The Batu Caves are inside a limestone formation that rises nearly 330 feet (100 meters) above ground. This significant Hindu religious site encompasses awe-inspiring statues and shrines, and hosts frequent celebrations and rituals. There are three main caves with several smaller ones in the vicinity. Some contain temples while others house painting and statue galleries.The Batu Caves offer the chance to learn about the stories and deeds of the Hindu gods and culture. As you walk up to the caves you’ll notice a glittering 140-foot (42.7-meter) tall statue of Lord Murugan, the deity to which the caves are dedicated. It’s the largest Murugan statue in the world and is coated with more than 80 gallons (300 liters) of gold paint. Visit the Cave Villa to find artwork and shrines to other Hindu gods. Take a deep breath before tackling the 272-step staircase up to Cathedral Cave. It’s a tough climb, as steps are steep and oddly spaced, but well worth the effort. Along the way, you may run across playful macaque monkeys. These locals are best to watch from a distance as they’re known to rummage through bags and can be aggressive. At the top of the staircase there is an enormous cave housing one of Malaysia’s best-known Hindu temples.If you’re in Kuala Lumpur during January or February, check out the Thaipusam festival. During this colorful three-day event, more than a million Hindus flock to the caves to pay homage to Lord Murugan. Many pilgrims come with decorated pots of milk known as paal kudam while others show their devotion by piercing their skin with hooks attached to frames or “kavadis.” Visitors are welcome to watch or partake in the singing and dancing as the processions make their way to the statue of Lord Murugan.Take the Dark Caves tour to see some of the smaller and less-visited caves in the complex. There is a fee for this tour. The Batu Caves are in the Gombak district, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) from downtown Kuala Lumpur. The site is open daily, and gets busy on weekends and major religious holidays. The caves are easily accessible by public transport, and there’s no admission fee.
Batu Caves Tours
Visit Batu Caves
Batu Caves Travel Guide Video
Plan a trip to see Batu Caves
Star Suites KLCC
Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024
The Kuala Lumpur Journal
Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024
Reviews of Batu Caves
3/5 - Okay
Went on Feb 1st. Was a religious holiday for Hindus. Everyone was wearing yellow and carrying a milk can on their heads as an offering. 272 steps of stairs. Take your time and bring water! Easier going back down. Be careful of monkeys. They may bite and scratch for food.
3/5 - Okay
Ensure you have a serong to wrap around your waist when traveling up the steps. If not they have them available for you to wear. There are monkeys that can be aggressive.
3/5 - Okay
Oops - didn't mean to mark this. Can't make it go away. DID NOT visit here.
5/5 - Excellent
Beautiful and a bit spooky at night. The most unique temple I've ever visited. The subway station is right by the temple - helps save some taxi money. Ladies: wear/bring something long, otherwise you can rent a piece of cloth for 5 ringgit to cover legs.
4/5 - Good
Keep your belongings safe from the monkeys.
5/5 - Excellent
Go before 10am to beat the heat and the crowd. The monkeys are wild and quick.
Popular places to visit
Sentul Park Koi Centre
You can learn about the history of Kuala Lumpur when you stop by Sentul Park Koi Centre. Amble around this vibrant area's Chinatown and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Titiwangsa Lake Garden
Explore the great outdoors at Titiwangsa Lake Garden, a lovely green space in Kuala Lumpur. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this vibrant area.
Bukit Tabur
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Bukit Tabur during your travels in Taman Melawati. Check out the shops and lively bars in this vibrant area.
99 Wonderland Park
Explore the great outdoors at 99 Wonderland Park, a lovely green space in Kampung Selayang Pandang.
Tesco Extra Selayang
During your visit to Kuala Lumpur, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Tesco Extra Selayang. Amble around this vibrant area's Chinatown and enjoy its lively bars.
Bukit Guling Ayam
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Bukit Guling Ayam during your travels in Batu Caves. Make time to visit the monuments and shops while you're in the area.