Batu Caves
One of the great ways to discover Malaysian-Hindu beliefs and traditions is to visit this sacred and religious Hindu shrine.
The limestone cave temples of Batu Caves are famous for the celebration of Hindu festivals, including Deepavali and Thaipusam, which attract thousands of visitors every year. A giant golden Murugan statue guards its main entrance. Be ready to climb a steep flight of 272 steps before entering the fascinating caves with multiple temples to make offerings of lights to the Hindu gods.
Location
The Batu Caves is located along the Highway MRR2, approximately 13 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur and 75 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Opening Days and Hours
Batu Caves is open daily from 06:00 to 21:00.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Admission to parts of the Batu Caves is free, albeit educational tours are also available:
- Dark Cave Guided Tour: Available daily; RM 35 (USD 8.51) for adults, and RM 25 (USD 6.08) for children.
- Adventure Tour: Available during weekends with a minimum of 1 week advanced booking; Open for visitors 12 years old and above; RM 80 (USD 19.44) for foreigners and RM 55 (USD 13.37) for Malaysians (excluding a 6% tax for a minimum of 10 people in a group)
How to Get There
Batu Caves is accessible by cars or taxis, with about an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport or 30 minutes drive from the Kuala Lumpur city centre. A parking area is available. KTM Komuter train service leaves every 15 to 30 minutes from KL Sentral station to Batu Caves station.
Suggested For
Batu Caves is a good place to visit for families with kids, solo travelers, young couples, and backpackers. Although do note that senior travelers or small children may find climbing up the 272 steps a challenge.
Time to Spend
Half a day visit is sufficient to explore the shrine. More time should be allocated if you intend to join the guided tour. The Educational Tour will take about 45 minutes, while the Adventure Tour lasts for about 3 to 4 hours.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
As a pilgrimage site, Batu Caves draw thousands of worshippers and visitors from all over the world during the annual festival of Thaipusam, which usually falls on January or February. Visitors who prefer fewer crowds would best avoid visiting during Hindu festivals.
Activities
- Rock climbing with more than 160 climbing routes
- Visit to limestone caves
Food
A number of restaurants and cafés are just a short drive away from the Batu Caves. These serve different varieties of food ranging from western cuisine to local delights. A café located near the temple’s parking area serves Indian vegetarian food.
Safety and Fraud
Beware of the monkeys found everywhere in Batu Caves because they can get rather territorial and aggressive. Small children should avoid feeding or getting close to the monkeys as they could be bitten.
Nearby Attractions
- Muzium Orang Asli (Indigenous Peoples Museum), the city of Kuala Lumpur
Stay
Because of the short travel distance away from the city, visitors can find lodgings at the Kuala Lumpur city centre. There are a variety of options available in Kuala Lumpur from backpackers accommodations, budget, and luxury hotels.
Good to Know
The temple is a sacred site, so visitors should dress modestly. Visitors with shorts or skirts above the knees might be denied entry and will be advised to cover their legs with towels, jackets, or sarongs.
