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Your Guide to the Batu Caves: A Must-Visit Hindu Shrine in Kuala Lumpur
- Jenn & Leon
- Aug 5, 2023
- 16 min read
Updated: Jul 5
Malaysia's Batu Caves are the setting for one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world.
They are characterized by the incredible height and enormity of the caves, but even more so by the Instagrammable colorful steps.
Also, perhaps more strikingly, the iconic giant golden statue of Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war, victory, and youth what the temple here is predominantly dedicated to.
The Batu Caves are around 400 million years old, and the temple here is the largest Hindu temple complex outside of India.
They are one of the most visited attractions in Kuala Lumpur, attracting 10 million tourists every year.
The statue of Lord Murugan is the third tallest Hindu statue in the world!
In this blog post, we share our highlights and look at some history and top facts about this incredible cave system.
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Introduction to the Batu Caves: Our Highlights
The statue is a striking sight, standing tall against the backdrop of the Batu Caves.
It is a symbol of the Hindu faith in Malaysia and a reminder of the rich cultural diversity of the country.
Unveiled in 2006, it was built by the Tamil Malaysians and also happens to be the tallest statue of a Hindu deity in Malaysia.
It is the third-tallest statue of a Hindu deity in the world, at 42.7 meters (140 feet) tall.
This is certainly fitting given the fact that Malaysia has a stark penchant for wanting to build very tall things! (Merdeka Tower anyone?)
In all honesty, we kind of thought it was a bat cave, perhaps a bit of a naïve assumption, but maybe an obvious one? Have you thought the same?
Well, as it turns out, ‘Batu’ actually means ‘Rock’ in Malay, which does make sense when you think about it.
When you know, you know, right?
Ergo there were indeed no bats, but a LOT of birds. When we say birds, we mean pigeons, and when we say a lot, we mean hundreds of them.
Or at least it felt that way anyway.
Many of them are attracted by food from locals, encouraging the throngs of children to run after them, sparking a wave of feathers and flapping.
This leaves plenty of opportunities for tourists and locals alike to pose for photos as the birds fly around them.
Not something we are into, but you can certainly have at ‘em if that is your thing.
The ground is littered with bird poop, as are many of the surrounding temples, including the giant Lord Murugan.
There are also a fair few monkeys loitering around, hanging from the surrounding temples, milling amongst the pigeons, and holding a sharp eye for food, bottles, and anything attractive that catches their eye.
At first, we thought this seemed to be quite cute, but we have heard the stories from other travellers and know to be wary of them.
To be fair, we have encountered a fair few monkeys here in Malaysia, in particular Langkawi, and also met plenty in Indonesia’s Bali where we were last month.
We haven’t had any wild encounters of note, not to say we let our guards down, but at the same time, we are fairly calm about seeing them up close.
All that being said, this experience was pretty wild; there were some pretty aggressive monkeys!
Baring teeth, hissing, and bolting across the pavement seemingly from out of nowhere, we got a taste of the experience many had warned us about before we even hit the steps.
So naturally we were a little more on edge, clinging onto our belongings and scanning our surroundings for any sign of danger.
After a fair few photos we went to the entrance, and we were pleasantly surprised to discover that there was no cost of entry.
There is however a requirement for women to cover up their legs, and that can be done so by buying a wrap for 15 ringgits (at a small stall right at the foot of the stairs) if you do not already have one with you.
They are quite nice, and the attendant will happily help put them on.
Honestly, we would have paid that much for entry in a heartbeat, so we are glad we were able to contribute either way.
So after a deep breath or three, it was time to tackle the 272 steps to get up to these magnificent caves.
It was late in the afternoon so it was far less crowded than it would be earlier in the day, although escaping crowds is one thing, but escaping the heat cannot be done. It is intense, and makes the climb that much harder!
With the greatest respect, we were kind of shocked at how dirty it was, even though we had seen some interviews of tourists on YouTube talking about it.
The stairs are well worn and the walls/rails fairly grimy, unsurprising given the incredible amount of traffic received annually here. Visitor numbers average almost 10 million per year outside of the COVID era (that’s 5,000 per day).
The amount of litter was incredibly disappointing to see, and it was all over the place. On the stairs, along the sides, chucked into the mountainside.
