Kuala Lumpur To Batu Caves (The Perfect Day Trip From KL)

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia and is a city that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Although there are plenty of things to do in KL itself – we’d recommend taking a day trip out from Kuala Lumpur to Batu Caves!

Batu Caves is located just outside the city centre and consists of a series of caves and temples. With the site’s beautiful architecture and cultural importance – this place is a must for any Kuala Lumpur itinerary.

This guide is going to detail everything you need to know for your day trip to Batu Caves. This includes how to get to the caves, the best places to visit, and other helpful information you should know!

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An Overview of Batu Caves

Batu Caves is a beautiful limestone hill that’s made up of a series of caves. These cave systems house temples making them one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside of India.

The caves were formed over 400 million years ago and were used by indigenous people. For many years they were used for growing vegetables before being declared a place of worship.

However, Batu Caves were officially discovered in 1878 by an American Naturalist.

Today, the main cave complex is found 100m high on the hill and there’s plenty to explore. There are three main caves and one smaller one, with Cathedral Cave being the largest.

How to Get from Kuala Lumpur to Batu Caves

Batu Caves is located in Gombak, Selangor which puts them approximately 15 km (9.3 miles) from the city centre. This makes them the perfect day trip from KL.

Just bear in mind that there’s a nearby village called Batu Caves too.

If you’re wondering how to get to Batu Caves from the city centre, you’ve got a couple of options.

So let’s break them down for you!

If you’re not too worried about saving money then you can take a taxi to Batu Caves instead! Although you’ll find plenty of taxis throughout Kuala Lumpur your best option is the app GRAB.

All you need to do is download the app, select your destination, and wait for a driver to take the job. Straight away, you’ll get an estimated cost which means you won’t need to haggle down your price.

Generally, a taxi journey to Batu Caves will set you back between 25-40 MYR (£4.70-£7.50). This price is just for one-way though so you’ll get more bang for your buck by taking the train.

By tour

Although we’ll dive more into this in a minute, there are plenty of fantastic Batu Caves tours to choose from!

Many of them depart from Kuala Lumpur city centre and include pick-up and drop-off. Although tours are a much more expensive way to explore Batu Caves, you will have a guide with you at all times.

This means you’ll get to learn all about the cave complex, the temples, and the importance of each site.

One of the most popular tour options to Batu Caves includes this fantastic Batu Caves half-day tour. Not only will you get to see this iconic attraction but you’ll get to visit other sites too including Royal Selangor and Batik Factory.

The Best Things to do at Batu Caves

1. Marvel at the Iconic Lord Murugan Statue

Upon getting to Batu caves, you can’t miss the huge Lord Murugan statue. Lord Murugan (otherwise referred to as Kartikeya or Skanda) is the Hindu God of War and is an important deity in Malaysia.

The statue stands a whopping 140ft tall and is one of the largest Hindu God statues in the world. It’s actually the largest and the tallest statue of a deity in the country.

This wonderful piece of architecture took three years to build and was revealed at the Thaipusam festival in 2006. It’s made of steel & concrete and is one of the most impressive sights in Malaysia.

If you are wanting to take awesome photographs at Batu Caves then this is your spot! However, you’ll want to get here as early as possible so the crowds don’t flood your photographs.

You’ll also be able to get the colourful staircase in your photographs too if you get the angle right! This is one of the main reasons you’ll want to take a day trip out from Kuala Lumpur to Batu Caves.

2. Explore Dark Cave

The Dark Cave is one of the BEST places to visit within Batu Caves. However, it’s not free to enter so you’ll have to pay for a guided tour.

The Dark Cave is the longest cave system on-site, as it’s over 2km long (1.2 miles). Inside, there are six caverns although only part of the cave is accessible to the public.

If you want to see the best of Batu Caves then I recommend taking a tour of the Dark Cave. It lasts for around 45 minutes and is one of the more educational experiences on-site.

You’ll get to learn about the religious aspects of the cave and the guide will also go into detail about the rock formations found here. Not only that, but you’ll get to learn about the wildlife that calls this cave system home.

