batu caves tour kuala lumpur

Dive Into Malaysia

Batu Caves: Everything You Need To Know BEFORE Visiting Here

Looking for the best attractions in Kuala Lumpur? Then you’ll definitely be visiting the Batu Caves temple complex located on the edge of KL.

One of the most visited attractions in Malaysia, you may have already seen photos of the colourful Batu Caves stairs, the big Lord Murugan statue that guards the entrance, the colourful Batu Caves temples and the caves at the top. It makes for quite a sight and it’s only better when you see it in person.

If you’re wondering if it’s worth visiting Batu Caves, it definitely is. There is a lot to see and explore here and it’s a beautiful place for many reasons.

Below, I describe everything you need and want to know before your Batu Caves visit from what exactly you can see there, what it’s like inside Batu Caves, the Batu Caves history, the answer to where is Batu Caves, the Batu Caves temple opening hours, the entrance fee to Batu Caves, what you should wear and much more.

So keep reading! As you’ll soon know everything you need to about this great attraction in the full Batu Caves review with plenty of Batu Caves photos.

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What Is Batu Caves?

Put simply, Batu Caves is a set of Hindu temples built in both caves and the surrounds on the edge of Kuala Lumpur. There are four main caves to visit.

Keep reading for more details.

History Of Batu Caves Malaysia

Batu Caves is situated on a mogote which is a type of steep-sided hill made out of limestone, marble or dolomite. This limestone formation is thought to be around 400 million years old and is quite a sight on the edges of the massive Kuala Lumpur.

So if you want to know, when was Batu Caves built ? The answer is they have existed for a long time. But its relatively recent history is when things become more interesting.

The caves found here were first used by humans as shelter by the indigenous population. Then around 1860, Chinese settlers began taking the guano found here (bat poo) for fertilising their gardens.

The Batu Caves story really begins when an Indian Tamil trader, K. Thamboosamy Pillai, dedicated a temple to Lord Murugan inside the caves. He promoted this to others in the Hindu community as a place of worship.

Then in 1890, Pillai, the founder of Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur, installed the consecrated statue of Sri Murugan Swami in Temple Cave.

After this, the tradition of celebrating the Thaipusam festival at this site began in 1892 and Batu Caves was on the map as an important site for the Tamil population of Malaysia.

Batu Caves temple history took a big step forward when wooden steps up to Temple Cave were built in 1920. In 1940, two sets of concrete steps were completed.

The next big change came in 2018 Batu Caves when the stairs were painted to form the famous, colourful site that it is today.

Today, Batu caves is one of the most popular Hindu temples outside India. It receives many visitors and is one of the most popular attractions in Malaysia.Article Sponsored Find something for everyone in our collection of colourful, bright and stylish socks. Buy individually or in bundles to add color to your sock drawer!

Where Are The Batu Caves In Malaysia? And Batu Caves Address

The Batu Caves location is on the edge of Kuala Lumpur, about 13 kilometres from the centre.

The Batu Caves temple address is simply Batu Caves, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia. You can see the map below for where to find it as well as instructions.

Batu Caves Map

How To Get To Batu Caves

It is simple to get to Batu Caves from KL. If you aren’t in KL yet, make your way to the capital and then you can follow our instructions from here.

You basically have two choices. Either take a taxi or get the train.

Taxis are the simple option and only cost around RM20 on the Grab app depending on the time of day and how busy the taxi service is. It takes around 20-55 minutes depending on traffic.

The other option is the KTM Komuter train. This is also straight forward.

Batu Caves is at the end of the line and you can easily catch this from KL Sentral or Kuala Lumpur station. This takes about 35 minutes and is clean and comfortable.

Read our full guide to how to get to Batu Caves here.

An even easier option where you’ll also learn more about Batu Caves facts is to take a tour. These are cheap and easy and usually available daily. See more information below on the best Batu Caves tour package options.

Batu Caves Opening Hours

I read many times before I visited that the Batu Caves opening times are 7am-8pm daily.

However, this isn’t quite true. The main temple and staircase area opened at 5:45am when I visited, but different parts of Batu Caves have different opening hours.

Cave Villa opens 8:30am – 5:30pm. Ramayana Cave opens 9am – 6pm.

If you want to make the most of your visit, going early does help you arrive when the tourists aren’t there. I took many of these photos 7:15 – 8am and you can see the lack of tourists. I was the only one there not worshipping which was a fantastic experience.

But then I was left waiting for other temples to open. It’s really up to you what works best.

Batu Caves Entrance Fee

The good news is that some of the Batu Caves attraction is free! So if you are on a tight budget, you can definitely still visit here and experience it.

Some of the individual activities in Batu Caves have an entry fee. The Batu Caves tickets price for Ramayana Cave is RM5 and Cave Villa is RM15. It’s cheaper for Malaysians.

Things To Do Around Batu Caves

There are a few different Batu Caves attractions including four caves, the colourful steps and, of course, the big Lord Murugan Statue.

Lord Murugan Statue Batu Caves

The Lord Murugan Batu Caves statue is the massive gold statue next to the stairs. You cannot miss it.