Some of it comes from monkeys stealing bottles and food, some from pilgrims, and some from tourists.
Whatever the source, this place needs to be cleaned up and respected.
We hope more can be done to deal with it because it is smelly and uncomfortable, not to mention bad for the environment and surrounding wildlife.
Fortunately, the steps are built with flat platforms every 15 steps or so, leaving plenty of opportunity for rest.
We were trying not to take too long though, wary of our furry friends running around looking for an opportunity.
Lining the stairs in places, these guys are very eager to grab anything that they take a shine to. In our case, Jenn's wrap!
One of the larger ones went for it, clinging on to her and trying to grab her bag, as she attempted to shake it off.
Leon gave a few growls and hisses, and with a vice-like grip, Jenn managed to keep hold of it!
We ploughed on, made it to the top, and took a moment to take in the breathtaking views (and cool down a little).
It is pretty magnificent up there, looking out at the incredible Kuala Lumpur skyline beneath a massive hood of rock that looks like it was hand-sculpted by giants.
The main cave chamber is so vast, it is hard not to look around without the bottom jaw hanging down. This is one of nature's finest, and it is very impressive.
Inside is fully paved, and there is a vast area to walk around in.
Inside the first cave (the Temple Cave), there is a large temple, interestingly lined with peacock statues, along with a bunch of roosters walking around (yes, roosters), cooing and cock-a-doodle-dooing as they do.
The roosters were fascinating to see as they were unexpected!
We must admit it did feel a little empty, although it may just be the vastness of the cave that made it that way.
There are an estimated 332 life-size statues of Hindu deities in what is the largest Hindu temple outside of India, although most of them seem to be outside of the caves themselves.
Further in there is another smaller staircase, this time leading to another hugely impressive cave, the Chamber of Ramayana, with a beautiful top opening allowing sunshine and vegetation to stream through.
This cave is dedicated to the Hindu epic Ramayana, and it contains several dioramas depicting scenes from the epic, and perhaps was our preferred one out of the two.
It is worth noting that there is another cave, known as the Dark Cave.
This is a challenging cave to explore, as it is not lit and requires visitors to crawl through narrow passages.
It is home to a variety of interesting cave formations, including stalactites and stalagmites.
Unfortunately, this one was closed (we are not sure why), so we were unable to explore it.
There was a lot to take in here, a great deal of exercise (those steps in the heat are a challenge), the uncomfortable smell of pigeon excrement, the sheer amount of litter and garbage, the awesome fact that it is FREE, the incredibly vibrant colours, fine details and immense rock formations.
Perhaps not our favourite excursion in KL, but one we will never forget, as much for the good as for the not-so-much!
The History of the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur
The Batu Caves are a series of limestone caves located in Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia. They are about 13 kilometers (8 miles) north of Kuala Lumpur, the nation's capital.
The caves are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Malaysia and are a place of pilgrimage for Tamil Hindus.
The history of the Batu Caves is long and complex. The limestone hills that form the caves are thought to be about 400 million years old.
Some of the cave entrances were used as shelters by the indigenous Temuan people (a tribe of Orang Asli) as early as 2000 years ago.
In the 1860s, Chinese settlers began excavating guano from the caves to use as fertilizer. This led to the discovery of the caves by Western explorers.
In 1878, the American naturalist William Temple Hornaday published an article about the caves in the journal The Straits Times.
This article brought the caves to the attention of the wider world.
In 1891, K. Thamboosamy Pillai, an Indian Tamil trader, was inspired by the vel-shaped entrance of the main cave to dedicate a temple to Murugan within the caves.
Pillai also built a 272-step staircase leading up to the cave entrance. The temple and staircase were completed in 1892.
The Batu Caves have since become a major pilgrimage site for Tamil Hindus. The annual Thaipusam festival, which celebrates the birth of Murugan, is held at the caves.
During the festival, millions of people from all over the world come to the caves to participate in the religious ceremonies.
The Batu Caves are a unique and fascinating place. They are a reminder of the rich history and culture of Malaysia, and the wonderful beauty of nature itself.
Since the painting of the steps not so long ago, they have become a major tourist destination, alongside being a significant place of worship and reflection.
