KL-BV-03: BATU CAVE

Batu Caves is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside of India. Dedicated to the Hindu god of war, Murugan, it is the focal point of the Thaipusam festival in Malaysia.

Batu Caves are located in a limestone massif that is around 400 million years old and has many caves. As early as 1860, Chinese workers dug guano from caves in the fields to fertilize their gardens. The Limestone Mountains became famous when they were described by the American naturalist William Hornaday in 1878. An Indian merchant, K. Tambosamy, was inspired by the shape of the entrance to the main cave and wanted to build a temple to the god Murugan in the caves. In 1890, a shrine was established in the cave, and since 1892 the Thaipusam festival (in late January or early February) has been celebrated there.

272 steps lead to these impressive caves. At their foot is a 42.7 m tall statue of Murugan, currently the tallest in the world. It is made of 1,550 cubic meters of concrete and 250 tons of steel bars and covered with 300 liters of gold paint. Be careful because there are many macaques near the caves, which tend to be aggressive.

On the way back to the city, we will visit the Royal Selangor Pewter Factory, which is famous all over the world for its excellent pewter products, which are made by hand by the masters. The products contain 92-97% tin with a little copper added for strength, the highest international standard for tin. The factory was founded in 1885 when a Chinese from Shantou named Yong Koon came to Malaya, bringing a set of tools and a strong will to work. His mastery can be seen in person in his students, who will not only demonstrate their art, but also teach some techniques to the visitors.