Hey Travelers!
It is me again – and this time I want to share my second visit to the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Since I attended HiveFest 2025 in Malaysia, I simply could not miss the planned community trip to the Batu Caves. I had actually been there once before – back in 2019, just before HiveFest in Bangkok. I spent about a week in Kuala Lumpur at that time and already fell in love with the energy and beauty of this spiritual place. So I was even more excited to return and experience it again, this time with many fellow Hive users from around the world.
As we approached the caves by tour bus, we could already see the giant golden statue from far away – and trust me, it is hard to miss! This is the famous Murugan statue, one of the tallest Hindu statues in the world. It stands 42.7 meters high and shines brightly in the Malaysian sun. It was officially unveiled in 2006 and has since become one of the most iconic landmarks of the country.
When we arrived at the large square in front of the caves, we got off the bus and walked straight toward the entrance. But of course, before going in, we had to take some photos from the outside – because you simply cannot ignore the stunning view. The 272 colorful steps leading up to the cave entrance, combined with the golden statue in the background, make it one of the most unique photo spots in Kuala Lumpur.
The square in front of the caves was quite lively. Many tourists were walking around, taking pictures, and enjoying the atmosphere. But it was not just people. There were also a lot of monkeys playing around – jumping on fences, stealing snacks, and sometimes even trying to grab cameras or bags. You have to be careful, but they are fun to watch. Also, hundreds of pigeons fly around the area, especially where tourists feed them. It makes the whole place feel even more alive and chaotic in a good way.
Returning to the Batu Caves after a few years brought back many memories. This place is more than just a tourist attraction – it is an active religious site, especially important for the Hindu Tamil community in Malaysia. Every year, during the Thaipusam festival, thousands of pilgrims come here to pray and carry offerings. Being able to visit it again, now as part of a Hive community trip, made it feel even more special.
Inside The Batu Cave
After we climbed the 272 colorful steps, we finally reached the entrance to the main cave. As we stepped inside, I could immediately feel a change in the air – it was noticeably cooler than outside. That little drop in temperature felt really refreshing after the climb in the Malaysian heat.
Once inside, I was truly amazed again. The space is huge, and you feel so small standing there, surrounded by these tall limestone walls. The Batu Caves are over 400 million years old, and the main temple cave rises almost 100 meters above the ground. It is not just a tourist spot – it is a sacred place used for Hindu worship, especially during the Thaipusam festival, when thousands of pilgrims come to carry offerings and fulfill spiritual vows.
On the left side, there was a small temple where some locals seemed to be preparing for a festive ceremony. It looked like they were getting ready for a religious event or celebration. The sound of soft music and the smell of incense made the atmosphere even more special.
What surprised me was that the cave was much quieter than I remembered from my last visit in 2019. Back then, it was very crowded, full of tourists from all over the world. This time, it felt more peaceful and calm, which actually allowed me to enjoy the place more deeply.
We walked deeper into the cave, taking in the surroundings. At the end of the path, we found another set of steep stairs that led even higher – into an area where the top of the cave is open to the sky. That view was stunning. Sunlight came shining through the hole above, lighting up the walls and the small temple structures in the middle. You could see monkeys climbing the rocky walls, jumping from one spot to another, always looking for food or curious about tourists. Some even came very close, hoping for a snack or just observing us.
While standing up on the plateau, I had a strange feeling that back in 2019 I might have gone even deeper into the cave – maybe into another chamber. But when I looked around, that area now seemed to be closed off and possibly rebuilt. Maybe I remembered it wrong, or maybe that part was closed for safety reasons or renovations.
Proof of Pin - 
Tagged inside Batu Caves
On our way back out of the cave, 
This kind of action is what we like to call "Proof of Pin". It connects a real-world location with a digital post or memory on the Hive blockchain. So if someone walks by and is curious, they can scan the sticker, go to the website, and find an article or post that talks about this exact place – in this case, the Batu Caves.
Of course, we made sure the sticker was placed very visibly. It stands out with its bright blue color, which makes it easy to spot among all the other stickers that have collected there over the years. If you have ever visited the Batu Caves, you know that tourists and locals often leave small signs or stickers around – but our Worldmappin sticker really shines through and catches the eye.
Monkeys and Downstairs!
On the way back, we of course had to walk down the 272 steps again – but going down is definitely easier than going up! This gave me the chance to slow down a bit and use the moment to take a few careful photos with my camera. I had my 16 to 35 millimeter wide angle lens with me, which is great for capturing scenes with more depth and atmosphere.
I focused mostly on the monkeys sitting along the stairs. These monkeys are long-tailed macaques, a species commonly found around the Batu Caves. They are used to tourists and often wait patiently – or not so patiently – for snacks, bags, or anything shiny. Some of them even pose like little professionals if they see you with a camera.
Unfortunately, I did not bring my 70 to 200 millimeter telephoto lens, as it is quite heavy to carry around for a longer trip. If I had it with me, I could have taken some really close-up shots with beautiful background blur. But as they say, the best camera is the one you have with you, and I still got a few fun and sharp shots.
One monkey really made us laugh – he somehow managed to steal a battery from a tourist and was sitting there chewing on it like it was a piece of fruit. Probably not the best thing for his teeth, but it made for a very unexpected and funny moment. Just a reminder: always hold on to your gear and bags around these clever animals!
As we walked further down, we got a fantastic view of the giant golden Murugan statue from behind. Seeing it from this angle was just as impressive – the details on the back and the height of the statue are incredible. The statue is made of concrete and steel and covered in gold-colored paint, and it weighs over 250 tons.
From the stairs, we could also enjoy a wide view over the main square in front of the caves and even catch a glimpse of the Kuala Lumpur skyline in the distance. The mix of natural beauty, religious history, and modern city views makes this place really unique.
All in all, it was a fantastic short trip – just a few hours, but full of special moments. I am really happy I could experience this again, and especially that I got to share it with so many amazing Hive users. If you have never been to the Batu Caves, I highly recommend it. And the best part – entry is completely free! Just bring water, a camera, and maybe a banana or two – but do not give those to the monkeys! 😄