10 Interesting Facts About the Batu Caves
1. A Giant Welcome: The towering 42.7-meter (140 ft) tall golden statue of Lord Murugan at the entrance is the tallest statue of a Hindu deity outside India.
2. A Steep Ascent: Visitors must climb 272 colorful steps to reach the main cave temple, a vibrant and challenging pilgrimage journey.
3. Ancient Origins: The limestone forming Batu Caves is estimated to be around 400 million years old, making it a geological marvel.
4. Sacred Festival Hub: Batu Caves hosts the annual Thaipusam Festival, attracting over a million devotees worldwide in a spectacular religious event.
5. A Network of Caves: The site comprises three main caves and several smaller ones, each with unique temples and shrines inside.
6. Natural Wildlife Residents: Free-roaming monkeys are a common sight, adding a wild charm but also caution for visitors.
7. Rock Climbing Paradise: With over 160 climbing routes, Batu Caves is a popular destination for rock climbers of all skill levels.
8. A Temple Complex in the City: Despite being a natural cave, Batu Caves is just 13 km north of Kuala Lumpur’s city centre, blending urban life with spiritual tradition.
9. A Historical Landmark: The caves have been a site of worship since the late 19th century, established by Tamil settlers from India.
10. Symbol of Unity: Batu Caves represents Malaysia’s multicultural identity, attracting tourists and worshippers from diverse backgrounds.
Batu Caves Opening Hours & Entry Fee
⪢ Opening Hours
The Batu Caves are open to the public from 7 am to 9 pm daily.
The Hindu temples on site generally close from 1 pm to 4 pm.
⪢ Entry Fee
● The caves are free to enter; however, you can leave a donation should you wish.
● For the Cave Villa, the entrance fees for Malaysians and non-Malaysians are RM7 and RM15, respectively.
● Note: Women are required to cover their legs, and can purchase a sarong/wrap at the foot of the steps for 15 ringgits ($3).
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Best Time to Visit the Batu Caves
Be prepared for crowds; the Batu Caves is a popular tourist destination, so it can get crowded, especially on weekends and during festivals.
Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds and the heat. Typically, the busiest times are between 10 am and 4 pm.
⪢ The Thaipusam Festival
Thaipusam is an annual Hindu festival, observed on the day of the first full moon during the Tamil month of Thai, which falls in late January or February.
It is a public holiday in Kuala Lumpur, along with the Malaysian states of Putrajaya, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Penang, and Selangor.
● Note: Thaipusam is the busiest time for the Batu Caves, and is a spectacular event.
Should you wish to attend, the next date is scheduled for February 1st, 2026.
For 2027, it is scheduled for January 22nd.
Tips for Visiting the Batu Caves
Here are some tips we have thought of to keep in mind before visiting the Batu Caves:
● Wear Suitable Shoes: The caves themselves have a pretty even floor, so they are easy to walk around in.
The steps leading up to them, however, are fairly narrow and may be tricky in flip flops, sandals, or heels.
● Dress Appropriately: Women are expected to dress modestly, especially when entering the temples.
Wraps are provided at the bottom of the steps, but must be purchased and cannot be returned.
● Be Respectful of the Hindu Shrines: Do not touch the statues or disturb the offerings.
Be mindful that ceremonies may be taking place, and always remove your shoes before stepping on the temple floors.
● Photography: Visitors are free to take photographs and videos; however, doing so inside the temples is not permitted.
● Stay Hydrated: Be prepared for the heat. It can get very hot in the caves, especially during the day.
The stairs are also quite the climb, so take it easy and be sure to bring plenty of water.
⪢ Food & Refreshments: There are a few stores at the foot of the caves selling some drinks and snacks.
It is a major tourist destination, so be prepared to pay premium prices. We advise buying in advance and bringing some with you.
How to Get to the Batu Caves Kuala Lumpur
There are several ways to get to Batu Caves from Kuala Lumpur. Here are some of the most popular options:
By Train
The Batu Caves KTM Komuter station is located just a short walk from the caves. The train ride from KL Sentral takes about 25 minutes and costs RM2.30 (US$0.50) one-way.
By Taxi or Ride-Sharing Services
Taxis are a convenient way to get to Batu Caves, but they can be expensive. The taxi fare from KL Sentral is around RM20 (US$4.50).