Its height is a massive 42.7 metres, and it took three years to build. It was actually only added to the site in 2006.

Lord Hanuman Statue Batu Caves

The Lord Hanuman Statue is a green statue that is an impressive 15 metres high about 100 metres to the left of Lord Murugan.

There is also a temple next to this which is worth checking out.

Batu Caves Steps

Since the Batu Caves Malaysia steps were painted such amazing colours, they may be the most well known part of Batu Caves – and you’ll definitely want to take a photo and walk to the top to Temple Cave.

If you are wondering how many steps in Batu Caves, there are 272. It’s quite a work out!

The stairs are in good condition though with a hand rail so it’s easy enough to do.

Take a moment to turn around and take in the view as you walk up as well. You can see a fair bit of KL from up here.

Temple Cave

Located at the top of the stairs, Temple Cave is the most famous of the Batu Caves. This is where you can easily explore the Batu Caves inside.

You’ll find a huge cavern with two shrine areas. The Batu Caves height is about 90 metres here.

The first temple is devoted to Lord Muragan and the second one is where the Sri Valli Deivanai temple is. This is devoted to the wife of Murugan.

It definitely feels like a world away from Kuala Lumpur.

Batu Caves Dark Cave

The Dark Cave Batu Caves is a conservation site.

It is located by an area about midway up the stairs. There is a path here that leads to the entrance of the Dark Caves.

Visits to this cave are by tour only. However, it was not clear to me whether tours here have resumed or not since they were stopped a few years ago.

If you are able to visit, this cave is not lit and known for its rock formations, wildlife, particularly the Trapdoor Spider which is meant to be the rarest spider in the world, and adventure activities.

The tours previously were either a shorter one where you got to see the rock formations and bats (and maybe a spider) or an adventure tour which included spelunking, visiting adventurous narrow sections and getting wet.

Ramayana Cave

Another of the Batu Caves things to do is the interesting Ramayana Cave. It’s located next to the Hanuman statue about 100 metres to the left of the stairs.

Ramayana Cave is much smaller with lower ceilings than Temple Cave, but it is decorated with many statues, shrines and scenes from the Hindu epic of the same name. More items are being added over time, so even if you have been here before, you may want to check it out again.

This cave has an entry fee which helps keep visitor numbers down making it more enjoyable.

The final cave you’ll want to consider visiting is Cave Villa, just to the left of the colourful stairs. This can be an option if you can’t climb the 272 stairs to Temple Cave.

This cave has a RM15 entry fee (less for Malaysians) at the time of publishing, and there are a couple of entry points which are clearly signposted. It’s a privately own caved and not associated with the rest of Batu Caves.

After paying the entry fee, you get to walk across a bridge over a koi pond as pictured above. There are actually two caves here that also have statues, scenes and shrines.

Unfortunately, there are also some caged animals and reptiles in inhumane conditions, so I recommend you choose to skip this cave rather than pay to support this. I chose to not go inside for this reason.

Other Temples

There are multiple temples here in addition to the caves that you can easily visit as you explore the site.

You need to be dressed respectively to enter (see more about this below), and you should remove your shoes and socks.

These are such peaceful, special places to explore early as people made offerings and chanted. I highly recommend it.

Rock Climbing Batu Caves

Looking for more adventure on your Batu Caves trip? You can rock climb here!

You can do this in a 3-4 hour session with guides and all gear included. You do need a good fitness level but it’s ok for beginner rock climbers.

The climbing takes place at Gua Damai on the same limestone hills as the caves.

Click here more details and latest prices.

Thaipusam Festival

The main Batu Caves festival is for the annual celebration of Thaipusam, a major Hindu event.

It’s a three day festival which occurs in late January or early February with processions and many, many pilgrims.

It’s quite an experience and worth attending if you are around at the right time.

However, it’s quite a different experience to a trip to Batu Caves at other times so try to experience Batu Caves at a less busy time as well.

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There are three different options depending on whether you want to concentrate on street food, nightlife or off the beaten track places.

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There’s no better way to discover this great city.

Make sure you use the coupon code DIVE30 for RM30 off your tour.

Click here for all your option s .

Batu Caves Tours

Here are some popular and affordable tour options…

Private Half Day Tour

In this half day tour, you’ll get return transfers and a private guide to ensure you get the most out of your experience. There are morning or afternoon options for a great price.

Click here for the latest prices and times.

Batu Caves + Other Local Stops

This half day tour includes return transfers, a guide and also two other stops in addition to Batu Caves.

You’ll visit the Royal Selangor Pewter Factory and a Batik Factory showroom as well as learning more about the local area. There are morning and afternoon departures.

Batu Caves And Genting Highlands Tour

You can also combine a visit to the Batu Caves with a visit to Genting Highlands for a fabulous day tour.

This tour consists of a driver-guide who will share the history of Malaysia while navigating through traffic to your first stop at Batu Caves. After this, he will drive you on to the Awana cable car to take you up to Genting Highlands (cable car included).

