Photography Thailand Forum

[SimonP]

Hi everyone. Have been getting conflicting information about the schedule of this year's Thaipusam Festival in Penang and KL.  Does anyone have specific information or a schedule of events?
Simon.

[Renato]

Hi Simon,
The Thaipusam at Batu Caves in Selangor, Malaysia will be on February 11. you can visit the website www.heritage.gov.my for more details. I am not sure about Penang as yet, but will let you know if i get any info.

[SimonP]

Hi Renato,
Thanks very much for your info.  Have sent an email to a contact at that website.  I've seen the 11th mentioned a few places now but I think that date is incorrect or has been changed.  If anyone has any additional information it would be very useful!
Simon.

[SimonP]

For anyone interested, the Festival started late last night (the 30th) in Kuala Lumpur and will continue until early in the morning of the 3rd of February.
Simon.

[Renato]

Good luck Simon, I also found today about the new date. I have seen it twice and believe me it is pure chaos around KL up to Selangor (Batu Caves), Penang's one should be better though.

[SimonP]

Hi Renato,
Just got back from Thaipusam last night.  Yes, you were right it was pure chaos - just trying to get in the gates was a nightmare.  Being pushed forwards and backwards by the crowd and then angry police with batons chasing everyone back.  After about an hour trying to get inside I was really thinking of giving up and going back to my accomodation.
Luckily I found another entrance and got inside - will post some pics when I have recovered a little...

Simon.

P.S. I think Penang could be an option too if you want it a bit easier.  I read in the local paper that there were 1.3 million people at the Batu Caves, and that was before it officially finished.

[Renato]

Welcome back Simon, I experienced the same thing twice, the smell was so unbearable, the crowds are so unruly sometimes and why promote the event when the country could not even provide convenience to their visitors. Yes, Penand is an option but not that elaborate than Selangor. I now only go to Batu Caves when there are no festivals. I was there on assignment with Tourism Malaysia to write about the event. Did not manage to come up with a reliable article though. No point as the locals alone can fill it up. Call it a learning experience.

[danny88]

Yeah,it's very crowded on festival session and you'll find difficulty getting good spots