Just outside of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, lie the famous Batu Caves.  They are a series of limestone caves surrounded by various Hindu shrines.  The Batu Caves are some of the most popular Hindu shrines outside of India.

The Thaipusam Hindu festival is held here annually.  Nearly 1.5 million people come to partake in the celebrations.  The ceremony involves offering sacrifices to the gods by climbing up the sets of stairs to the shrine at the end of the cave to give the offerings.

We arrived at Batu Caves to see a large golden statue with a daunting staircase in the background.  There were a couple eateries just outside, and after seeing the staircase, decided to grab a banana leaf meal prior to attempting the climb.

We made our way up the steps and surveyed the caves.  After the first level of stairs, the cave opened up into a gallery, a large open area.  After climbing another set of stairs, we arrived to the top level of the gallery with the most sacred shrine.

The Batu Caves are definitely worth a visit.  Catch a cab from the center of Kuala Lumpur, and for about 12 ringits, or about $3, you can be in a different world.