The historic Batu Caves are just 40 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur & are an unquestionably worthwhile addition to any visit to the city. Gigantic limestone karst formations dating back over 400 million years, they were brought to the world’s attention by American naturalist William Hornaday, in 1878. By 1900 they had become one of the most important Hindu shrines outside India, & now host the climax to a procession of a million international devotees during the Thaipusam festival in early February. During your visit you can climb the 272 steps up the outcrop & explore the series of caves & fascinating Hindu cave-temples that lie within.