By Bus
There are several bus routes that stop near the Batu Caves. The bus ride from KL Sentral takes about 30 minutes and costs RM1.50 (US$0.30) one-way.
By Car
If you are driving, you can follow the signs to Batu Caves. There is a large parking lot near the caves that costs RM3 (US$0.60) per car.
⪢ Consider Taking a Tour
One of the most popular ways to visit the Batu Caves is with a combo tour, where you can expand your experience with a vast choice of other attractions, including Genting Highlands, Putrajaya, and more.
Check out a host of different options with GetYourGuide.
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⪢ Contact Information for Batu Caves
● Address: Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor
● Phone: +60 3-6189 6284
● Website: N/A
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Our First Impressions of Kuala Lumpur on YouTube
We were completely shocked by the stark contrast between the old and new on our first day out exploring in Kuala Lumpur!
Malaysia's capital offers many attractions, from the stunning Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC Park to the vibrant Senai KLCC Shopping Mall and the cultural contrast of Central Market in Chinatown.
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Our Experience Rating:
Batu Caves
There is no doubt that the Batu Caves is a must-see destination in Kuala Lumpur. 10 million people a year kind of says it all!
We were so very excited to come here and we are really glad we saved it towards the end of our trip.
The vibrant colors of the temples are quite beautiful, and the intricacy of the statues and their detail is just fascinating to look at.
Then of course you have the magnificent caves themselves amongst the tallest and oldest in the world.
They simply took our breath away, as did the 272 steps! Mightily impressive, we highly recommend visiting the Batu Caves.
The only reason we reduced our rating to 4 stars is the lack of cleanliness here and poor control of the monkeys.
We are certain more could be done to clean the place up, and to monitor those who are chucking their trash everywhere. The lack of bins and security is an issue.
The fact that the Batu Caves are free to enter is great, but perhaps an entry fee might be a good thing here; the revenues could go towards staff and site maintenance, to make this a far more pleasant experience for all.
As ever thank you for stopping by, and please feel free to share your experience, or ask any questions you may have, in the comments below.
FAQ: Visiting the Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur
What are the Batu Caves?
The Batu Caves are a series of limestone caves and Hindu temples, best known for the 272 rainbow-colored steps and the giant golden statue of Lord Murugan.
It's one of the most popular attractions in Malaysia and a major pilgrimage site for Tamil Hindus.
Where are the Batu Caves located?
They’re situated about 13 km north of Kuala Lumpur, in Gombak, Selangor. It’s easily accessible by train, car, or taxi.
How do I get there from Kuala Lumpur?
● By Train: Take the KTM Komuter line to Batu Caves Station (last stop).
● By Car/Grab: A 20–30 minute drive from KL city center.
● By Tour: Many local tours include Batu Caves in their Kuala Lumpur day trips.
💡 The train is cheap and direct, but ridesharing is faster and more flexible if you’re short on time.
Is there an entrance fee?
● Main Cave (Temple Cave): Free entry
● Ramayana Cave or Cave Villa: Entry fee applies (RM7–RM15)
What should I wear?
This is a religious site, so dress modestly:
● No short skirts or shorts above the knees
● Shoulders should be covered
● Sarongs are available for purchase for a modest fee at the entrance
What is the best time to visit?
Early morning (before 9 am) to beat the crowds and heat
Avoid Thaipusam (January/February) unless you're intentionally going for the experience — it's fascinating but extremely busy
What are the main things to see?
● Lord Murugan statue (42.7 meters tall)
● 272 colorful steps leading to the Temple Cave
● Ramayana Cave and Hanuman statue
● Resident monkeys (watch your belongings!)
Are the caves physically demanding to explore?
Yes — climbing 272 steep steps can be a workout, especially in the heat. Take water, go slow, and rest if needed.
Can I take photos inside?
Yes — photography is allowed and encouraged, but be respectful in the prayer areas.
Are there places to eat nearby?
Yes — you'll find vegetarian Indian food stalls and souvenir shops near the entrance and the station. It’s a good spot to try a local banana leaf meal or roti canai.
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A fascinating place, with the caves and colorful temples intruiging to say the least. Such a shame that the place is so dirty. Needs better care, and also, visitors need to take better care of it. And get those pigeons out of there!!