Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur is one of the most popular tourist spots in Malaysia. They are located in the jungle forest, on the territory of the Gombak district. The caves bear exactly the same name as the nearby village and Sungai Batu River.
The age of these ancient niches is very solid – they arose about 400 million years ago. In the distant past, representatives of the Besisi tribe took refuge in the caves of Batu during the rain and hunting for wild animals.
Check this ultimate travel guide on visiting Batu Caves in Malaysia; keep reading this post to get up-to-date information about how to get there, best day tours to join, things to see and do, and other important details for first time visitors.
Batu Caves General Information
- Address: Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
- Phone: +60 3-6189 6284
- Opening Hours:
- Main Temple – 6 AM – 9 PM;
- Ramayana Cave – 9 AM – 6.30 PM;
- Dark Cave – 10 AM – 5PM on weeekdays, 10.30 AM – 5.30 PM on weekends;
- Cave Villa – 8.30AM – 5.30 PM.
- Entrance Fees:
- Main Temple (Temple Cave and Cathedral Cave) Entry – Free Of Charge
- Cave Villa:
- For Malaysians – 7 RM,
- For Non Malaysians – 15 RM
- Ramayana Cave entrance fee – 5 RM
- On the map: link.
Honeymooners, students, piligrims and tourist all over the world come to visit Batu Caves every year, as this is a popular tourist destination in Malaysia. The caves are located just outside of Kuala Lumpur, and they offer a unique opportunity to see some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery.
Batu caves are limestone formations that have been carved out by years of erosion, and they are home to a variety of animals, including bats, monkeys, and snakes.
If you would like to join half day tour to Batu Caves from Kuala Lumpur, click here to make your reservation.
Things to Do and See inside Batu Caves?
The cave complex consists of 4 large caves that are available for visiting:
Main Temple
The most popular visiting place in Batu caves among Hindu pilgrims and foreigners who want to admire the wonder of nature. In a giant cave recess, which is surrounded by massive hundred-meter walls, there is a shrine of the Hindus – a Tamil temple (Tamils are one of the ancient South Asian peoples). There are 272 steps to climb to the temple. According to beliefs, the Hindu god Murugan himself walked on them. You can see the huge gold statue of this deity in front of the entrance.
Dark Cave
This is the largest of all Batu caves you can visit. Its height is as much as 122 meters, and it stretches for 2 km. You can enter it from the 204th step of the stairs. Its name is quite justified: not a single ray penetrates into the gloomy cave expanses.
Dark cave can be visiting only with the guided tour: two options are available for booking – 45 minutes guided tour and another option that will last for several hours. You need to move around with a flashlight and in a helmet so as not to wake up the bats living here. The total length of the cave is 2 km. The dark cave is famous for its winding corridors, stalactites and stalagmites.
Ramayana Cave
The cave was made in memory of the god Rama. On its walls there are paintings and drawings that will tell guests about the life of the pious Rama and about what good deeds he did. This is another must-visit place in Batu caves located to the left of the main entrance, near the entrance to the cave itself there is a green statue of the Hindu god Hanuman.
Villa Cave
Inside it is a reptile zoo where you can see snakes, turtles and lizards. But people do not recommend visiting this zoo, since the conditions for keeping animals there are not the best. An art gallery is located in the cave, which will tell guests about the life path of the god Murugan. Charming girls performing traditional Hindu dances perform here.
Golden Murugan Statue
Your visit to Batu caves will start form the view of a majestic golden statue of the god Murugan. Its height is 43 meters. It took three years to build this statue; about 24 million rupees were spent on its creation.
Day Trips to Batu Caves
Day Tours on GetYourGuide
Embark on a captivating cultural journey with this Batu Caves Temple Tour from Kuala Lumpur. Led by an experienced guide, this tour provides insights into Malaysian culture, history, and religious practices. Click here to reserve the spot.
There is another day trip to Batu Caves with Firefly Watching on Kuala Selangor. This tour also includes dinner at local restaurant and visit to Silver Leafs Monkeys. You can find more details and make your booking here.
