In 2017, I had the opportunity to visit Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for work. This was my first time visiting this vibrant city, and I was excited to explore its rich culture, diverse cuisine, and iconic landmarks. My trip lasted for five days and I had a chance to visit a few places, including the Petronas Towers and Batu Caves.
Places I visited
The Petronas Towers, also known as the Petronas Twin Towers, were my first stop in Kuala Lumpur. These iconic towers are located in the heart of the city and are the tallest twin towers in the world. They stand at a height of 451.9 meters and are considered one of the most iconic structures in Malaysia. The Petronas Towers are connected by a skybridge that is 170 meters above the ground, offering breathtaking views of the city.
I was amazed by the sheer size and elegance of the Petronas Towers. The design of the towers is a blend of traditional Islamic and modern architectural styles, making it a unique and stunning landmark. I was also impressed by the modern shopping mall located within the towers, which offers a wide range of shopping and dining options.
They were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004, and remain the tallest twin towers in the world today. Designed by the Argentine architect César Pelli, the towers feature a postmodern style with a steel and glass facade and are 88 stories tall. The Petronas Towers are a symbol of Malaysia’s economic growth and are a popular tourist attraction, attracting millions of visitors each year. The towers house offices and a shopping mall, and offer stunning views of the city from their observation deck.
After visiting the Petronas Towers, I made my way to the Batu Caves. The Batu Caves are a series of limestone caves located just outside of Kuala Lumpur, and are considered one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. The caves are located approximately 11 km north of Kuala Lumpur and are a popular spot for both local and foreign visitors.
The Batu Caves are named after the Batu River, which flows nearby, and are considered one of the most important Hindu shrines outside of India. The main cave is over 100 meters high and contains several shrines and temple structures. Visitors are required to climb a flight of 272 steps to reach the main cave, but the view from the top is well worth the effort.
The main attraction of Batu Caves is the largest cave, which is known as the Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave. This cave features a massive 100-meter-tall golden statue of Lord Murugan (wiki), the Hindu god of war, which is situated at the entrance of the cave. Visitors must climb a flight of 272 steps to reach the entrance of the cave, where they can admire the stunning views of the surrounding area.
Inside the Temple Cave, visitors can see various Hindu shrines and altars, as well as stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is also home to a variety of bats and swiftlets, and visitors can sometimes see them flying out of the cave in the evenings.
In addition to the Temple Cave, Batu Caves also features several smaller caves, including the Dark Cave, which offers guided tours for visitors who want to learn more about the cave’s ecology and geology.
Batu Caves is also famous for its Thaipusam festival (wiki), which is held annually in January or February. During this festival, thousands of Hindu devotees come to the caves to offer prayers and participate in a procession that involves carrying kavadis, which are elaborate structures made of steel and decorated with flowers, fruits, and other offerings.
Overall, Batu Caves is a unique and fascinating destination that offers visitors a glimpse into Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in history, religion, or just want to take in the stunning scenery, Batu Caves is definitely worth a visit.
My trip to Kuala Lumpur in 2017 was a memorable experience. I was able to explore the city’s rich culture and visit some of its most iconic landmarks. The Petronas Towers and Batu Caves were the highlights of my trip, and I would highly recommend these two attractions to anyone visiting Kuala Lumpur. The city has a lot to offer and I hope to visit again in the future to continue exploring its many wonders.
