Batu Caves is one of the top tourist attractions in Malaysia which is located within a massive limestone outcrop in Gombak, Selangor. Famed for its stunning caves and rainbow steps, the country's biggest Thaipusam celebration takes place here annually with over a million attendees.
Getting there:
1) By car: Batu Caves is located only 13km from downtown Kuala Lumpur. I went there by car a week prior to Thaipusam. The road had heavy traffic and it was difficult to find parking.
2) By train: You can take a KTM train directly to Batu Caves. The journey from KL Sentral is about 40 minutes. This is the only public transport to Batu Caves. It is better to take the train if you plan to visit during Thaipusam week as the roads around it are usually closed three days before Thaipusam..
Point of Interest:
The Batu Caves temple complex consists of three main (Temple Cave, Ramayana Cave and Dark Cave) and several smaller caves. Remember to dress respectfully as you'll be entering temple grounds at some point.
1) Cave Temple
The Cave Temple, also known as the Cathedral Cave, is dedicated to Lord Murugan. Visitors must climb a flight of 272 steps to reach the Cave Temple . This is the boys' first visit to Batu Caves and I took the opportunity to explain Hinduism and Thaipusam festival to them.
The shrine on the left before the staircase to Cave Temple is equally stunning. One must remove their shoes before entering the shrine.
Colourful statues which adorns the gate before ascending the steps.
This is my first visit to Batu Caves since the rainbow steps were painted back in 2018. It used to be painted in red.
I saw some devotees carrying a pot of milk called palkuddam on their head up the steps to pour it over the status of Lord Murugan at the end of the procession.
On the way up, I saw a monkey eating a fruit on the railing. Beware not to get too close or it might snatch your belongings if it thinks you have food.
The back of Lord Murugan statue as seen from the steps.
Finally we reached the top after hiking up the steps.
The Cave Temple are actually two caverns connected. Sunlight penetrates through the high ceiling openings during the day. At night, the caves are lit up in light. There are shrines for Lord Murugan, Sri Valli, Sri Deivanai, Lord Shiva, Genesha and Parvati inside the Cave Temple.
The second cavern holds the temple of Sri Valli, Murugan's wife. This is where you will find lots of monkeys hanging around the cliffs or staircase. It is better not to feed them or you'll be harassed for food.
2) Lord Murugan Statue
Standing at 42.7m, the glistening gold-coloured Lord Murugan statue was unveiled in 2006 and is the world's second tallest Lord Murugan statue.
3) Dark Cave
Halfway up the flight of stairs is the entrance to the Dark Cave. Before the pandemic, visitors were allowed to join the adventure tour to venture into the Dark Cave. Unfortunately, it is currently closed until further notice.
4) Cave Villa
Cave Villa is located at the base of the hill which has a koi pond and garden. You'll need to pay an entrance fee of RM7 or RM15 to enter.
5) Ramayana Cave
There are many stalls selling souvenirs and food along the way to Ramayana Cave. The green Hanuman statue stands near the entrance to Ramayana Cave. Ramayana Cave is situated to the extreme left of the hill. It depicts the scenes from the Hindu epic, Ramayana. You'll need to pay an entrance fee of RM5 to enter. This sums up my visit to Batu Caves last week.
Batu Caves
Opening hours: Temple (main cave) 7am to 9pm daily
Entrance fees: Free for main cave, RM 5 for Ramayana Cave, RM7 (MyKad) / RM15 (Without MyKad) for Cave Villa, RM35 (adult) & RM25 (Child below 12) for Dark Cave
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