You’ll have free time to visit the theme parks and local attractions before taking the cable car back down, meeting with your driver and returning to KL. This Genting Highlands and Batu Caves tour is perfect for anyone who wants to make the most of their time in Malaysia.

You can find more city tours that include Batu Caves here.

Batu Caves Dress Code

This is a sacred site and you need to dress appropriately. I met someone the day before my most recent visit who told me how she forgot to wear her long dress on her visit and had to buy the RM15 scarves to cover up.

To avoid this, you basically want to cover your knees and shoulders.

The photo above is from the bottom of the stairs up to Temple Cave and gives you a good description of what is ok and not. You can take your own scarf to cover up when going in the temples or buy one here if you are stuck.

You need to take your shoes and socks off to enter temples. This can mean that sandals can be easier. However, I recommend good walking shoes for the stairs so you can feel steady and supported, especially if they are wet.

Batu Caves Weather And When To Visit Batu Caves

Malaysia is in the tropics and basically this means it is hot and humid year round – and it could rain any time you visit Batu Caves. In fact, it didn’t rain during my visit, but there was water falling in Temple Cave so I still got wet!

The heaviest rains can be in March or April, but I would prepare for the fact that rain can happen at any time.

This means it is always smart to take an umbrella, but I would definitely try for a dry day when you visit. It wouldn’t be much fun walking up the Batu Caves staircase in the rain.

The weather Batu Caves experiences is always hot. Visiting first thing in the morning can feel a lot cooler though and I would avoid the heat in the middle of the day if possible.

Batu Caves Monkeys

The monkeys at Batu Caves have a mischievous reputation so watch out for them 🙂

They are not always around so you may not see them, but if you do, I recommend not having food out when they are around. It’s best not to fight them if they try to take something from you as they can bite. Basically, ignore them if you can.

Batu Caves Restaurant

There are eating options right by Batu Caves as pictured above which is to the right of the Batu Caves Murugan statue.

Not much is open early, when this photo was taken, but you’ll never go hungry here.

Final Words

The Batu Caves temple Malaysia is an amazing place to visit and it should be high on your list of attractions to see when in KL. It’s easy to get here and combine with other sightseeing so there’s really no reason to miss it.

It was an extra awesome experience visiting early in the morning when everyone around seemed there to worship. The chanting, the cooler air, the amazing surrounds… such an experience!

You can read more about things to do in KL here , find our detailed guide to getting from KL to Batu Caves here or find our full Kuala Lumpur travel guide here . You can also find our list of Kuala Lumpur tours here – many include Batu Caves.

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions?  Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now!  It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

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By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

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(3 in 1) Kuala Lumpur City Exploration & Batu Cave Visit and Fireflies with Seafood Dinner and Boat Ride

This is an interesting tour which unfolds the beauty and charm of an old and new Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur is rich with its history on how it developed from a small tin Miners Settlement to a growing modern city currently.

Kuala Lumpur with a character of its own, is also known for its colorful cultures, races and traditions. The city is further furnished by its interesting architecture, prominent landmarks and unique building.

You will be amaze to see that the Oriental and colonial part of the city intertwine with interesting Moorish, Mogul and Islamic stylish building.

Batu Caves is a Hindu Temple located at the outskirt of Kuala Lumpur City. These limestone caves are 400 million years old. There is a total of 272 steps leading up to the top of the main cave temple. It consists of three big cave. The world’s tallest Lord Muruga Statue with the height of 42.7m (130 feet high) is located here. This destination attracts a huge crowd during Thaipusam, which is an annual festival for the Indians to pay homage to Lord Muruga. This festival will be celebrated in January or February of every year. This mother nature attraction is the most visited tourist destination.

Our last stop is to see fireflies by night at Kampung Pasir Penambang. It is a small agricultural village and is widely known for its large firefly colonies. While enjoying a pleasant boat ride in the Selangor River, its noted the fireflies consistently patronized the serenity of the mangrove areas.

Included/Excluded

• Seafood Dinner
• Boat Ride to watch Fireflies
• English Speaking Driver cum Guide
• Water Bottle (One per person)
• Personal Expenses
• Personal Insurance

Places of Interest:

• King Palace (Photo Stop)
• National History Museum (Visit Stop)
• National Monument (Visit Stop)
• House of Parliament (Drive Pass)
• Lake Garden (Drive Pass)
• National Mosque (Photo Stop)
• Old Railway Station (Photo Stop)
• Independence Square (Photo Stop) (Moorish Building, Cricket Club, Cricket fields and St. Mary Anglican Church)
• China Town (Drive Pass)
• Petronas Twin Towers ** (Photo Stop)
• Batu Caves (Visit Stop)
• Boat Ride to see fireflies (Visit Stop)
• Seafood dinner and boat charges are included in package price

For Batu Cave Tour

What to Bring and Do: Wear comfortable (not over expose your body) T-shirt or shirt with sleeves is fine Do not wear Short Pants or Hot Pants Do not wear Short Skirts or Mini Skirts (above knee level) Long Pants are fine

• Minimum 2 pax.
• DEPOSIT RM100 is required , balance payment (Cash Only) upon pick up.
• PAYPAL FEE RM6 WILL BE COLLECT UPON PICK UP

Calendar & Prices

Kl batu cave fireflies.

