Batu Caves

The basics

Due to their location just 8 miles (13 kilometers) outside Kuala Lumpur’s city center, the Batu Caves are an integral part of most Kuala Lumpur sightseeing city tours. The 272 vibrantly painted steps leading up to Temple Cave create an impressive backdrop for photos. 

Tours that combine a visit to the Batu Caves with an evening boat ride to see the Kuala Selangor Fireflies are a popular choice for nature lovers in Kuala Lumpur, while activity-packed city tours—some of which include skip-the-line access to the caves—are ideal if you’re on a tight schedule.

Things to know before you go

• Be mindful that the Batu Caves and Hindu Temple are sacred sites, so be sure to dress modestly.

• Avoid feeding the monkeys as they can behave unpredictably.

• Make sure you stop at the easy-to-miss Cave Villa, located halfway up the steps.

• If you want to explore the Dark Cave, make sure you book a tour in advance.

How to get there

From downtown Kuala Lumpur, you can either take the bus or train, or opt for a cheap private car using a taxi app. The KTM Komuter train will take you right to the Batu Caves station and it is just a 5-minute walk to the caves from there. If you want to combine multiple attractions, a sightseeing tour is the most convenient option.

When to get there

In the early morning, the Batu Caves are far less crowded and much cooler, making for a much easier climb to the top. Plus, fewer people means better photos on the brightly colored steps. During the Hindu festival of Thaipusam, which generally occurs in January, millions of devotees flock to the caves which is a lively time to visit if you don’t mind crowds.

How to tour the Dark Caves

If you’ve got an appetite for adventure, don’t miss out on a Batu Cave tour of the Dark Cave, during which you’ll crawl through narrow tunnels and admire its most spectacular stalactites and rock formations with only a flashlight to light your way. There are no lights installed in the cave which allows visitors to fully experience how it got its name. Be sure to check availability before going as the Dark Cave is under conservation protection so access is limited.

Are Batu Caves worth visiting?

Yes, Batu Caves are worth visiting. As popular as they are photogenic, these Hindu cave temples, with a giant statue and colorful steps, are one of Kuala Lumpur’s top attractions and an important pilgrimage site. They’re also easy to reach from Kuala Lumpur—just 8 miles (13 kilometers) from the city center.

Is it free to visit Batu Caves?

Yes, it’s free to visit Batu Caves, but there are charges for some elements of the experience. The Temple Cave, filled with Hindu shrines and the temple, has free admission. Batu Caves tickets are required to experience the Dark Cave, home to stalactites, living organisms, and a network of tunnels.

How many steps are there at Batu Caves?

There are 272 steps at Batu Caves, painted in a spectacular rainbow of colors, making them a must for Instagrammers. It takes most travelers about 15–20 minutes to climb the steep steps, but it depends on your fitness levels and how many photo stops you make.

Is there a dress code for Batu Caves?

Batu Caves is a religious site, so respectful dress is essential. You should cover your legs to the knee, plus your upper arms and shoulders. Travelers who are not properly dressed can rent sarongs. If you plan on doing the Dark Cave tour, wearing shoes with a good grip is worth it.

What time is best to go to Batu Caves?

Batu Caves can get extremely crowded. If you’re not taking the Dark Cave tour, arrive as early as possible to beat the crowds—just after sunrise is ideal. If you are taking the Dark Cave tour, book the first or last tour of the day. This will also provide cooler temperatures for climbing up and down the 272 steps.

What should I bring to Batu Caves?

Batu Caves has shops, stalls, and eateries on site, but you should bring a water bottle and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protected. Don’t carry any food, as the temple monkeys can and will steal it. Similarly, you will want to keep your water bottle in a bag, away from the monkeys’ greedy hands.