Worth a DetourFestivalPilgrimage

Thaipusam at Batu Caves

Selangor

Over a million devotees climb the 272 steps to the Batu Caves temple in honor of Lord Murugan, many carrying kavadis, some with pierced skin.

Photo: *angys* · CC BY-SA 4.0
When
January or February, at the full moon of the Tamil month of Thai
Where
Kuala Lumpur
Our full guide to Thaipusam at Batu Caves is being written. It's on the Malaysia list as Worth a Detour among festivals, events and seasons.

Go Next

1–3 of 18
Must-See
Cities · Food

Kuala Lumpur

About 6.2 miles away

The Petronas Towers, Batu Caves and street food from three cultures.

1 Sight
Worth a Detour
Mountains · Hill stations

Genting Highlands

Pahang
About 15 miles away

A cool hilltop resort of casinos and theme parks, by cable car from Kuala Lumpur.

Guide Coming Soon
Worth a Detour
Cities · UNESCO

Melaka

About 82 miles away

An old trading port, with Portuguese and Peranakan layers.

Guide Coming Soon

The Full Short List

Malaysia

Rainforest, orangutans and great hawker food.

Something wrong or out of date?