• guests > 3 Price Adult (12+ years) RM 320.00 / ticket
• guests > 5 Price Adult (12+ years) RM 300.00 / ticket
• guests > 7 Price Adult (12+ years) RM 270.00 / ticket

Book This Tour

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Batu caves complex (named after the nearby Batu river) is one of the most visited tourist and pilgrimage sites in Malaysia. The caves are said to be 400 million years old, but their existence came to prominence only in 1878 when William Temple Hornaday, an American zoologist and taxidermist, revealed their existence to the world. Until then, the caves were used by the local people for catching bats and collecting their droppings.

The discovery inspired an Indian trader named K. Thamboosamy Pillai to establish a Hindu shrine there, which was built in the largest cave in 1891, and was dedicated to Lord Muruga. There is a story that the trader had a dream in which he received instructions from Lord Muruga’s mother to build the shrine. Hence, the caves became a site of Hindu pilgrimage, particularly during the annual Tamil festival of Thaipusam, which is observed during January or February.

A large crowd of devotees descends on the caves during the festival days, and that may be a time either to avoid visiting the site because of the crowd or to visit the site if you are interested in watching a major South Indian festival in Malaysia.

In this article, I will share all the necessary information so that you can visit the caves either on your own or as part of a tour group.

What To See

1. lord muruga’s statue and the staircase.

The huge golden statue of Lord Muruga, that you see in the picture above, stands at the entrance to the complex. It was built in the year 2006, and is 140 feet tall. Beyond the statue starts the mighty staircase of 272 steps. In 2018, the staircase received a controversial makeover when it was painted in vibrant colors, giving the place a theme park type of look.

Once atop the staircase, you find yourself at the entrance to the main temple cave.

2. Temple Cave

The temple cave is the largest cave in the complex. It has the Lord Muruga Temple, a few other colorful shrines, and a high ceiling, giving it a majestic look.

3. Sri Valli Deivanai Temple

At the end of the temple cave is another staircase which leads to the upper cavern housing the Sri Valli Deivanai Temple, dedicated to the wife of Lord Muruga.

4. Dark Cave

Dark cave is a conservation site in which one gets to see rock formations, bats, and other wildlife. It can be visited only as part of a guided tour, which may require advance booking. Entry to this cave is midway on the mighty staircase. **Dark cave tours were not operating at the time of writing this article.**

5. Ramayana Cave

The Ramayana cave is sort of the “theme park” side of Batu caves. It is located near the entry to the complex. The cave is well lit and has several displays depicting scenes from the epic Ramayana. One needs to buy an entry ticket of RM5 to visit this cave.

Cave Villa is a private setup adjacent to the caves, and requires an entry fee of RM15 for foreign tourists. It has a pond, a mini zoo, an aquarium, and two small caves similar to Ramayana cave. I have read some online reviews of Cave Villa that mention issues related to ill-treatment of animals in the mini zoo. I guess, Cave Villa can be totally avoided. There are better ways to spend RM15 in Kuala Lumpur.

Batu caves complex is open daily from 6.00am to 9.00pm.

Entry to the temple cave is free for all. However, to visit Ramayana cave, one has to buy a ticket costing RM5.

Getting There

(i) conducted group tour.

The cheap and reliable conducted tour of Batu Caves from Kuala Lumpur that I could find, cost ₹ 718 (approximately USD 9) per person. This 3 hour 30 minute tour includes two-way hotel transfers for hotels in KL City Center and Bukit Bintang areas, and the services of an English-speaking tour guide. The tour is offered by Klook online. This is the link: https://www.klook.com/en-IN/activity/1293-half-day-kuala-lumpur-suburbs-and-batu-caves-tour-kuala-lumpur/ (Please copy and paste the link in your browser to visit the page. If the link is not functional, kindly drop a line in the comments form below.) Klook offers both morning and afternoon tours.

(ii) Private Tour

Klook also had a private half-day tour of Batu caves on offer which costs ₹ 1293 (approximately USD 16) per person. However, the problem with these or any other conducted tour of Batu Caves is that considerable time gets wasted doing visits to handicraft stores and factories as part of the tour and eventually, you only get a short time of 40 minutes to see the caves.

40 minutes is not enough. You will need a minimum of two hours to see the caves and leisurely walk around the complex.

(iii) Do It Yourself

Ktm komuter train.

You can board this train (Batu Caves-Port Klang route) from KL Sentral station to Batu Caves station. The price of the ticket is RM2.60 one way. The train station at Batu caves is at a short 5-minute walk from the caves complex.

Taxi or Grab Car

If you are traveling in a group of 2 or 3, a taxi may be the best option, which should cost RM50 or 60. A Grab car may be cheaper if you have the app installed on your phone.

