Batu Caves
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These impressive limestone caves are also used for Hindu festivals and pilgrimages.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • Aaron F
    3 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Five Star Caves Ruined by Spiritual Tourism
    This was hard to rate. The Batu Caves are a geological wonder, but the Hindu stuff got in the way of viewing the impressive stalagmites. The focus should be on 1) preserving geological structures like stalagmites, which are sensitive to acids in the skin and the smoke from the constant camphor/incense burning. I didn't see anyone touching the formations but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. 2) preservation of native plant and animal species. Lastly, the area around the caves is dirty and there's no approaching the mountain from the outside because it's surrounded by private property. All in all, the cave chambers are impressive but filled with corny stuff that takes away from the experience, the dark cave is still closed and neighborhood is a filthy bland business and residential sprawl. I give the caves 5 stars and religious tourism two.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 18 September 2023
  • Martin G.
    Bristol, United Kingdom123 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great experience
    Located only about a 30-minute drive away from Kl, Batu Caves is a must-visit place in Malaysia. It is free to enter the main temple. The cave complex is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India. Climbing the 272 steps to the temple is well worth it.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 19 September 2023
  • Haytham Abu Firas
    Qatar20,602 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    272 Steps
    Be prepared for a good walk and climb. Batu caves is about 30 minutes drive from KL. On the way to Getting Highland, it was our first spot. Wonderful mountain, big Hindu Statue, many souvenir shops, photographers, juice stalls mainly coconuts and a lot of monkeys. Climbing 272 steps to reach to the top is not easy, but worth a visit. Thinking this place is for bats (Batu ?) but didn’t find any, possibly because it’s congested with Hindu believers, visitors and others.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 22 September 2023
  • NeilSchier
    Adelaide, Australia343 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lots of steps to climb
    Quite a climb up those steps and the views were amazing. Many monkeys trying to steal anything that looked like it may have food inside. Lovely ambience. Many tourists and therefore many trinkets for sale.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 28 September 2023
  • Melissa G
    Perth, Australia63 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    MUST SEE VISIT IN KL
    We chose a private driver over a set tour which ensured we could stay as long or as little as we liked. The caves are amazing but the climb up is not for the faint hearted (or those with knee problems). A really cultural experience and the caves are just amazing. Remember to wear long pants and to cover shoulders. A definite must see place to visit in KL
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 30 September 2023
  • eCe7XY*l
    54 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful! One of the world's wonders!
    The highlight of our KL trip!! A must see and so beautiful! A huge Lord Muragan statue stands outside the long staircase up to the Caves. The stairs are narrow but beautifully coloured. You can take your time walking up and down the stairs and there are handrails for support. The stairs are full of monkeys but they do not interact with you unless you annoy them. Really worth the visit and can spend as long as you want exploring!
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 1 October 2023
  • Vicky J
    Cheshire, United Kingdom57 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Free to enter - nice visit, plenty of monkeys
    We made our own way to this attraction which is free to enter. We paid approx £3.50 in a grab to get there from center of KL. it’s about 30mins from KL beautiful colours and caves. Also you can pay extra (approx 88p) to go in art gallery which was worth it. There are a lot of steps (we found easy but we are fit people) but you can make your way up them leisurely. There are lots of pigeons and monkeys. Generally monkeys don’t bother you unless get too close or have food. So don’t take any food with you.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 October 2023
  • Sochi
    Brisbane, Australia102 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are more steps inside the cave!
    Easy to get there, took a Grab there and a train back. Didn't have to pay for anything unless you wanted to go into the temple or art gallery. They said they had a dress code, but I saw some people ignore that and still get inside. Avoid the monkeys. The steps weren't too hard, there were more steps inside the caves. Go early to avoid the crowds, it also gives you more space to take photos and get up those steps.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 7 October 2023
  • loonylou78
    West Sussex, United Kingdom322 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Bright and Colourful Batu caves