Day Trips to Batu Caves on Klook
For those who want to fill the day with vivid emotions we recommend to join this day tour. Besides visit to Batu Caves, you’ll enjoy Genting Highlands and Chin Swee Caves Temple. Click here to get more details, check the actual price and complete your booking.
You can also visit many Kuala Lumpur landmarks, including National Mosque, Kuala Lumpur Tower, visit to Batu Caves and many other interesting places. Follow the link to find more details and make your booking.
How to Get to Batu Caves from Kuala Lumpur
You can visit Batu Caves as part of group tour, or you can get to the caves on your own.
By Bus
SL485 Plaza UMNO Batu Caves is the nearest to Batu Caves bus stop. You can take 173 and MPS1 buses and hop-off at the bus station, from there take 7-minute walk to Batu Caves.
Note: Only cashless payment options are avaialable.
By Taxi
So far the fastest way to get to Batu Caves. From the center of Kuala Lumpur you need to get to the station called “Putra Terminal”, and catch a car there. It’s better to discuss with the same driver the return trip. This often turns out to be cheaper than catching a taxi again near the cave complex. You can also check 12go service to book the transfer to Batu Caves in advance, to do this just follow the link.
By Train
One of the budget options is an electric train, KTM Komuter (KMUTER), departing from Kuala Lumpur station, you need to hop-off at Batu Caves station. Electric trains start running from 5 am to 10.30 pm, the waiting time for the next train can be from 30 to 60 minutes.
Note: Do not rush to throw away the fare ticket, it may be required for verification.
Best Time to Visit Batu Caves
However, with the large number of visitors that Batu Caves receives every day, it can be difficult to navigate the crowds. That’s why it’s important to choose the right time to visit Batu Caves. The best time to go is early in the morning, caves are ready to accept the first visitors from 6 am, before the crowds start to arrive.
You’ll have the opportunity to explore the caves at your own pace and take in the stunning views without being jostled by other tourists. If you’re looking for a more low-key experience, avoid visiting during school holidays or festivals, when Batu Caves is likely to be packed.
Batu Caves Dress Code
When visiting Batu Caves, it’s important to dress appropriately. Visitors should wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. While Batu Caves is a Hindu temple, it is also open to people of all faiths, and respect should be shown to those who are worshiping. In addition, visitors should avoid wearing shoes inside the caves, as the limestone is very fragile.
It is recommended to visit the Batu caves in comfortable clothes and shoes. If you are not a pilgrim, you should not wear wreaths and flowers sold near the entrance to the caves.
Batu Caves Kuala Lumpur Walkthrough Video
Batu Caves FAQ
Batu Caves are open to public daily from 7:00 AM till 9:00 PM
There is no entrance fee to the Main Temple (Temple Cave and Cathedral Cave). Hovewer, if you want to explore whole temple complex, you will need to pay 7 RM as Malaysian and 15 RM as Non Malaysian to enter Cave Villa, and 5 RM to enter Cave Ramayana.
One of the most popular features of Batu Caves is the colony of long-tailed macaques that live there. These monkeys are often seen as a pest by visitors, but they are an important part of the local ecosystem. The monkeys help to disperse seeds and pollinate flowers, and they play an important role in the regeneration of the forest.
Visitors should climb the 272 steps to reach the cave entrance.
No. The only way to go to the top is to climb 272 steps.
The best time to visit Batu Caves to avoid crowds is early in the morning. Opening time is 7 AM, so arriving early gives you the opportunity to explore everything with no husstle.
Note: on public holidays and during festivals Batu Caves can be very crowded.
Most travelers suggest to spend 2-4 hours to enjoy this place.
Due to its location in the mountains, there is no appropriate infrastructure for people with wheelchairs to go up. But you can visit market and watch Buddha statues at the foot of the mountain.
Like for any other temple or sacred place, you should dress conservatively and respectfully to visit Batu Caves. Your knees and shoulders should be covered.
You can get to Batu Caves by public transportation:
By Bus – 173 or MPS1 and hop-off at SL485 Plaza UMNO Batu Caves bus stop;
By Train – KMUTER and hop-off at Batu Caves station;
By Taxi