Visiting The Batu Caves In Malaysia

Visiting the Batu Caves in Malaysia seems to be at the top of everyone’s list when heading to Kuala Lumpur. It’s colourful, a photographer’s dream, close to Kuala Lumpur and free to enter. What more could you want?

About The Batu Caves In Malaysia

I know the Batu caves in Malaysia were on the top of my list, I couldn’t wait to see those vibrant steps and the massive gold statue of Murugan. It’s the tallest statue in Malaysia at a staggering 42.7 meters tall which is 140 feet—a stunning sight to behold!

Who Is Murugan?

Who is Murugan? He is the Hindu head deity of the Tamils in South India. Murugan was the son of the warrior goddess Korravai. The weapon associated with him is his favourite trident or spear, which is displayed in the statue.

What Does “Batu” Mean?

The Batu Caves in Malaysia gets its name from the Malay word “Batu” which means rock. The limestone that forms the Batu Caves is estimated to be around 400 million years old!

The Batu Caves in Malaysia were first made a place of worship by an Indian Tamil K. Thamnoosamy Pillai who was an Indian trader. The Thaipusam festival in the Tamil month of ThaiIn (which falls in late January/early February) was celebrated at the Batu Caves since 1892 and continues to this day.

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So Let’s Get To The Tips For Visiting The Batu Caves!

Getting There

One of the reasons that visiting the Batu Caves is so popular is because the site is mostly free to enter. That alone attracts crowds of people, tourists and Hindus alike. As it’s beyond popular there is easy enough public transport to the site.

The train is accessible by the KLM Komuter train. If you are staying in the city it’s easily accessed by the KL Sentral Station costs roughly $2.30 Malay Ringgit and takes around 25 minutes to get there.

It’s the last stop on the train and you just get off and walk to the Batu Caves. It will be more than obvious because you will follow the crowds or see the colour a mile away.

We had a bit of a walk from our Hotel to Sentral Station so we decided to get a Grab instead. The great thing about Malaysia is that the food and transport are inexpensive and we thought we would just make life easier and order a Grab.

If you haven’t come across the Grab app before it’s the Asian version of Uber. You can opt to pay cash or link your travel card as you would Uber and the payment is taken care of with a set price before you order your ride.

We ordered a Grab because it saved 40 minutes of walking time and then we were not constrained by train timetables there and back and we could spend our time as we pleased. It cost us around RM 18 – 23 one way which is under $10 AUD.

A Word Of Warning!

Take caution in the congregation of people when coming and leaving the Batu Caves as any tourist-heavy place attracts pickpocketers and scams.

Whilst waiting for our Grab to leave a Russian woman (by her own statement) approached us asking if she could come in our Grab due to some problems she was having that seemed to be ongoing. No money, something about her passport. It seemed suspicious and as I said no, she continued to wait in close proximity to me despite me trying to gain distance from her. She was dressed very smartly and seemed to be eyeing off other tourists. I’m not sure what the angle was here, but we made a quick exit and saw her talking to locals afterwards.

So choosing your way here and also taking care when doing so is the first tip.

What To Wear!

I’m glad I read blogs about the Batu Caves before visiting, as it saved me the headache of having to discover that because it’s a Hindu temple you must dress accordingly or be denied entry. There is a dress code.

Women need to wear a long skirt or pants having their legs covered, and also clothing covering their shoulders. For men long pants or shorts covering the knees is fine.

There was a lady there who visually checked everyone who went up the stairs when we went and she singled out a lady in a singlet. It was easily remedied by her purchasing a shall that the local vendors were selling, but it’s always nice to be prepared and not end up with a purchase you didn’t intend on making.

In addition to this, you will be climbing stairs in the heat. So suitable shoes are a must. Think about the hot weather and crowds and consider what material you will wear also because it’s sweaty work. Jonathan wore Khaki pants and I had on a light shall and summer long dress.

So bring water and ease up on bringing too much food. The monkeys aren’t very friendly and they will pinch anything in sight. Don’t touch the monkeys, make direct eye contact or feed them. They can take your belongings, spread disease and be aggressive when treated like pets. We took photos on zoom and kept our distance.

The Final Tip For Visiting The Batu Caves

This tip is a two-for-one and based on our own experience. When facing the caves the toilets are on the right side and they are paid toilets. Bring some Malay Ringgit with you so you can go to the toilet.

You will prob eat and drink here as it’s thirsty work at minimum getting up the stairs. When you go to the toilet (which is a bit of a mixed bag as I found chicken feathers in there) make sure you have a meeting spot for you and your family or anyone else travelling with you.

Jonathan and I lost each other for a moment because the crowds were intense. We found each other eventually but having a meeting spot beforehand at the get-go is always better. It is good practice because mobile phone reception in built-up areas is poor and there is no wifi.

If you didn’t buy your Malaysian SIM card at the airport you can always pick one up online at Airalo which is the world’s first eSIM store.

Final Word

For me, the Batu Caves in Malaysia were a highlight and I am still in awe at the magical colours and the golden statue. It was a great day and the only thing I would change would be to go earlier in the day as it opens at 8 am to avoid the crowds and heat.

I completely think it is worth visiting and I would recommend to all going to Kuala Lumpur to take the trip out of the city to marvel at the temple.

If you are interested in reading more on my blogs or tips on South East Asia head over to my 5 amazing North Vietnam Tips for a Great Time or What is required to enter Bali from Australia.