Introduction
The Batu Caves located at Gombak; Selangor are at a distance of about 13 km (8 miles) from Kuala Lumpur. They are formed from limestone. The main deity is the Hindu God Murugan (God of War). There are other deities. The golden colored Murugan Statue at the base is about 43 m (141 ft) high. The rainbow staircase has 272 colorful steps to go up to the Batu Caves Temple. The steps are colored. Beware of monkeys grabbing food and other articles while climbing up the steps. There is Subramanya Swamy Temple in the caves at the top.
Best time to visit
In the morning. February to September. Temperatures are around 23C (73F) and 33C (91F)
How to get to Batu Caves
Take the KTM Kommuter train from KL Sentral to the Batu Caves station. This is the 8th station. The journey takes about 35 to 40 minutes one-way. It is a walk of 5 minutes from here. It costs about MYR 2.60 one-way. The first train is at 6.56 AM and the last train is at 10.46 PM. Trains run every half-hour or one-hour based on various factors. The timings and prices may change over time. The taxi from KL Sentral to Batu Caves takes about 20 minutes and costs around MYR 25.
Open timings and tickets
The timings and prices may change over time.
7 AM to 9 PM
Temple Cave (main cave): Free
Cave Villa: MYR 15
Ramayana cave: MYR 15
Batu Caves route
The Batu Caves is the 8th stop from KL Sentral
Dress Code
No shorts or skirts above knees. The shirt should have sleeves.
Time required to see
About 2 hours
Things to do at Batu Caves
Visit the Temple cave
Go to Villa cave
See the Dark cave at the 204th step
Visit Ramayana cave
Enjoy the panoramic view while climbing up the stairs
Feed the birds
About Batu Caves
The Temple cave or Cathedral cave is the main cave. The Ramayana cave has statues of the characters in Ramayana. The Dark cave is a little bit scary. Better avoid it if you are not comfortable. Guided tour to Dark cave would help. The Cave Villa has statues and paintings narrating Lord Murugan story. The caves have stalactites and stalagmites. There are many plant and animal species here.
History
The Batu caves existed for millions of years on a standalone hill. The Orang Asli tribe were the inhabitants long ago. They came to limelight when William Hornaday in 1878 discovered it. Around 1890 the statue of Lord Murugan was installed. The name has been derived from the nearby Batu Pahat River.
Facilities
Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water
Seating areas
Shops
Restaurants and food stalls
Souvenir shops
Paid guided tours
Tips to visit Batu Caves
Wear comfortable shoes to climb up the stairs
Watch your steps while climbing up the stairs
Drink water to avoid dehydration
Watch out for monkeys
Tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur
Petronas Twin Towers
Suria KLCC mall
KLCC Park
Aquaria KLCC
Petrosains Discovery Center
KL Tower
Mini zoo
KL Forest Eco Park
Berjaya Times Square Theme Park
KL Bird Park
Butterfly Park
Merdeka Square
Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Batu Caves
Genting Highlands
Jalan Alor
Central Market
Petaling street
Bukit Bintang
Malacca
Perdana Botanical gardens
National Mosque of Malaysia
Jamek Mosque
National Monument
City Gallery
KL Upside down house
Islamic Arts Museum
Pavilion KL
Sri Mahamariamman temple