Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia

For the last day of our family vacation we visited the Batu Caves just outside of Kuala Lumpur. I have come to find that many sites worth seeing in Asia include a large number of stairs. These caves were no different. 272 steps led us up this limestone hill and into an adventure.

This statue of Murugan, a Hindu deity, is 140 feet tall and covered in 300 liters of gold paint!  She was quite stunning.

Getting ready for a hike!!!

The series of caves host several Hindu temples and shrines.  Since 1892 people have been coming here to worship.  

At the base we saw many people washing their feet.  It wasn't until later that we noticed they leave their shoes here and ascend barefoot.

On our way up!

About half way to the top we encountered monkeys.  I have mixed feelings about wild monkeys.  Actually, that's not true.  I am scared of wild monkeys. Period. (I'm sure I've said this before!) We had been warned not to bring any food with us, and so we didn't.  Thank goodness, because we did witness a monkey jump on an unsuspecting visitor and steal his satchel because there was bread inside! Yikes!!!

I've never been so happy to endure a slight drizzle.  It cooled us down a bit, helped with crowd control, and made all the colors even more vibrant.  This is the view toward KL from the top of the hill.

Entering the caves

I was certainly not expecting the first thing I saw inside the caves to be a souvenir stand, but even that was quite eye catching.

The main cavern was about 330 feet tall and housed a handful of shrines and large statues.

Once inside the main cavern we set Gigi free from the ergo carrier.  She excitedly ran for the stairs and proved that she is a big girl by walking right up!

After enjoying the peace and beauty of the caves we headed back down the stairs.

By the end of the visit we were all tuckered out, especially our little goose!  Time to go home:)