Every year, on Thaipusam, as many as 800,000 devotees and other visitors may throng the caves. As a form of penance or sacrifice, many of them carry kavadis. These are large, brightly decorated frameworks, usually combined with various metal hooks and skewers which are used to pierce the skin, cheeks and tongue. Access to this cave is restricted and permission and guidelines must be obtained from the Malaysian Nature Society. At the foot of the steps is the art Gallery Cave, in which are displayed statues and wall paintings depicting Hindu mythology.
Access is via a concrete walkway spanning a small lake and nominal entrance fee is charged.
Local buses to Batu Caves can be boarded at the Pudu Raya Bus Terminal in Kuala Lumpur.