The option of going to Batu caves by bus is very much there, but it is not advisable for tourists. Finding the right bus and then the time it takes to get to the caves will be troubles that a tourist should not take. It is better to choose between the train and the taxi. In case you are still keen on the bus, you may take bus 11/11D from Bangkok Bank Terminus or bus U6 from Titiwangsa Bus Terminal.

There is another tour option where they offer a full-day tour of Batu caves and Genting Highlands. In my opinion, that tour should be totally avoided. If you want to enjoy Genting Highlands, you should plan an overnight stay there. For Batu caves, a half-day tour is more than enough. And it is better if you do it yourself, rather than going through a travel agent.

When you are in KL and have the time, do visit Batu caves. If not for the temples, you may at least visit the site to see 400 million-year-old caves. It will be worth your time and money.

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KL Sentral » Batu Caves Tour from Kuala Lumpur

Batu Caves Tour from Kuala Lumpur

If you are visiting Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, you should not miss the famous Batu Caves.  Batu Caves Tour takes you on a journey outside the city center which houses some of the best-known cultural attractions.

Batu Caves Tour Highlights

• Batu Caves Tour Package
• Where to Book Batu Caves Tour?

Batu Caves Tour Price

Batu caves entrance fee, batu caves tour schedule, batu caves tour itinerary.

• Print Out Batu Caves Tour Ticket
• Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off
• Tour Pick Up Time

Batu Caves Tour Gallery

At the historical site Batu Caves, admire the 42-metre tall golden statue of the Hindu god Murugan and watch devotees pay homage to their respective deities at temple sites set within limestone caves. It is the tallest statue of a Hindu deity in Malaysia and the second tallest statue of a Hindu deity in the world.

Next on the itinerary is a guided trip to the Malaysian Batik Centre , where you can see authentic Batik fabric being designed and made into ready-to-wear materials, such as the traditional sarong.

You will be also visiting the well-known Selangor Pewter factory . Get an insight at the process of casting, moulding, hammering, engraving, and polishing of pewter materials.

The Best Batu Caves Tour Package of the Year

Escape bustling Kuala Lumpur and into the historically and culturally rich suburbs of the city. Explore the magnificent Malaysian countryside and discover local village life. Visit the Royal Selangor Pewter, producing pewters for ceremonial use and feel the special texture of the Batik-silk cloth at the Batik showroom.

Venture further away from the city and wander in the fascinating limestone caves before hiking up into a Hindu Temple. This half-day journey will reward you with new interesting facts about Malaysia, unforgettable memories and stunning views of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline.

Where to book Batu Caves Tour Ticket?

Click here to visit the recommended Batu Caves Tour by Klook.

The Batu Caves tour price is RM43 (~10USD)  per person, includes hotel pickup & dropoff services. You will receive a confirmation email and voucher instantly after booking.

No entrance fee is required to access or visit Batu Caves. You don’t have to pay a single cent to enter the Batu Caves limestone cave. It’s FREE.

There are two available sessions of tour guide for Batu Caves.

• Morning 9:00am-12:30pm
• Afternoon 2:00pm-5:30pm
• 9:00am/2:00pm pickup at hotel
• Visit Royal Selangor Pewter factory (approx. 30min)
• Visit Batik Factory showroom (approx. 30min)
• Visit Batu Caves (approx. 40 min)
• Drive past local villages (approx. 10 min)
• 12:30pm/5:30pm drop off at hotel

Do I need to print out the Tour Ticket?

• You can present either a printed or an electronic voucher for this activity

The Batu Caves Tour includes Hotel Pick Up

• The rate includes return pick up from hotels within the Kuala Lumpur City Centre and Bukit Bintang area
• Please take note of the  pick up and drop off location  for hotels within Kuala Lumpur and Bukit Bintang area.
• If your hotel is not included within this list, please arrange your own transport to and from the nearest hotel on the list.
• As this is a join in tour, kindly be considerate to the rest of the tour members. Please arrive at your pick up point at least 10 minutes before your scheduled pick up time as the driver will depart  on time , hence travellers who are late for pick up will miss the tour

When is the Pick Up Time for the Tour?

• Morning tours : 8:30am-8:45am (outskirts hotel), 9.00am-9:15am (city hotel)
• Afternoon tours : 1:30pm-1:45pm (outskirts hotel), 2:00pm-2:15pm (city hotel)

Here are some awesome pictures you could take during the Batu Caves Tour. If you wish to purchase non-watermark images from us, feel free to contact us at [email protected]

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• Asia / Ask RAI / Destinations / Solo Travel / Travel

Should You Visit the Batu Caves + Other FAQs

Published October 17, 2023 · Updated October 17, 2023

The Batu Caves Kuala Lumpur temple complex  is an important area that seamlessly intertwines tourism , religion , nature , and conservation .   Located in Gombak Selangor, just north of Kuala Lumpur (KL), it is an iconic and popular tourist attraction and one of Malaysia’s national treasures .

Are the Batu Caves worth the visit?

Discover everything you need to know about visiting  below, including opening hours, best time to visit, how to get here, temple dress code, entrance fee, the number of steps, how long to spend in the Batu Cave area, and other important points worth knowing.

