By far the most shocking and spectacular celebration within Malaysia is the Hindu festival, Thaipusam, which happens every year in the Hindu month of Thai (January/February) when the constellation of Pusam is in its ascendancy.
Potentially a million devotees flock to the Batu Caves not far from Kuala Lumpur to honour the God Murugan (or Lord Subramaniam) whose chariot makes its way slowly from Sri Mahamariamman Temple in KL's Chinatown to the Batu Caves.
The festival has become so famous due to the shocking Kavadi Attam dance, the Kavadi being a physical burden through which the devotees implore for help from Murugan i.e. the devotees subject themselves to seemingly masochistic acts as fulfilment for answered prayers. Pots of milk are carried in offering, often hanging off the skin by hooks.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Malaysia specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Cookery course & market visit
Besides learning to prepare a traditional Malaysian home-cooked meal, this cooking tour will also allow you to gain an interesting insight into the cultural and social composition of the country.
Kuala Lumpur City Tour
Despite the fast-paced development, Kuala Lumpur has managed to draw a fine balance of multi-storey buildings, skyscrapers and historical sites amidst lush greenery. The garden city image of KL during the city tour can prove to be extremely fascinating.
Kuala Lumpur Heritage Walking Tour
This tour gives you a hands-on experience of Kuala Lumpur from the ground and takes you to some of the lesser known areas as well as the key city highlights.
Petronas Towers Tour
The 88 storey Petronas Twin Towers reach 452 metres into the air. On this tour you can walk across the glass bridge between the towers, looking straight down to the ground as you cross!
Street food tour in Kuala Lumpur
Enjoy a gastronomic journey of discovery via a walking tour of Kuala Lumpur. Accompanied by your local food guide, the evening tour allows you to sample some of Malaysia’s most famous dishes.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
