A Guide on Visiting the Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur

No trip to Kuala Lumpur is complete without visiting the Batu Caves. The iconic coloured staircase, and colossal golden statue of Lord Murugan, are nestled in the limestone hills of Batu. A visit to the Batu Caves will give you a unique blend of Malaysia’s culture and the country’s natural beauty. Located just 13km north of Kuala Lumpur, this sacred site is a must-see for anyone traveling to the Malaysian capital. Here is a quick guide on my experience visiting the Batu Caves.

Getting to the Batu Caves

The easiest way to reach the Batu Caves is by taking the KL Commuter train from Kuala Lumpur. The journey takes around 30 minutes, and goes directly to Batu Caves station. From there, it’s a short walk to the entrance of the caves.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi or Grab, which will cost you around MYR 30-40 one-way from the city centre. As I went early in the morning, I took a Grab, but I decided on public transport on the way back to avoid the notorious KL traffic. I found the train to be comfortable, with good air-conditioning, and it only cost MYR 2.60. There was a 40 minute wait for the train, so I’d suggest buying any water or snacks before you go through the train barriers. You can’t buy anything on platform level.

KL Sentral to Batu Caves

Most visitors will be coming from a central location of Kuala Lumpur, like KL Sentral. The best way to get to the Batu Caves from here is the train, which takes 35 minutes and costs between RM 2 -4. You can buy a KTM Komuter train ticket from the train station. I found these trains to be in good conditions and quiet. You can also get the 173 bus, however, this takes just over an 1 hour in good traffic. So I recommend the train or taxi! The KL traffic is no joke!

At the Batu Caves

As you approach the Batu Caves, you’ll be greeted by the towering 42.7m high statue of Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war. This massive golden sculpture is hard to miss and serves as a magnificent gateway to the caves.

From here you’ll need to climb the 272 steps to reach the main cave entrance. Trust me, it’s a workout! Made hard by my terrible choice in clothes. I didn’t have anything appropriate outside of thick black trousers and top. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, light /airy clothing and bring plenty of water! There are people checking everyones’ clothing at the bottom of the stairs, to ensure people are respectful of this religious area. You’ll be requested to rent cover ups if you’re deemed to be not dressed appropriately.

I thought the colourful steps looked beautiful on the way up, so take your time enjoying them. On the way down you don’t see the colours as much, so it’s less visually appealing.

Inside the Batu Caves

Once you’ve recovered from climbing the 212 stairs, you’ll reach the main cave. With ceilings reaching 100 metres, the sheer size and beauty of the cave will take your breath away. I went on a very sunny day, so I was treated to the sunlight streaming through various openings of the cave. Inside you’ll find a series of ornate Hindu shrines, altars, and statues dedicated to various deities.

As you explore deeper into the cave complex, you’ll come across several smaller caves, each with its own unique features and spiritual significance. One of the most interesting is the Art Gallery Cave, where you’ll find intricate Hindu sculptures and paintings adorning the walls.

Batu Caves Monkeys

The Batu Caves is home to many monkeys. If you’ve been to Ubud’s Monkey Forest, you might know what to expect! Most of the monkeys running around the Batu Caves are found at the entrance. They are clearly very used to people and are quite brazen. It didn’t appear to be as bad as in Ubud (where your things will just be grabbed off you), but be wary about getting too close. After speaking to locals, they said the monkeys weren’t dangerous but they had on occasion grabbed belongings off people, so just keep your distance and don’t let your kids get too close.

There are also LOTS of pigeons …

Batu Caves FAQs

Is there an entrance fee?

No, entry to the Batu Caves is free. However, there is a small fee (around MYR 5) if you want to visit the Dark Cave, a separate eco-adventure tour within the cave complex, or the Ramayana Cave.

Batu Cave Opening Hours

The Batu Caves are open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM. Opening hours for the various caves inside can change depending on weekday vs weekend so be sure to search times for any specific things you want to see ahead of time.

What is the best time to visit?

To avoid the crowds and intense heat, it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. I was warned of this and chose to visit at 9am, thinking it would be quiet and cool…it was not. I was fine dealing with the crowds, but the heat was on another level. My only appropriate clothing were thick black trousers and a thick cotton top…I was dripping in sweat before I made it up half the stairs.

Can I take photographs inside the caves?

Yes, you can take photographs inside the main cave and the smaller caves. However, be respectful of worshippers and avoid using flash photography near the shrines.

Are there any facilities inside the caves?

Yes, there were two shops inside the main cave that were selling food, drinks and souvenirs. There are toilets outside which cost MYR 2 to use.

What should I wear to the Batu Caves?

As the Batu Caves are a religious site, it’s important to dress modestly. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless tops, and consider covering your shoulders and knees out of respect. You will be searched when you first arrive and made to rent clothing if you’re not dressed appropriately. I believe this cost MYR 10 to rent. I’d highly recommend wearing something floating and light coloured…I really suffered with my outfit choice and left early due to the heat.

How many steps does the Batu Caves have?

272 steps!

How long does it take to visit the Batu Caves?

It felt like i’d seen everything there was to offer in around 90 minutes. I would say you need between an hour or two. However, you might want longer if you’re planning to spend time eating and visiting the additional caves on site.

Are there food options at the caves?

Yes, there were a few vegetarian Indian restaurants and snack stalls near the entrance by the station.

Is there Parking at Batu Caves?

Yes, there is paid parking available near the entrance. Most people I saw though travelled via public transport or taxi, so don’t feel the need to rent a car.

Is the Batu Caves suitable for children?

Yes, but I imagine they’d get tired by the stairs. If you’re going during a busy period, like myself, be prepared to have to carry the kids up to prevent traffic on the stairs. I would also recommend being wary about having kids near the monkeys, as they were clearly very used to being around people and seemed quite grabby.

Visiting the Batu Caves was an incredible experience that combined natural beauty, cultural heritage and spiritual learnings. Whether you’re a curious traveler like myself, or a devout Hindu, these ancient caves will leave a lasting impression on you. Just remember to come prepared, be respectful and embrace the unique atmosphere of this Malaysian attraction. Check out the official Malaysia Tourism Site for more information.