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Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia’s Top Tourist Attraction

batu caves

Malaysia is definitely the top preferred choice in Southeast Asia as a vacation spot. With the new updates regarding Visa on Arrival in Malaysia, it would be ideal to look at Malaysia holiday packages and plan your next holiday. There are so many exotic beaches, top popular attractions, and offbeat places that are a must-visit on your Malaysia holiday. What are you waiting for? Get your hands on your Malaysia eVisa and flight tickets right now.

Colorful Hindu Temple outside the Batu cave
Image Credit: Khoroshunova Olga

Out of the many attractions Malaysia offers, the Batu Caves are unmissable. Located in the Gombak District of Selangor, the Batu Caves are a top tourist destination, especially for Hindus. Located only 13kms north of the capital city of Kuala Lumpur is a definite outing on your Malaysia trip. The Batu caves are a Malaysian National treasure guarded by the Hindu deity Lord Murugan. The remarkable temple complex is one of the biggest Hindu temple grounds outside India. The limestone hills also have different caves and are only a day’s excursion from Kuala Lumpur. To reach the caves, one has to hike up 272 steps on stairs. Inside the caves, there is also an option for audio tours for tourists.

History of Batu Caves:

Lord Murugan at the Batu Caves
Image Credit: HeleenPennings

The caves were first discovered by American naturalist William Hornaday in1878, however, local indigenous people knew about them. The site was made into a pilgrim site by a famous Tamil businessman Sri Thamboosamy Pillai, in 1891. However, the statue of Lord Murugan was only made open to the public eye recently in January 2006, the Thaipoosam month. The Thaipoosam (Thaipusam) is a Tamil festival to celebrate Lord Murugan on full moon day in the Tamil month of ‘Thai’ (January or February)

Batu Cave Highlights:

There are different major and minor caves inside the hills like the Temple Cave, Ramayana Cave, Dark Cave, Cave Villa, etc.

1. Temple Cave:

The temple within the Batu cave
Image Credit: graceth ang2

This is the main cave in the Batu Caves, guarded by a 42.7m tall statue of Lord Murugan. To withstand the heavy footfall of tourists, there are now concrete steps painted in shades of the rainbow, making it one of the most picturesque backgrounds. Inside there are two massive caverns connected by 56 steps. The first cavern displays the six abodes of Murugan, the Hindu God of War and the son of Shiva. The second cavern is of Sri Valli Deivanai, wife of Sri Murugan. Thousands of tourists flock to the temple for the celebration of the Thaipoosam festival. Entry to the Temple Cave is free.

2. Ramayana Cave:

Interior of the Ramayana Cave at the Batu Caves
Image Credit: Leonid Andronov

As the name suggests this spectacularly adorned cave depicts the story of Ramayana and also displays statues from the same mythology. There is a tall statue of Hanuman and a huge sleeping statue of Kumbhkaran inside the cave. Climbing the stairs will take you to a naturally occurring Shiva Lingam and a stalagmite. The entry fee here is about 5MYR making it an exclusive experience.

3. Dark Cave:

Dark Cave
Image Credit: corlaffra

The Dark Cave is a slightly offbeat place as one has to pay 35MYR to visit it making it less crowded. The cave is on top of the stairs and is also home to many types of spiders, bats and other insects. The Dark cave is 6,500 sq. ft. and it is recommended to get a guide. The caves provide a stunning view of limestone formations but it is quite a difficult trail as it may require activities like crawling etc.

Best time to visit Batu Caves:

A view from top of Batu caves
Image Credit: Master the m oment

One day would be ideal to explore all of the Batu Caves. The best time of the year to visit Batu Caves would be in either January or February, at the time of the Thaipoosam Festival. You can witness the three-day procession wherein devotees walk in semi-trance from Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown to the Batu Caves.

The caves are open from 7 AM to 8 PM, throughout the year. Irrespective of the outside weather, it is hot and humid inside the caves, so be prepared for that.

How to reach Batu Caves:

Colorful stairs of the Batu Caves
Image Credit: Oskar Hellebaut

If coming from Kuala Lumpur, the train is the most convenient option to reach the Batu Caves. The commuter train at KC05, Batu Caves Komuter station from KA01, KS01, KJ15, MR1, KE1, SBK15 and KL Sentral fares around RM 2.6.
Route-coded buses also leave from Bangkok Bank Terminus, Titiwangsa, Central Market and Jalan Pudu.
Reaching there by private car or taxi would also not cost more than 30RM to 40RM.

Other activities a Batu Caves:

1. Rock climbing:

Limestone climbing activities at Batu Caves
Image Credit: Arshad DM

Batu caves have religion with adventure. The rough extensive exteriors of the limestone hills have made the area a good rock climbing spot. There are designated climbing tracks and you can also pre-arrange guidance from local rock climbers.

2. Instagrammable cave staircases:

Colorful stairs of Batu cave
Image Credit: Lloyd Alozie

The stairs which were initially made out of wood were reconstructed from concrete and recently in 2018 were repainted. This has now made the temple complex look more vivid and stunning. The colourful staircase with a backdrop of lush greenery and limestone hills makes an excellent background for photographs.

3. Enjoy the local food:

Local snacks from street vendor at Batu Caves
Image Credit: Tang Yan S ong

Enjoying the local food is undoubtedly the best activity anywhere you visit. Outside the entrance of the caves, there are many stalls and restaurants. Enjoy local Malay food and drinks here. For the devotees who visit here, Restoran Rani, is a pure veg establishment here.

The caves are a famous spot for devotees, but apart from that, you can also visit this tourist attraction if you love natural and historical attractions. Don’t forget to add these exquisite sites to your Malaysia itinerary.

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