Batu Caves, a prominent tourist destination in Malaysia, cherished as a sacred site by Hindu worshippers and renowned for hosting the annual Thaipusam Festival, is set to undergo a transformative upgrade. An iconic site known for its 272 steps leading to the temple shrine and caves, Batu Caves is now preparing to enhance accessibility with the installation of escalators.
Enhancing accessibility at Batu Caves
Located 12.2 km from Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves captivates visitors with its rainbow-painted towering staircase, a favourite backdrop for Instagrammers. Currently, the only means of reaching the shrine enclosed in a limestone cave is by climbing the 272 steps. Recognising the need for improved accessibility, the custodians are planning to introduce an escalator to reach the Batu Caves’ shrine. “We hope the government will assist us since this (escalator) will allow the disabled and elderly who are unable to climb the steps to reach the main temple,” expressed temple committee chairman R. Nadarajah, according to a report by CNN Philippines.
In addition to the escalator, a multi-purpose hall, valued at approximately 35 million Malaysian Ringgit (roughly USD 7.5 million), is slated for construction at the Batu Caves site after the Thaipusam Festival on January 25, 2024. The cost of the escalator has not been disclosed at this time.
Exploring Malaysia
Beyond the vibrant demeanour and soothing persona of Batu Caves, there’s a wide range of must-visit destinations across Malaysia. Explore Langkawi Sky Bridge (Langkawi), marvel at the Petronas Twin Towers (Kuala Lumpur), experience the aquatic wonders at Aquaria KLCC (Kuala Lumpur), embrace the scenic beauty of Cameron Highlands (Pahang), step into history at Melaka Sultanate Palace (Malacca City), conquer Malaysia’s tallest mountain, ‘Mount Kinabalu’, and discover the wonders of Gunung Mulu National Park (Borneo).
Wildlife enthusiasts should turn to Taman Negara (Kuala Tahan), while avid shoppers can indulge in the bustling scenes of Chinatown (Kuala Lumpur), Jonker’s Night Market (Malacca City), and Pavilion KL (Kuala Lumpur). For those seeking sun and sand, the palm-fringed beaches of Langkawi and Perhentian Islands await.
This article first appeared on Travel + Leisure Malaysia
(Feature Image Credit: Sergii Figurnyi/Shutterstock)
Tags
Written by
Writer by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has previously worked at Condé Nast India and Times Internet. When not working, you can catch her binge-reading the latest thriller on the block, re-watching Friends, trying a new recipe or hosting her friends.