Reading time: 7 minutes

[Updated 2024] Editor’s note: This post was originally posted in 2021 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in 2024.

Rising precipitously, hundreds of metres above the ground, the complex is essentially a series of caves and cave temples discovered within a massive limestone hill.

The limestone formations are thought to be over around 400 million years old and even today, is an important area for conservation.

The site takes its name from the Sungai Batu river which flows past the hill.

Home to endemic plants and animals , the Batu Caves area falls within the Kuala Selangor Nature Park and is protected under heritage laws.

It is also one of the most revered Tamil sites outside of India, attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists for over 120 years.  This religious pilgrimage culminates throughout the annual Hindu festival of Thaipusam which is usually held at the end of January each year.

>> Related reading: The pros and cons of living in Malaysia

The structure of the Batu Caves

The compound comprises three major caves and a number of smaller ones.

The largest and most popular, called Temple Cave or Cathedral Cave features various ornate Hindu shrines under the 100-metre-high ceiling.

To reach this opening and the ensuing view of the city centre skyline from the top, you first need to work your way up a steep flight of 272 steps .

Hang on for a second …..

Before starting your climb into the high caverns, take a moment to marvel at the impressive golden structure of Murugan alongside. The statue is huge! Standing tall at just under 43-meters, it is the second tallest statue of a Hindu deity in the world.

On the way up, be greeted by mischievous little  Macaque monkeys as they frolic around the caves.

>> Related reading: Where to find the best views in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

At the base of the hill on ground level, are two more cave temples, Art Gallery Cave and Museum Cave , both of which are full of Hindu statues and wall paintings depicting mythology and deities. Ramayana Cave can   be found on the extreme left comprising a statue of Hanuman and depicting the life of Rama.

Three quarters of the way up, below the Temple Cave, is what is referred to as the Dark Cave . Access to this part is restricted to protect the cave’s ecology and can only be visited as part of a guided tour with the Malaysian Nature Society.

Here you will find stunning limestone formations and other cave structures the likes of cave pearls and cave curtains formed over thousands of years. Be sure to keep an eye out for the range of insects and bats as you manoeuvre yourself through the 2-kilometre long passageway within the cave.

[Update: While the rest of the Batu cave area remains open, the Dark Cave conservation site is closed until further notice. No reason is given for the closure. I will update this once it reopens]

Do take note :

>> PLEASE refrain from going inside the Cave Villa!

It contains animals, including turtles, reptiles, and birds, that are kept in cages. Don’t waste your money. Don’t purchase a ticket to go inside and don’t support animal cruelty. Rather spend your time enjoying the other areas of the Batu caves.

>> Always remember to act sustainably. Here are 10 examples on ways to travel responsibly

Batu Caves Tour Options

The Malaysian Nature Society organizes two types of tours for visitors to the Dark caves:

• The Educational tour
• The Adventure tour

In under an hour, the Educational tour will provide everything you need to know about the biodiversity, ecology, history and formations of the Dark Cave. No booking is required for this tour.

The Adventure tour , which lasts three hours, includes the educational tour followed by further exploration of the Dark caves venturing off the beaten track. Expect to get wet and constrained as you crawl and climb through curious rock formations and interesting organisms. A booking is required for this tour.

These are my personally recommended tours:

What to expect:

My personal impression of the Batu Caves

The Batu Caves are certainly one of the most famous spots that should be explored while visiting or living in Malaysia . Before visiting, it’s important to have your expectations in check. The cave complex and surrounding structures are intriguing.  However, once inside, the cave area is just ok, a little underwhelming even. I also thought the area could have been better maintained.

The cave formations themselves are interesting with small openings in the limestone rocks allowing seams of light into the floor below.

I found the horde of Macaque monkeys located throughout the complex to be highly entertaining. Quite possibly my favourite part of my visit here. But do note that they are particularly cheeky and wild and are not afraid of grabbing anything that even remotely looks like food out of your hands or bag.

>> Read next: The most commons scams in Asia to watch out for

What do you think of this new look. Like it?

The Batu Caves gets a New Look

The iconic Batu Caves received a makeover and a whole new look in August 2018 with the 272 steps painted in an alluring range of colours .

Each set of steps leading up to the caves have been coated in a complementary colour scheme comprising vivid hues of red, blue, green, and orange. The restoration also included painting the arches and temples in the immediate locale with the entire process taking less than a week to complete.

The fresh new instagrammable look has been a hit with visitors thus far.

Maybe yet another reason to go and take a look?

>> Must read: The best islands to visit around the world

The Batu Caves — Frequently Asked Questions

So given all of this information, you’ve decided to make the trip to Batu Caves 🙂

It is easy enough to visit the caves independently.

There are also numerous tour operators offering a guided visit to the Batu Caves.

Should you be short on time or want a comprehensive explanation into the significance, the detail, and intricacies of the sight that you might otherwise miss, please check out this  guided half day visit to the Batu Caves  that I would highly recommend.

