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The caves were discovered over a hundred years ago, consists
of three caves formed by the massive limestone formations.
The most impressive and largest of the three caves is the
Temple Cave which has 272 steps to climb to reach the top.
The cave is located, 12 km to the north of Kuala Lumpur.
It has a large vaulted ceiling that raises about 100 meters
above the floor, and contains sculpted figures of Hindu
gods, in various forms and sizes. A little below the Temple
Cave is the Dark Cave, a two-kilometer long network of relatively
untouched caverns containing a large number of cave animals,
including several found nowhere else in the world. Access
to this cave is restricted and permission and guidelines
must be obtained from the Malaysian Nature Society.
The cave also holds pilgrims travel during the Thaipusam
festival, which is held during the month of February. Pilgrims
walk through the illuminated caverns, climbing 272 steps,
to the caves offering prayers, penance or sacrifice while
carrying kavadis (large, brightly decorated frameworks combined
with various metalhooks and skewers, which are used to pierce
the skin, cheeks and tongue.) The cave site is accessible
by taxi or bus, from Kuala Lumpur city center, and is busy
during the annual Thaipusam festival, today it is one of
the favorite tourists spot.
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