Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Updated: Jan 19
The Batu Caves Temple is the largest Hindu shrine outside of India. These natural caves, discovered in 1878, are more than 400 million years old and take their name from a river near the cave area, the Batu River.
I visited with a good friend a few years back and it was an incredible experience. It was part of my "TO DO" in Malaysia and I was not disappointed at all.
The main cave is called the Cathedral Cave, when you get to the top you realize its magnitude, you will see stalactites the size of a person. Of course :) the main cave is about 100 meters high, you will have to climb 272 steps, but without realizing it you will be at the top since during the climb you will be able to enjoy the macaques that run around and wait for them to give them food.
What to know about the Batu Caves:
First, they are located 13 km. north of the city of Kuala Lumpur, in Malaysia.
The cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside of India, and is dedicated to the Hindu god Murugan (the large statue we see at the foot of the stairs), the god of war.
To enter the main cave of Batu Caves, you have to climb 272 steps.
They were discovered in the year 1860.
The monkeys have taken over the place and have learned to open bags and backpacks, so be careful not to feed them. They are not very friendly.
The imposing golden statue of the god Murugan stands 43 meters high.
Entrance to the main cave is free.
There are 4 caves in total. Temple cave, the main one. The Dark cave, which is currently closed (check when you go if they have already opened it), Ramayana Cave and Cave Villa.
What to see:
TEMPLE CAVE - THE MAIN CAVE
This is the cave with the famous colored stairs through which the temple is accessed. Admission is free. When you go up and access you will find a gigantic vault or natural cathedral where there is a small altar and dozens of figures decorating the space. The magnitude and the more than 100 meters high of the cave is impressive.
Pay attention as the light seeps through the holes in the ceiling and all the monkeys that you will find walking around loose. Handsome!
Ticket price: Free
RAMAYANA CAVE
As soon as you get off the train station is the cave on the left. You will recognize it for being guarded by the monkey god Hanuman. Here you will find statues telling the story of the Ramayana, one of the main legends of Southeast Asia, and of Rama and Sita.
Ticket price: MYR 5 / € 1
CAVE VILLA
This cave is advertised as the possibility of seeing reptiles and some other animals, which are really in dirty and deplorable condition. Be a responsible traveler and do not collaborate with animal exploitation. We do not recommend that you enter.
Price: MYR 15 / € 3.30
DARK CAVE
It is the largest with 2 km. of length. Full of bats and darkness, you can only enter with flashlights and a guide. It is currently closed.
Batu Caves opening hours and location
The Batu Caves complex is open every day from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
I recommend going early to avoid crowds of people, it rises at 6 in the morning and gets dark at 7 pm.
It's really easy to get to the Batu Caves from Kuala Lumpur. In less than an hour by public transport and for less than one euro you will have arrived from the capital of Malaysia.
I hope you liked this article about what to do and what to see in the Batu Caves of Malaysia, greetings and see you next time 😊