We arrived at the Batu Caves, just on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur excited to see monkeys. I wanted to run to the caves. I restrained myself as there are some lovely shrines as you walk towards the caves from the train. We saw a couple of monkeys along the way before a monsoon started, just as we arrived at the foot of the caves and holy shrine. Barring getting drenched, there was nothing else to do but sit patiently along with many others and wait out the rain. At least the kids didn’t seem to mind, as they were happy to play in the downpour.
Statue of Lord Murugan
Finally the rain passed and we walked up past the 140 foot (42.7m) statue of Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of breaking code. We started climbing the 272 steps to the caves, but unfortunately the monkeys were still hanging out in their homes, and none were seen on the way up. The Temple Cave, 100 meters up, is massive, with a high mountain ceiling and partly open to the sky. Throughout the Batu Caves are ornate hindu shrines, statues, worshippers and music.
Hindu Worship and Fretting over Monkeys
The caves are amazing for both size and spirituality. When we ventured out, it was lightly raining again, and still no monkeys were to be seen. I started fretting as I’d been excited months before we left Dublin to see the macaque monkeys there. On the day we visited the caves, I’d already driven Alex mad by saying the word monkey at least 100 times!
Macaque Monkeys Appear!
But then, all of a sudden a lone macaque monkey appeared and began mingling with the crowd, and then they all flooded in from the surrounding trees in the mountain. They knew the rain had subsibed and it was time to harass unsuspecting visitors for food and fight over it! I was delighted and the monkeys did not disappoint with their cheeky antics!
If you’re new to monkey antics, there are hours of entertainment to be had. I could have spent half the day watching them. Hopefully, we will be back in Kuala Lumpur later this year. I can happily spend another afternoon watching the monkeys play.
Do Not Bring Plastic Bags or Food to the Batu Caves!
I know not everyone is a fan of the urban Macaque monkeys, as they can be quite cheeky if you’re not paying attention. They are prone to snatching food, cameras or whatever you’re not paying attention to. But as long as you go prepared you’ll be fine. A great piece of advice, given to us by Notes of Nomads, was to not take any plastic bags with us. The monkeys associate that rustling sound with food.
A couple girls in plastic rain ponchos got chased down by some monkeys. They had their ponchos tugged at, drawing shrieks from the girls. So no rain ponchos either, unless you want to draw special monkey attention. Also keep your camera strapped to yourself and take no food up the steps. If you follow all these tips you will not be harassed. They mostly just want food and are constantly prowling the crowds in search of someone who has a treat to snatch!!
Getting to the Batu Caves from Kuala Lumpur
From KL central train station, you can conveniently catch the KTM train to Batu Caves (it’s the last stop). The train ride takes around 45 minutes and costs around $2 return. Entry to the caves and holy shrine is free. Once there, just head towards the cliffs and follow the path. Before you know it you will be there and enjoying monkey antics!
One more thing, if you visit in January or February, check the dates for the Thaipusam festival which occurs around the full moon. This festival attracts over 1 million spiritual visitors. This could be a great or disastrous event for you!
And if you’re wondering where the sex in the title comes from, watch our first ever YouTube video!
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