Visiting the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur!

In Malaysia’s capital city, backpackers, tourists and worshippers all seek out this incredible temple located inside huge caves.

Located not far from Kuala Lumpur city centre, Batu Caves has become an incredibly popular temple amongst travel enthusiasts all over the world. However touristy it has become, there is no denying that the Batu Caves holds incredible sacred beauty and is a MUST VISIT for all.

To help you plan your trip to this sacred site, we have outlined the ultimate guide to visiting the Batu Caves… continue reading below!

What are the Batu Caves?

Said to be more than 400 million years old, Batu Caves are a series of caves that were originally used by the indigenous tribe of Orang Asli for shelter. In 1890 an Indian Tamil trader set in place a statue of Lord Murugan and dedicated it as a place of worship. Years passed and this temple has developed into one of the most popular tourist attractions in Malaysia.

The cave has a beautiful hilly backdrop and 272 vibrantly painted steps to entice you inside. Standing at the foot of the steps is a gold, glistening statue of Lord Murugan… the tallest statue of the deity in the world! The caves truly are an exceptional sight to behold.

What is the dress code at the Batu Caves?

As Batu Caves is a temple, it is expected to dress appropriately. As with other Hindu temples, women are expected to cover their legs and shoulders whereas men should cover their shoulders. Sarongs are available to rent for anyone without a coverup.

TOP TIP | Beware of the monkeys! We advise that you do not take food or drink and hide away your belongings. We watched a fight between a man and a monkey for some sunglasses and it was very aggressive! The monkeys are less active early in the morning.

What time should I visit the Batu caves?

When choosing what time of the year to visit Kuala Lumpur, you should take into consideration Malaysia’s monsoon season. The wettest months are between March and April. However, during this time there will be less tourists and attractions will be quieter. It is also important to take into consideration what time of year Hindu festivals are. You may want to experience (or avoid!) the huge crowds of pilgrims joining in with traditional processions.

Batu Caves open from 6am until 9pm. We strongly recommend visiting the Batu Caves early in the day (before 8am!) This way you will avoid the very busy crowds and it will be cooler … climbing the 272 steps in 35 degree midday heat can be taxing!

How do I get to the Batu caves?

You have several options to get to the Batu Caves.

The cheapest option | Catch the KTM train from your nearest station. The journey takes around half an hour and costs RM2.60 for a one-way ticket. There are also cheap buses that have routes to the Batu Caves but they will take longer.

The fastest option | Take a taxi (we recommend using Grab). This is the most convenient option but more costly. Prices can range anywhere between RM20-RM40.

Hassle-free option | Book onto a guided tour to the Batu Caves to take the stress out of organising transport. This is the most expensive option but you will learn more about the caves and often visit other cultural sites on the tour. You can easily book a guided tour through sites such as Get Your Guide or Viator!

How much does it cost to visit the Batu caves?

For all the budget-conscious travellers out there, you’re in luck! The main temple at Batu Caves is completely free to visit! If you want to explore further you can also visit the Ramayana Cave for RM5 and visit the Cave Villa for RM7 (Malaysians) and RM15 (tourists).