Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Malaysia - Batu Caves

Batu Caves is a tourist attraction in the state of Selangor, Malaysia, located about 13 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur. It is a limestone hill comprising a series of caves and temples, with its name 'Batu' derived from the Sungai Batu (Batu River) which flows past the hill. Additionally, Batu Caves is also the name of the local village, also known as Batu Gajah. Inside the Batu Caves, there are numerous painted statues and limestone caverns, and the caves are also home to monkeys and bats. In 1892, Hindu devotees began celebrating the Thaipusam festival at Batu Caves, which has since evolved into a grand traditional cultural festival. In 2007, the National Heritage Department designated the Sri Subramaniar Temple as a national cultural heritage, and in 2012, the main staircase leading to Batu Caves and the area where the Thaipusam festival is celebrated were also included in the national heritage zone.