Standing at 42.7 meters high, the world's tallest statue of Murugan, a Hindu deity, can be seen for miles before you reach the Batu Caves.It is impossible to get lost if you just keep heading towards the gold statue. The limestone hills are spectacular to look at and it really is worth walking the hundreds of steps to go inside the beautifully carved caves which are said to be over 400 million years old. The caves are a popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Muruga and attracts over more than 1.5 million pilgrims during the Thiapusam festival which unfortunately I was too early to experience. I was however there, to witness the re-making of the classic film named Billa, and stayed to watch a cast of 120 all dressed in yellow dance and sing all afternoon, watch out for it if you ever see the movie!
As you climb the large staircase beware of the macaque monkeys, they are ruthless. If you have any food, drink even in your backpack they will pounce-I saw many upset children standing next to a monkey happily finishing off their vanilla ice cream! Inside the caves you will come across, fruit bats, macaques and a wonderful limestone formation of rocks-I think people became distracted by the monkeys and forgot that they were inside an ancient religious site, which is the reason they came in the first place. There is a temple inside where the locals visit daily, so you should be respectful and quiet while in there.
At the bottom of the caves there are many excellent vegetarian food places, selling amazing curries on banana leaves for a very good price. Ask for a thali and you will get a bit of everything-the dhal is especially yummy! I could've sat there all day! Remember to ask for a spoon if you are not keen on eating with your hands.
I would recommend the Batu Caves to those of you who are interested in seeing one of the largest Hindu shrines outside of India but not for those of you who want to spend a day with the monkeys.
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