Continue reading for some essential travel information :

Batu Caves hours

The Batu caves opening hours are from 07:00 – 21:00 daily.

How far are the Batu Caves from KL

The caves are located 13 km, or 30 minutes, north of Kuala Lumpur.

Batu Caves address

Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Sri Subramaniam Temple, Selangor Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia +60 3-6189 6284

How to get to Batu Caves from KL Sentral

My recommendation:

— Train service

The direct KTM Komuter train service is simple, easy, and the most convenient option for getting to the Batu Caves.

It takes you from KL Sentral station, passing  8 stations along the way, right up to the site in 40 minutes . The first train from KL Sentral to Batu Caves is 6:56 AM and the last train from KL Sentral to Batu Caves is 10:46 PM. Trains depart every 45 minutes.

The interior compartments are clean, modern and air-conditioned with separate room for those females who chose so.

An adult single fare is RM2.60.

  Additional options:

The taxi fare from KL Sentral to Batu caves is approximately 80 ringgit (return). These can be arranged whilst in the city .

This is the fastest option taking around 2 – 2.5 hours to tour and return to KL, including driving time. Install the Grab app on your phone as a better alternative to Uber.

The cheapest option of getting to the Batu caves is by bus.

There is a free bus from KL Sentral station to Sentul station taking 30 minutes. From here continue by taking the KTM Komuter train to Batu caves.

The total journey will take  an hour at a cost of  RM2.30.

An additional option, although not recommended, is taking bus 11 or 11D from the Central Market, bus U6 from Titiwangsa or the Cityliner bus No 69 at Jalan Pudu.

Time required to visit the Batu Caves

The average time required to see the main area is about 2 hours . Add travel time to get there and back and I would say, allocate about half a day to see the Batu Caves area.

Best time to visit Batu Caves

A recommendation is to go either early in the day  arriving soon after opening or late in the afternoon so that you have the rest of the day to explore Kuala Lumpur without breaking up your sightseeing and enjoying the cooler weather at the same time.

A visit during early mornings before 10 am and late afternoons after 4 pm just before sunset , has the added advantage of exploring the site with less crowds and fewer tourist groups.

Batu Caves entrance fee

It is FREE to see the main Batu Cave area and temple. Yeah!

The Educational Tour through the Dark Cave costs RM35 per adult and RM28 per child. The fee includes a guide, helmet, and flashlight.

The Adventure Tour costs RM80 – RM100. Advance booking is required for this tour.

To enter Ramayana caves costs RM5 per person

Cave Villa costs RM15 per person

Batu Caves dress code. Can you wear shorts?

The dress code is  now strictly enforced. As this is a holy temple site and a place of worship, naturally appropriate dressing and covering of the shoulders and knees is advised .

Sarongs are rented out cheaply at the entrance, should you require.

I would not recommend wearing shorts, mini skirts or low-cut tops. No entry is permitted unless and until you’re appropriately covered.

Batu Caves steps. How many?

To reach this opening and the ensuing view of the city centre skyline from the top, you first need to work your way up a steep flight of 272 steps . Don’t worry, it’s not a bad climb at all, even in the hot weather. Stopping and playing with (or avoiding) the Macaque monkeys would give you a break, if needed.

Food and Drink

Should you be hungry, there are a number of food stalls at the base of the Batu caves temple selling anything from coconuts and drinks to burgers and Indian food.

Among the stalls you will also find souvenirs and huge durians the size of watermelons! 

>> Durian is widely considered a disgusting food to eat. Check out these 35 other strange foods of the world

Additional activities in the Batu Cave area 

Rock climbing

Rock climbing enthusiasts would be happy to hear that there are over 160 climbing routes scattered around the Batu caves area, which has become the centre of rock climbing in Malaysia.

The climbing routes, scattered all around the side of Batu Caves with most found on the North Eastern side of the complex are easily accessed, as most precipices start from ground level.

Abseiling and spelunking trips can be organised with local travel companies too.

The Batu Caves are certainly one of the best places to visit in Malaysia . Have you been or intend to visit Kuala Lumpur and the Batu caves at some point? Let me know in the comments below.

Found This Helpful? PIN IT 🙂

If you’ve enjoyed this article or found it helpful, please share it on any/all of the social platforms using the options below . Should you have any further questions , feel free to contact me on instagram or in the comments below.

Never stop exploring,

Tags: Asia Batu caves kuala lumpur malaysia travel Travel Tips

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Grand Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya & Batu Caves Tour

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About This Tour

This is the most complete tour, where you will visit three main spots: KL City, Batu Caves, & Putrajaya. They are mostly driven by the city’s cultural diversity, relatively low costs, and wide gastronomic and shopping variety. Explore the past, present, and future of Kuala Lumpur on a private 8-hour city sightseeing tour. Learn the history of the city, from its humble beginnings as a tin mining town to its sophisticated architecture in today’s modern world.

