August 2, 2013: Think climbing 272 steps is tough? Try doing it while carrying a heavy metal and wooden ‘burden’ overhead, with supporting skewers piercing the skin of your torso.

That’s what Hindu devotees have to endure with their ‘kavadi’ in the yearly Thaipusam festival, at Malaysia’s Batu Caves. The limestone caves house a number of Hindu shrines, and the largest Temple Cave is only accessible via — yes you’ve guessed it — the steep flight of stairs. Smiling benignly as visitors huff and puff up the stairs is a 42.7-metre statue of Murugan, the Hindu deity of war and victory.

Besides the temple, the more adventurous may wish to ask about rock-climbing and spelunking activities in and around the caves. Located just a 30-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves is certainly worth a trip for the sights, and some exercise.

Source: Yahoo News, DT. August 2, 2013.