Essential Travel Information to Batu Caves

Batu Caves is a limestone hill with a series of cave complex and Hindu cave temples in Gombak, Selangor. Despite already being known to Chinese settlers at the time, the discovery of Batu Caves is credited to the American naturalist William Hornaday in 1878. Located approximately 13 kilometres, or 30 minutes, north of Kuala Lumpur, this 100-year-old Hindu temple is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, and a focal point of the Hindu festival of Thaipusam in Malaysia.

There is a 42.7m (140 ft) tall statue of the Hindu Diety, Lord Murugan at its entrance and 272 steps of brightly painted stairs that lead to the interior of the cave. From the top of the stairs, you will have a view of the city’s stunning skyline.

The limestone forming Batu Caves temple is said to be around 400 million years old and were once used by the indigenous Temuan people for shelter.

Opening Hours: 7.00am - 7.00pm daily

Address: Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Sri Subramaniam Temple, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

It is FREE to visit the main Batu Cave area and temples and is one of the most popular tourist attractions and day trip for those visiting Kuala Lumpur. 

Temple Cave or Cathedral Cave

Hike and take photos of the city skyline at the top of the 272 colourful steps of Batu Caves!

Along your hike up to Temple Cave, you may encounter wild long-tailed macaques frolicking around the caves. Please do not feed them! They are known to be aggressive and will bite and steal cameras, sunglasses and wallets.

At the base of the hill on ground level, there are two cave temples which are the Art Gallery Cave and Museum Cave. Both temples are full of Hindu statues and wall paintings depicting mythology and deities. Paintings and scenes of Hindu Gods can be seen in the Ramayana Cave located on the far left.

Dark Cave

Half way up the flight of stairs to the Temple Cave is the entrance to the second main attraction, the Dark Cave which is more an adventure cave with educational and scientific interest. It is not always open and tours depends on the availability of a guide.

Cave Villa

The Cave Villa showcases the Hindu history with colourful lighting and brightly painted statues. The artwork and painting are mostly of Indian poets and characters from Hindu mythology. There is also a mini zoo that includes a birds and reptiles. 

Rock Climbing

Batu Caves is a popular spot for rock climbing enthusiasts.

• Damai Wall - There are dozens of climbing routes for climbers of all levels and popular in multi-pitch climbing.
• Nyamuk Wall - This is a must visit as it features the longest and best sport climbing routes in Batu Caves.
• Nanyang Wall - With good accessibility, it features short and more technical routes for the experience climber.
• Comic Wall - This wall features technical and overhanging routes.
• White Wall - A short hike is required to reach this wall. It offers smooth and technical climbing routes.

Usually you are able to complete your visit to Batu Caves within two hours. We recommend for you to arrive early in the morning before 10am or in the late evening after 4pm to avoid crowds and heat.

You can visit Batu Caves all year round. The best months to visit are between December and February, when the temperature is relatively cooler than the rest of the year and slightly drier. The caves are a joy to visit when it rains, with slightly cooler temperature but take caution when climbing the steps.

By Train Service

The KTM Komuter train service is direct, simple, easy, and the most convenient option for getting to the Batu Caves. From KL Sentral station, it takes 8 stations and approximately 40 minutes one way. The trains depart every 45 minutes.

The KTM interior compartments are clean, modern and air-conditioned.

By Taxi or Ride Share Service

If you are tight on time, the fastest option is taking a 2 – 3 hour tour and return to KL including time driving in the car. You may hail a taxi or hop on a ride share service to go to Batu Caves. It is a fast, convenient and not too expensive option.

By Bus

Although this is the cheapest option, it also takes the longest travelling time.

There is a free bus from KL Sentral station to Sentul station which takes approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic. From Sentul, continue by taking the KTM Komuter train to Batu Caves. The total journey will take more than an hour.

There is also Bus Number 11 or 11D from the Central Market, bus U6 from Titiwangsa or the Cityliner bus No 69 at Jalan Pudu.

Indian Food

Visit Sangeeta that serves both Northern and Southern Indian cuisine under one roof. Definitely try the Thali set, thosai with coconut chutney or vegetarian biryani

Fresh Seafood Noodle

Restaurant Pan Heong is famous for its Chinese cooking style dish, Sang Har Hor Fun which is a plate with fresh prawn noodle covered with creamy thick sauce.

Thai Food

If you crave for some authentic Thai dishes, head out to Bambo Thai Cafe

Curry Laksa

If you want to add some spice to your palate, restaurant Chong Hwa serves a bowl of hearty flavourful curry laksa.

Fresh Coconut Drink

At the foot of Batu Caves stairs, there are several stalls selling fresh coconut.

Dress code for visiting Batu Caves is strictly enforced as this is a holy temple site and a place of worship. Do dress in attire that covers shoulders and knees. Sarongs can be rented cheaply at the entrance.