Malaysia to build escalator at Batu Caves temple this year

By Hoang Phong January 24, 2024 | 07:42 pm PT

A statue of Hindu god at the entrance of Batu Caves temple in Malaysia. Photo by Wiki

The Malaysian government said it would install an escalator at the famous Batu Caves as an alternative for those unwilling to climb the 272 steps to the top of the main shrine.

R Nadarajah, the temple's committee chairman, said construction on the escalator project would begin this year.

"We hope the government will assist us since this will allow the disabled and elderly who are unable to climb the steps to reach the main temple," Nadarajah said during a press conference as cited by The Star newspaper.

Malaysian authorities didn’t reveal how much the escalator would cost.

Located a few miles north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is thought to be around 400 million years old and is easily recognizable by its towering flight of rainbow stairs, which have made it popular with Instagrammers.

The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god of war Murugan.

A 43-m-tall statue of the deity greets visitors at the entrance of the attraction.

Visitors currently must climb 272 steps to reach the temple at the top.