Visit the Petronas Twin- Tower, which is the pride of the nation. Golden Triangle which is a busy business and shopping hub. Independence Square and the Railway Station are where you get to snap some extraordinary shots of the colonial architectures.Kuala Lumpur has the internationally-recognized Petronas Twin Towers. Tourists who love to shop will find the Golden Triangle, located at the heart of the city, to be the perfect place, as it also serves as a business hub. People who want to visit sites that have remnants of colonial architecture—the KL railway station, Independence Square, and the National Monument—are great destinations in the city.In addition to these spots, we will also take you to the famous Batu Caves.The Batu Caves are known for the limestone rock inside, which is more than 400 million years old. We’ll guide you through a comprehensive tour of the Caves’ and the many Hindu shrines around the area, including the wonderful main temple, which is over a century old

​Visit K.L Gallery, home to a spectacular model of the city and see the Moorish-style Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, notable for its mix of Eastern and Western architectural motifs. Go to Independence Square to admire colonial buildings and the English-style cricket ground. Stop to take photos of the National Mosque,Old Quarter of Kuala Lumpur, The River Confluence and the famous Malaysian King’s Palace. We assure you that this Kuala Lumpur Batu Caves tour is going to leave an unforgettable imprint on your heart.

• Petronas Twin-Towers – Tallest Twin-Structure in the world – 1483ft (Photo Stop)
• Batu Caves – Limestone Temple  (Visit Stop)
• Golden Triangle – Commercial / Business / Shopping Centres (Drive Pass)
• National Monument – Parliament (Drive Pass)
• KL Tower – 7th tallest Tele-Com tower in the world (Photo Stop)
• Independence Square – Colonial Buildings & Cricket Ground-
•  KL Gallery  (Photo Stop) 
• Railway Station – Old Moorish Heritage  (Photo stop)  
• National Mosque (Photo Stop)
• River Confluence  (Photo Stop)
• King’s Palace (Photo Stop)
• China Town (Visit Stop)
• Dong – A modern hand painted batik demo (Optional)
• Beryl’s Chocolate Kingdom (Optional)
• Putra Mosque (Photo Stop)
• Prime Minister & Minister Offices (Photo Stop)
• Prime Minister Residence (Drive Pass)
• Putra Square (Photo Stop)
• Palace of Justice (Photo Stop)
• Millennium Monument (Photo Stop) 
• Pass by Different Bridges

Departure & Return Location

Kuala Lumpur City Centre Hotels & Residence

Price Includes

• Professional Driver cum Guide Service
• Full Air Conditioned Vehicle
• Private tours & transfers
• KL Gallery Tickets

Price Excludes

• Personal expenses
• Entrance Fees to KL Tower & Twin-Tower
• Travel insurance

What You Get?

• Go on a personalized exploration of Kuala Lumpur City and Batu Caves
• Visit the King's Palace, the National Mosque, Twin Towers, Independence Square and more!
• Get a chance to see the architectural innovation of the Spectacular City Model Show at the K.L Gallery
• A comfortable round trip transportation is also included for a memorable and worry-free day
• Discover the capital of Malaysia's rich history as you listen to fascinating stories your driver guide
• Free Cancellation (48hours notice)

Date: All Around The Year

Time: 9.00am

Pricing & Additional Information

* per person

Know Before You Go

A minimum of two (2) adults is required for this booking. ​ Not wheelchair accessible. Not suitable for pets. Infant seats are unavailable

Upon booking, full payment should be made online. Kindly e nter your hotel name and address at the checkout page, along with your WhatsApp number and country code.

CANCELLATION POLICY

A full refund will be issued if the tour has been cancelled at least two (2) days prior to the event.

HOW DO I GET MY CONFIRMATION ?

A confirmation voucher will be sent to you via email after you make the payment online. 

PICKUP AREA FOR TOURS ?

Complimentary pick-up and drop-off services are available from hotels or residences located within a 10-kilometer radius of the Petronas Twin Towers. (Most of the hotels are located here.)  If you are staying outside of Kuala Lumpur City Centre, kindly take a cab or Grab car and wait for us at Corus Hotel Kuala Lumpur .

If you need pick-up from outskirt hotels, you may contact the local operator through the number stated on the booking confirmation voucher  about the charges, which can be paid directly upon pick-up.

Travelers can opt to drop back at their respective hotels or the Petronas Twin Towers after completing the tour.

​ WHERE TO WAIT AND HOW MY DRIVER WILL RECOGNIZE ME ?

Your d river details will be sent via WhatsApp by 9 p.m. one (1) day before the tour.  Kindly be ready at the respective hotel lobby 10 minutes before the tour starts. Our driver will contact you once they have arrived at your accommodation. If you can’t find the driver, kindly contact us through the number stated on the booking confirmation voucher . The standard waiting time is only 5 minutes , and it will be considered “ No Show ” if you are not at the lobby on time.

​ WHAT TO BRING ?

Camera & some cash for personal expenses if you intend to buy  souvenirs.  You are advised to wear sensible shoes, sunscreen, and caps or hats.

​ REFUNDS ?

Full refunds will be issued for cancellations made at least 48 hours prior to the activity.

For any questions, please WhatsApp directly to the local operator at the number stated in the voucher.

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