Introduction

As a full-time traveller, I’m always looking for new and exciting places to explore, and Batu Caves in Malaysia was definitely on my list of must-visit destinations. Located around 13 km north of central Kuala Lumpur, it is a limestone hill that houses a series of caves and cave temples, with some temples dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu God of War. After living in Kuala Lumpur for 5 months and hearing lots of good things about the complex, I finally went to visit for myself!

A Little Bit About Batu Caves

Batu Caves is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malaysia, attracting visitors from all over the world. The limestone cave complex is believed to be around 400 million years old and the temples themselves were built in 1891, it is one of the most significant Hindu shrines outside of India. The temple complex features several caves, the largest of which is known as Temple Cave. This cave houses several Hindu shrines, including one dedicated to Lord Murugan.

Batu Caves is a great FREE activity that you can visit while you’re in Kuala Lumpur!

What To See And Do At Batu Caves

There are plenty of things to see and do at Batu Caves, making it the perfect destination for both history buffs and adventure seekers. Here are some of the top things to see and do at Batu Caves:

1. Try Some Indian Sweets: As you enter the complex, you’ll come across several stalls selling traditional Indian sweets and snacks. I highly recommend trying some of the delicious treats on offer.
2. Grab Some Lunch Before You Go Up the Stairs: Climbing up the 272 stairs to the top of the hill can be tiring, so it’s important to grab some food and water before you start your climb. There are several food stalls near the entrance of the temple complex, offering a variety of local and Indian food.
3. Climb the 272 Stairs to the Top: The climb to the top of the hill is not for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely worth it for the stunning views and photo opportunities that await you. The stairs are quite steep, so take your time and enjoy the climb.
4. Take Instagram-Worthy Shots of the Rainbow Stairs: These stairs are a popular photo spot, so make sure to capture some memorable shots for your Instagram feed.
5. Watch Out for the Monkeys: As you climb up the stairs, you’ll come across several mischievous monkeys. While some are friendly and will even pose for a photo, others can be quite aggressive and may try to steal your food or belongings. So be sure to keep your belongings close and watch out for these furry creatures.

How To Get To Batu Caves

Getting to Batu Caves is easy, and there are several transportation options available. Here are two of the most popular ways to get to Batu Caves:

1. Take the Blue Line from KL Sentral: The easiest way to get there is to take the KTM Komuter train from KL Sentral to Batu Caves station. The journey takes around 30 minutes, and trains run every 15-20 minutes.
2. Get a Grab Taxi: Another option is to take a Grab taxi from Kuala Lumpur to Batu Caves. This option is more expensive than taking the train, but it’s more convenient if you’re travelling in a group or have a lot of luggage.

How Long Do You Need To Visit?

You can expect to spend between 1-2 hours exploring Batu Caves, depending on your schedule. However, if you want to take your time and explore the caves in more detail, you may want to allocate more time for your visit.

My Thoughts On Batu Caves

I was actually a bit apprehensive to visit, as I read reviews online about how it is ruined with litter and rundown. As I mentioned earlier, it’s a place of worship and one of the largest Hindu temples outside of India, so I was excited to experience its spiritual energy. While the caves themselves were much bigger than I anticipated, I didn’t get that spiritual feeling that I usually get when I go somewhere holy. Maybe it was because there were so many tourists hiking up and down the stairs or because of the litter that was strewn about. The extent of the litter wasn’t as bad as the reviews I read luckily, but it was still noticeably dirty.

I was disappointed to see so much litter in such a beautiful place. It’s sad that people don’t treat the area with more respect and leave their rubbish behind. It’s crucial to remember that when we travel, we should leave places the same or better than we found them, and that includes cleaning up after ourselves.

Despite the litter, it was still a lovely place to visit. The stunning views from the top of the hill and the colorful rainbow stairs made for some fantastic photo opportunities. I would highly recommend adding Batu Caves to your travel itinerary when visiting Kuala Lumpur, as it’s a unique and exciting experience that you won’t forget!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Batu Caves is a must-visit destination in Kuala Lumpur. Whether you’re a history buff, adventure seeker, or spiritual traveller, there’s something for everyone there. Remember to try some of the delicious Indian sweets, grab some lunch before you go up the stairs, watch out for the monkeys, and most importantly, respect the place by not leaving litter behind.

I hope this travel blog has been helpful in planning your visit to Batu Caves. Have a fantastic trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! If you enjoyed this guide, be sure to check out my other guides here!

If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact me via email: tianitravels@gmail.com or via social media.