Among Malaysia’s natural gems, the Batu Caves may be the most awe-inspiring, although they remain an unknown destination to many western tourists. In the eastern world this limestone network of temples and 400-million-year-old caverns, located just 10 miles north of Kuala Lumpur, is hardly a secret; the caves, adorned by a 100-foot golden statue of a Hindu god, are the focal point of the Hindu festival of Thaipusam, which attracts over 1.5 million religious pilgrims every year. Malaysia’s Thaipusam festival is one of the largest annual gatherings anywhere on Earth, famed for its eight-hour procession that begins in Kuala Lumpur and culminates in a flight of 272 steps to the top of the Temple Cave. This arduous journey outdoes any stairmaster, as the participants engage in various acts of devotion while carrying various types of “kavadi,” or burdens, all the way to the top. The burdens range from pitchers of milk to portable altars decorated with peacock feathers; the altars are attached to each devotee through dozens of body piercings, and can measure six feet high and up to 200 pounds. Thaipusam is not for the faint of heart, as fire walking and flagellation are also practiced, though participants claim to enter a trance that renders them unable to feel pain or even bleed. In recent years, daring tourists and pilgrims of other faiths have also participated in the challenging climb to the Temple Cave as kavadi-bearers. Although the festival of Thaipusam is the most popular time to visit, the Batu Caves are a can’t-miss destination any time of the year, offering a distinctively Hindu experience, boasting picturesque temples, colorful wooden sculptures and the Hindu worshipers dressed in their eye-catching sarongs.

The Thaipusam festival takes place in the Tamil month of Thai, which falls in late January/early February. Admission is free, but getting there is not. The easiest method of transportation is by taxi; arrange for your driver to wait for you at Batu Caves to bring you back to Kuala Lumpur, which is cheaper than getting a different taxi later.

Public transportation is also an option. From Golden Triangle you can reach the Batu Caves by public bus (11 and 11d), which can be boarded at the Puduraya Bus Terminal. Tourists can also take the KTM commuter train from KL Sentral station to the Sentul Station.

Tourists will find a few shops and restaurants near the parking area that serve authentic South Indian food at very reasonable prices. The area also features lots of side attractions, including rock climbing and exploring Cave Villa and Dark Cave. Lastly, watch out for the monkeys—they make for good photographs, but they’ll steal your munchies and handbags if they get the chance!