The caverns contain a diverse host of cave fauna, including some unique species. In order to maintain the cave's ecology, access is restricted.
The third cave, located at the foot of the steps, houses an interesting display of statues and wall paintings depicting scenes and figures from Hindu mythology.