Prior to visiting Kuala Lumpur we had not heard of Batu Caves. However, after doing some research, we realised this was an attraction in Malaysia that we did not want to miss!
What is Batu Caves and why should you visit?
Batu Caves is a 400 million-year old limestone hill with a 100-year old Hindu temple located within.
It is definitely one of Kuala Lumpur’s most popular attractions and not without reason.
It certainly is a very impressive grandeur landmark to look at. The name Batu Caves means stone cave that flows from the hill which is absolutely perfect to describe the caves
The cave is nearly 100 metres above the ground. To reach the cave, visitors must climb a steep flight of 272 steps. The steps recently got a makeover & are now colourful (as of August 2018).
The caves consist of three main caves and a few smaller ones.
The largest cave, known as the Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave features ornate Hindu shrines & has a very high ceiling.
Swarms of cheeky monkeys call the caves you. There’s no chance you won’t miss them.
We found the monkeys one of the highlights of the cave as they are not afraid of tourists (nor to steal food off them!)
Opening Hours & Admission Fee
There is no admission fee to enter the main caves, however, you may be asked to carry a brick up the stairs to assist in the conservation of the cave.
There is an entry to enter the dark cave within Batu (which is only allowed by guide).
What to Wear
Ladies are required to be covered to enter Batu Caves. If you do not wear a long dress/skirt there is a possibility to hire one at the gate for a small fee.
There is no clothing requirement for males.
How to get to Batu Caves KL?
We reached Batu Caves by Grab car. From KL central it takes around 15 minutes and costs around 10 MYR.
Alternatively, you can reach Batu Caves by train (KC05 Batu Caves station) It costs around 3 MYR one way from KL Central. This is a pretty good area to stay because some more cool attractions are within a short drive like the similarly spectacular Thean Hou Temple.
You can also reach the caves on Bus 11/11d from Bangkok Bank Terminus.
If you have more time to spend in KL we recommend discovering the forest in the city: KL Forest Eco Park.
Batu Caves Rainbow Steps
Err, so why do your pictures look so dull? Isn’t Batu Caves colorful and awesome?
We visited Batu Caves on the 23rd of August 2018. In an impressive feat, the 272 staircase was repainted within a couple of days by 28 August 2018 in preparation for a ceremony on 31 August 2018.
So, if you visit Batu Caves today, don’t worry you’ll get awesome photos of the rainbow colored staircase like this one below.
It’s rumored the Batu Caves Sri Maha Mariamman temple Devasthanam committee repainted the stairs just to piss off tourists who visited the temple before August 28, 2018.
Don’t worry folks, Batu Caves Staircase is colorful like this photo (not like ours)
Save this to Pinterest (so you can find it again later)