    Pulling up to the Batu caves is a 'wow' moment. The fabulous gold idol towering above everything and the wonderfully colourful steps really entice you in. The caves are free to enter but you must cover your knees and there are sarongs available if you need one. The climb to the cave wasn't too bad (we are in our 40's and not overly fit!) but we managed ok, it was great to see the monkeys running about trying to steal food from people ,they are very cheeky! The large cave itself is a sight to behold and inside there are temples and places of worship, which were being actively used. Outside there are some more impressive statues and a couple of souvenir stalls. The whole place is a photographers heaven! I have only given 4 stars as unfortunately the place was dirty, loads of litter everywhere and not many places to put any rubbish. However we were glad we visited and got some stunning photos.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 13 October 2023
  • TheLeongOhana
    United States7,505 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Morning Climb Quieter
    We took a Grab car both to and from the Caves. I was surprised though with quickly getting a Grab taxi for the ride back into KL but it saved so much time versus the train. Costs from the Bukit Bintang area was 16MYR to but return was 32MYR. From the road it was a short five minute walk to the base of the stairs. We passed a few sellers who left us alone but the guy selling pigeon food was completely surrounded by pigeons so we gave them a wide space. Bathrooms were off of the right and appeared to be newly constructed. A small admission fee, 50 sen, was paid to the person in front. They also offered showers as well for 1 MYR. We did see the monkeys but they left too also left us alone as we avoided walking near them, carried nothing in our hands except for our phones and did not try to look at or engage them. At the base of the stairs my wife took out her long scarf since she was wearing shorts. One of the women who were checking for compliance was very nice to show us how to properly wrap and tie the scarf and it stayed in place the entire time. Thanks! The most stunning view was from the entrance with the hundreds of colorful steps and the tallest Marugan statue to the right. Unfortunately as we climbed there was some trash on the steps like water bottles and wrappers. Considering this was such an important site one would have thought people would have more respect. Once to the top of the outside stairs, we entered the largest cave and passed by the main temple. Other smaller altars or statues along with shops selling offerings were also seen inside. Another set of stairs led to another smaller cave and temple. Both caves were dimly lit and moisture seepage pooled on the floor in numerous spots. Openings at the top of the caves let some light filter in and made for some nice photos. Some areas were used for storage of stuff but they could have done a better job of hiding or organizing it so it wasn’t so haphazard. Do come early if you can as it was nice having the place to our selves. As we left, the bus loads of tourists started entering the main temple and there were so many and loud!
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 21 October 2023
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4.0
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puchka
Bengaluru, India2,133 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
We took the Batu caves tour with a stopover of two hours at this ancient limestone caves housing Hindu Gods and Goddesses. There are a lot of steps to climb upto the caves, all coloured which looks magnificent from afar. At the base is the golden statue of Lord Murugan, Kartikeyan, the tallest in Asia. There are plenty of eateries and shops selling tender coconut water. The bus stand is nearby. We visited the temple on New Year and it was crowded. Best to visit early in the morning before it gets too hot to climb. Women are given wraps to cover their legs for a deposit of 5 riggits. On returning 3 ringgits are refunded.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Manish
Singapore, Singapore715 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
If you are in Malaysia do make time to visit it, just around 25 mins away from the city by cab. It was only during my 3rd time in Malaysia that I visited this sacred placed. Guarded by a monumental statue of Hindu deity Lord Murugan, these limestone caves harbour Hindu temples where dioramas of mythic scenes glow beneath stalactites, bats flutter in the shadows, and monkeys prey on tourists hiking the 272 stairs to Temple Cave. So as said above, firstly you need to overcome a flight of stairs that leads into the caves. The stairs (of various colours) are sight and people hoard to get pictures and selfie’s clicked, of it or with it in the background. But in the midst of all this, be careful of the monkeys on the way, they will be waiting to pounce on you with any given opportunity, specially if they see food. Moreover, I have seen many people offering them food, which should be banned as it disrupts their natural lifestyle and they start to depend on these offerings. And once you have conquered the steps, a number of shops in line will welcome you selling souvenirs and offerings for the Gods residing in the temples. As u go in further, you will be able to see the the main Temples standing tall in the middle. If you proceed further, more stairs will lead to another temple. Here you can also find a small opening (like that of a volcano) which lets in some light from the outer world. After that I made my way back. Eventually, you will need around 1 hour or more to complete it, but all of it is worth the time.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michele P
Marrakech, Morocco478 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
We missed the Batu caves and temple on our last visit to Kuala Lumpar, and so it was first on our list on this visit.