Just keep in mind that sometimes the Dark Cave is closed and you won’t be able to go in.

3. Walk up the Colourful Staircase

Taking a day trip from Kuala Lumpur to Batu Caves is a must and this is one of the reasons why!

This amazing complex is home to a huge staircase that was built so the public could enter the main cave. First built in 1920, the staircase was originally wooden before it was replaced with 272 concrete steps.

In 2018 these steps were painted vibrant colours ranging from vivid blues to bright oranges. You’ll be wandering up this incredible staircase to reach the main cave complex and you’ll honestly feel like you’re walking up a rainbow!

However, before you walk up the staircase you’ll want to check out these colourful steps from the bottom. From here, you’ll get incredible views of the main complex.

This is another area of Batu Caves that gets incredibly busy as it’s one of the most ‘Insta-famous’ spots in Malaysia. So for the best experience, you’ll want to get here early!

4. Take a Look at Cave Villa

Cave Villa is another cave that you have to pay to enter, although it’s not expensive. You’ll find it located at the foot of Batu Cave’s limestone hill and will just need to cross over a rickety bridge to reach it.

Inside Cave Villa, you’ll find two smaller caves that are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. Within the caves, you’ll find a variety of colourful artwork which is really interesting to look at.

The artwork pieces depict Hindu characters and mythological beings making this one of the more unique caves within the area.

However, be prepared to encounter some creepy creatures as there’s an exhibit with live reptiles. You’ll get to see snakes and other replies here, although they’re safely enclosed – so don’t worry!

We didn’t enter the cave so we can’t speak for the treatment of the animals here but we have heard some horror stories. The Cave Villa is actually privately owned and isn’t part of ‘Batu Caves’ so it may be best to do some research before you decide to visit.

5. Explore the Cathedral Cave and Temple

After climbing up the colourful staircase you’ll reach the entrance of Cathedral Cave. As this cave is part of the main complex it’s free to visit so we’d definitely recommend heading up there.

Cathedral Cave is the main cave within the complex and is also known as Temple Cave. It’s a must-visit during your trip to Batu Caves so make sure it’s included on your itinerary.

As you make your way through the cave, you’ll come to an opening at the top where the natural light pours in. From here, you’ll get to see plenty of bats so keep your eyes peeled.

The cave has an extremely high ceiling and you’ll find some incredible temples within. The temples within Cathedral Cave serve as a place of worship for Lord Murugan so naturally, you’ll find plenty of Hindu shrines here.

Exploring these shrines is one of the best experiences in Batu Caves, so make sure you allow plenty of time to wander around.

6. Visit the Holy Cow

Outside the caves, you’ll find something very unique! There used to be a cow that roamed freely around the temple grounds, but unfortunately, it passed away.

To honour the animal, a statue was built as a memorial and it’s called the ‘Holy Cow’. Although it’s not one of the most interesting sites to see at Batu Caves it’s worth taking a wander over to have a look.

7. Explore Ramayana Cave & Marvel at Hanuman the Monkey God

Another must-visit during your time at Batu Caves is Ramayana Cave. It’s situated at the bottom of the hillside and is easily distinguishable by the huge green statue outside.

This statue depicts Hanuman – the Monkey God. He’s one of the most worshipped deities within the Hindu religion and is known for his compassion and love.

Once you’ve passed the statue, you’ll need to pay to enter Ramayana Caves. However, the entrance fee is cheap so is worth the money.

Inside, the cave is decorated with statues and scenes from the Hindu epic which is part of the Hindu scripture. You’ll also get to see a giant statue that depicts Kumbhakarna, and then a shrine that symbolises Shiva!

With the beautiful lighting and calm atmosphere, this is one of the best spots to explore within Batu Caves.

8. Try Your Hand at Rock Climbing

Although you wouldn’t think a Hindu temple complex is the best place for rock climbing – Batu Caves is the exception.

