Foreign Tourists Enjoy Batu Caves Atmosphere Amid Thaipusam Preparations

By Nabilah Saleh

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 (Bernama) -- Preparations for Thaipusam are already evident at Batu Caves as a steady crowd of devotees and visitors streamed through the temple complex a week ahead of the annual religious festival. 

There was a constant flow of devotees climbing the iconic multi-coloured staircase, while the majestic Lord Murugan statue towered over the scene at the foothill of the limestone caves. 

With anticipation mounting for the upcoming festival, devotees in yellow attire mingled with family, visitors and vendors along the compound's pathways.

Foreign tourists were also observed pausing to watch, taking photographs and experiencing the atmosphere unfolding ahead of Thaipusam, which will be observed on Feb 1. 

A Spanish tourist from Madrid described his visit to Batu Caves as a “very, very good experience” after unexpectedly witnessing Thaipusam preparations during his honeymoon trip to Malaysia.

Speaking to Bernama at the Batu Caves temple complex, Francisco Ruiz said he and his wife had only arrived in Kuala Lumpur days before and were surprised to find themselves amid a major religious event.

“We came here, and there is a big fiesta. We don’t know what ceremony it is. We have no idea, but it is a very good and unique experience,” he said, adding that the vibrant atmosphere and the crowds dressed in yellow left a strong impression on them.

Following visits to several parts of Kuala Lumpur, Francisco said he was impressed by Malaysia's multicultural society.

“It’s very different from our European point of view, but we like it very much,” he said, noting that this was his first visit to the country.

Sharing a similarly positive impression was Zumarni, 60, from Bandung, Indonesia, who described her chance visit to Batu Caves as a highly enjoyable experience.

“It’s just nice to watch. We happened to arrive here and this event was on, so we thought we’d take a look. I’m really pleased we did, as it’s my first time here,” she said.

She added that her visit to Batu Caves offered a first-hand glimpse into Malaysia’s diverse society, particularly seen in the mix of people drawn by the preparations.

“You can see all sorts of people in Malaysia, from their style of dress to their backgrounds, yet they can all come together in a setting like this,” she said.

Thaipusam, which falls next Sunday, is one of Malaysia's most significant Hindu festivals and a major cultural event, with Batu Caves as its focal point.

The venue is expected to welcome over 2.5 million visitors for this year's celebrations, a figure that surpasses last year's turnout, due to an extended holiday period coinciding with Federal Territory Day.

-- BERNAMA