We organised a taxi with our hotel to take us to the caves, which was extremely reasonable at under £4. We made our own way back to the city on the local train, as the station was close by.

The first surprise is the large scale of the venue and statue, along with the spectacularly colourful paint work! There are many local families and tourists there, but it only adds to the atmosphere.

There are many monkeys living in the temple area, and their mischievous characters are certainly entertaining!

Definitely a must see when visiting Kuala Lumpar, and easy to do so on your own.
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Maria S
Suzhou, China226 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Solo
Do yourself a favour and go on a cloudy day or even rainy. It takes some time to get up those steps, even if your fit because it’s just so hot during the day. Do bring a sweat towel and a drink before going up, you’re going to need it. This place makes for good pictures and it’s a good way to past 2 hours. Most of that time will be communing as the train KTM train only departs the station approximately every 50 minutes. Gentleman, be careful not to board or ride in the woman’s only carriage. Security will ask you to move. Remember Malaysia is a Muslim country. There are a lot of monkeys inside the cave, not sure why, but it’s kinda cool. There is also a small temple inside where people have to remove their shoes before entering to prey. Others who keep right, don’t have to remível their shoes. DO dress appropriately. No tune tops and shorts etc. Otherwise you will have to buy a sarong or head scarf to cover up.
Written 27 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alok Mathur
14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
The south Indian temple at the foot of the Batu caves entrance is enchanting with bright colors, expressive statues of various gods.. !!
One needs a lot of courage to climb up the stairs but then, I think it was worth the efforts.
Cleanliness is wanting at the entrance though. One has to be careful about DEFINITELY not carrying any food article or bag as an army of monkeys greet all along the stairs ready to jump on you and take gave any food article or rummage thru your bag with impunity.. But they didnt seem threatening or Biting type.
Good experience
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Brenda O
Victoria, Canada44 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
My husband and I were looking forward to our trip to the Batu caves and Temple.
We took the MTR from KL Sentral, very easy trip and cheap
We were knocked over by the smell of the stalls right by the station. Guess they don't want to pay to use the washrooms.

We then proceed to the caves.
Garbage everywhere, next to the temple.
The temple is a bit cleaner but there is garbage around, the stairs and railings need painting and I am not sure why you have vendors selling trinkets in a sacred place.
☹️☹️☹️
Written 28 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Stephen Browne
35 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
This place was a nice little detour and cheap to get to even from the middle of KL with a Grab.

I went early for the sunrise which made the whole place more beautiful, with the light coming in from the right of the statue and the stairs still shaded for the climb up.

Added benefit of less people at that time.

The place is free entry, looks clean and the stairs are a really easy climb for anyone who is moderately fit.
Written 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

macedonboy
Glasgow, UK185,662 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
The Batu Caves are a series of caves in a limestone hill that have been used as Hindu temples and shrines. Specifically it’s dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu God of War and the son of Parvati and Shiva. The entrance to the caves is at the bottom of a hill where there’s also the world’s largest standing statue of Murugan. While the caves are reached up a steep flight of over 200 steps, 100 metres above the ground below. It’s been nearly 4 years since I’ve last visited and the renovations now look a bit kitsch, especially now that the steps are painted in multiple colours. On the upside, that makes the steps and the statue more photogenic.

Inside you’ll find lots of stalagmite, stalactites and all the usual limestone formations, but everything in the cave is designed to be accessible by steps. Inside the caves are also two South Indian style Hindu temples, which are popular with the local hindu community.

I visit these caves every time I’m in KL and each time, it feels increasingly touristy. This visit was the most touristy and commercial of all my visits. The entire complex is now filled with food stalls, clothes stalls and stalls selling all sorts of tourist souvenirs. I remember a time when not every inch of space was filled with stalls. At least you’ll have no problem finding lunch or dinner here.

Still, it’s one of the best things to visit in KL.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sarah Lewis
Harlow, UK919 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
We went on a tour to the Batu cave which is around 9km fro KLCC
It is set in a limestone hills and has three caverns.
There is a towering statue of Murugan which you cannot help but be amazed by.
To enter the cave you need to climb 272 steps, not easy in the blistering heat, and be careful of the macaques that live on the cliff face.
Once inside there are several Hindu
shrines.
On our visit you couldn’t enter the main shrine as they were preparing it for a massive pilgrimage which happens on the Chinese New Year, when apparently over 1 million Hindus visit to give offerings to the gods.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Brent H
Stuttgart, Germany432 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Neat place to visit. The inside of the caves is underwhelming, but the climb up is worth it. We went on a very rainy day so there were very few people and almost no one inside the caves. The metro stops right at one of the entrances so it is very easy to get to and from the city. Beware of the monkeys.
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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