As the caves and temples are located within a huge limestone hill, you’ll find plenty of climbing opportunities here. It’s actually the main rock climbing spot around Kuala Lumpur with several crags and a variety of climbing routes.

There are three main climbing spots; Damai Wall, Nanyang Wall, and Nyamuk Wall. Damai Wall is the furthest away, whilst Nanyang and Nyamuk are the closest options.

Nanyang is actually situated right on the main road in front of the caves, so is one of the more popular choices.

The best way to rock climb in this area is to book with a local tour operator although you’ll want to do this in advance. It’s also not a place for beginners, so make sure you’ve got some experience under your belt first!

Helpful Information for Your Trip to Batu Caves, Malaysia

The Best Time to Visit Batu Caves

There are two main seasons in Malaysia; the dry season and the wet season. However, the climate will vary depending on whether you’re travelling in the North or the South of the country.

In regards to Kuala Lumpur and Batu Caves, the dry season generally runs from May to September. This time of year is considered to be the best time to visit as precipitation levels are low.

In terms of the time you should visit, we’d recommend heading there early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This is when there will be fewer crowds so you can enjoy the complex without tons of tourists.

Entrance Fees

The main Batu Caves complex is FREE to enter which makes it an even more inviting attraction. You don’t have to pay to enter Cave Temple, go up the colourful stairs, or marvel at the Lord Murugan Statue.

However, there are a few caves that you have to pay to enter. This includes Art Gallery Cave, Dark Cave, and Ramayana Cave.

Dark Cave can only be explored by tour so expect to pay around 35 MYR (£6.50), whilst entry to Ramayana Cave will cost you around 5 MYR (£0.90). If you’re planning to visit Cave Villa, then you’ll need to pay around 15 MYR (£2.80) to enter.

Either way, it’s a budget-friendly attraction so you won’t have to break the bank to visit!

Exploring Batu Caves by Tour

Although Batu Caves is free to enter many people choose to go on a tour of this iconic attraction. This is because transport is often included and you’ll have a guide with you at all times.

This way, you’ll get to learn about the complex’s history and in some cases visit other destinations.

Here are some of the most popular tour options for Batu Caves:

• Batu Caves half-day tour – This tour lasts for around 3.5 hours and will take you to Royal Selangor and Batik Factory before heading to Batu Caves. Once you’re there, you’ll explore the cave complex and learn about Malaysia’s rich history making it a great option.
• Genting Highlands & Batu Caves tour – If you’re looking to visit a variety of sites then check out this tour. Before heading to Batu Caves, you’ll visit the Genting Highlands and take a cable car up to and over the rainforest. You’ll also have the chance to visit some of KL’s best boutique stores.
• Batu Caves and firefly watching tour – This tour will take you to Batu Caves where you’ll get to explore Hindu temples with a guide. You’ll then head out onto the Selangor River to marvel at one of the largest firefly colonies in the world.
• Batu Caves and cultural exploration tour – If you’re wanting to learn about the cultural history and significance of Kuala Lumpur – this is the tour for you. You’ll get to explore the magical Batu Caves, visit Thean Hou Temple, and explore Chinatown.

Opening Hours

Batu Caves is open every day of the week although the times will differ depending on which cave you visit. The Hindu temples will also generally be closed between 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm although you’ll still be able to explore the complex.

The main complex is open between 6:00 am – 9:00 pm whilst the specific caves have different opening times. These are:

• Cave Villa: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
• Dark Cave: Weekdays; 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, weekends; 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
• Ramayana Cave: 9:00 am – 6:30 pm

Dress Code

As Batu Caves is a religious complex there’s a strict dress code. If you aren’t dressed appropriately, then you can always rent a sarong at the entrance.

However, it’s always best to be prepared as rigorous checks will be carried out before you enter the temples.

Women will need to cover their knees and shoulders so it’s best to wear a long skirt or trousers. On top, you can wear a t-shirt or cover yourself with a sarong.

Men will need to make sure their legs are covered below their knees too. This means you’ll need to wear a t-shirt and long shorts or trousers. Tank tops and flip-flops are also not to be worn here.

