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Batu Caves
Batu Caves is a limestone hill 13 km north of the city where 272 painted steps lead past a 42.7-metre golden statue of Lord Murugan to a Hindu cave temple.
At a glance
- Type
- Hindu cave temple
- Area
- Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Good to know
- Komuter station on site
- Colourful staircase
- Ramayana Cave
- Thaipusam festival
Why we recommend it
Batu Caves is the most visited sight just outside Kuala Lumpur and one of the most important Hindu shrines outside India. It lies in Gombak, in the state of Selangor, about 13 kilometres north of the city centre, and is formed from a limestone hill more than 400 million years old. The largest cave holds a temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, and the site has been the focus of the Tamil Hindu festival of Thaipusam since annual celebrations began in 1892.
The first thing you see on arrival is the giant golden statue of Murugan, about 42.7 metres tall, unveiled in January 2006. Behind it, a flight of 272 concrete steps, first built in 1940, climbs to the mouth of the main cave. In August 2018 the steps were repainted in bands of bright colour, and they have become one of the most photographed staircases in Malaysia. At the top, the main cavern holds the temple and its shrines. Keep food and loose items out of sight on the climb, as monkeys are often around the hill.
At the foot of the hill, to the left, is the Ramayana Cave, decorated with colourful scenes from the Hindu epic. Access to the inner cave system further into the hill is restricted and is only possible on educational trips run by the Malaysian Nature Society, so most visitors stick to the temple cave and the Ramayana Cave.
The climb is steep but manageable for most people at a steady pace; there is no lift, so the main cave is not accessible to wheelchair users. Go early in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat and the tour groups, and allow two to three hours including the journey. As this is an active place of worship, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and be respectful of people at prayer. Thaipusam is the busiest time of year by far; it is a remarkable sight, but check the date before you travel and expect very heavy crowds.
Getting there is easy by public transport. KTM Komuter trains run from KL Sentral to Batu Caves station, which sits right beside the site, and ride-hailing cars are an alternative. Many day tours combine the caves with other stops north of the city.
Batu Caves FAQs
Where is Batu Caves?
In Gombak, Selangor, about 13 km north of Kuala Lumpur city centre.
How many steps are there?
There are 272 steps up to the main temple cave. They were built in 1940 and repainted in bright colours in 2018.
How do I get there by public transport?
Take a KTM Komuter train from KL Sentral to Batu Caves station, which is next to the site.
How tall is the Murugan statue?
The golden statue of Lord Murugan is about 42.7 metres tall and was unveiled in January 2006.
Is there a dress code?
It is an active Hindu temple, so dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.
What is the best time to visit?
Early morning, before the heat and the tour groups. The Thaipusam festival is spectacular but extremely crowded.
Can I go into the inner caves?
Access to the inner cave system is restricted and only possible on educational trips run by the Malaysian Nature Society.
How long should I allow?
Allow two to three hours including the train journey from central Kuala Lumpur.
Is it suitable for wheelchair users?
The main cave is reached only by the 272 steps, so it is not accessible, although the statue and the Ramayana Cave are at ground level.