Helpful Tip: Avoid the Monkeys!

One of the first things you’ll notice upon entering Batu Caves is that there are hundreds of monkeys everywhere!

These cheeky creatures are long-tailed macaques and are known for stealing food, bags, and any other belongings you may have on you. For this reason, make sure you keep an eye on your things and don’t take any food in.

People at Batu Caves will try to sell you food in order to feed them but make sure you don’t. It’s a scam and is really bad for the monkeys.

This is one of the reasons why they’re no longer afraid of humans and it makes them more aggressive. Although we never had any problems with the monkeys here, they are notorious for stealing items and pulling at your clothes so keep your distance.

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

Here are a couple of recommendations for staying in Kuala Lumpur!

Budget: Mingle Highstreet

Mingle Highstreet is situated in Kuala Lumpur city centre and is one of the best budget-friendly options out there. With dormitory beds and private rooms – there’s an option for everyone.

If you decide to stay here you’ll also benefit from fantastic facilities including an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and a shared kitchen and lounge area.

Mid-range: KLoe Hotel

KLoe Hotel has a variety of rooms available and each one is spacious and modern! The property is situated in a great location too as it’s near KLCC Park.

Not only that, but KLoe Hotel has plenty of awesome facilities including an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and a bar.

Luxury: Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

If you’re looking for luxury hotels then you should check out Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. With three on-site restaurants, three swimming pools, and a spa – this hotel has so much to offer.

However, the highlight of the property has to be its on-site bar that overlooks the iconic Petronas Towers!

Frequently Asked Questions about Batu Caves

How Long Should you Spend at Batu Caves?

The amount of time you should allow for your visit to Batu Caves will all depend on what you’re planning to do there!

If you’re planning to just explore the main sites then we’d recommend spending at least two hours at Batu Caves. However, if you’re looking to visit on a tour or explore Dark Caves then you’ll want to allow a couple more hours.

How Much Should You Budget for Batu Caves?

There’s no entrance fee for entering Batu Caves in general so the main thing you’ll need to budget for is transport. This will depend on whether you take the commuter train, a taxi, or head to the caves on a tour.

However, if you’re looking to visit Cave Villa or head out on a tour of Dark Cave then you’ll need to budget for this. Generally, allow a budget of around 45-75 MYR (£8.50-£14.00) for the whole trip.

Is Batu Caves Worth Visiting?

If you’re staying in Kuala Lumpur then you 100% NEED to take a trip out to Batu Caves Temple. With its unique architecture, cultural importance, and variety of sites to see – this place has so much to offer.

The fact that entrance into the main temple is free, and there are plenty of transport options from Kuala Lumpur to Batu Caves makes it a must-visit.

How Many Caves are in Batu Caves?

There are three main caves within Batu Caves; Art Gallery Cave, Dark Cave, and Temple Cave. The largest of the three is Temple Cave and it’s also the most popular!

The wildest of the three is Dark Cave and you can take a guided tour of it too. Last but not least, the Art Gallery Cave is home to Hindu carvings and wall paintings.

Is Batu Caves Manmade or Natural?

Technically Batu Caves are both! Set on a limestone hill and with caves found within, you’ll find plenty of natural beauty here.

However, there are also plenty of temples and statues at Batu Caves so you’ve got the best of both worlds.

Final Thoughts on Your Batu Caves Day Trip

Getting to Batu Caves from KL is very easy, so if you’ve got time – we’d highly recommend taking a trip out to this amazing place.

There are so many fantastic sites to see in the area and it’s FREE to visit. This makes it the perfect attraction for budget travellers!

We hope this guide has given you all the information you need for the perfect day trip from Kuala Lumpur to Batu Caves! If you have any questions about Batu Caves then don’t hesitate to contact us via Instagram, Facebook, or in the comments below!

Here are some other Malaysia guides you may find helpful:

• The Best Things To Do In Taman Negara
• The Best Things To Do In Cameron Highlands
• The Best Things To Do In Langkawi

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