Exploring the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, the Majestic Hindu Pilgrimage Site! — *The Batu Caves is more than just a Hindu Temple, it’s a wonder of nature*

On the northern frontiers of Kuala Lumpur is a large area of land in which you can find one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world. Situated in a spacious limestone cavern amongst lush jungle fauna, the Batu Caves is something I know I had to see with my own eyes when I went to Kuala Lumpur.

I mean, the Petronas Twin Towers is cool and all, but in terms of natural beauty? The Batu Caves can’t be beat, So come with me as I bring you to explore the glory that is the Batu Caves!

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My YouTube Video on The Batu Caves

If you want to explore the Batu Caves with me then check out my YouTube video above! Also if you enjoy the video how about supporting me by subscribing to my YouTube Channel? ;)

Batu Caves, A Major Hindu Pilgrimage Site

The caves are actually named after a nearby flowing river, the Batu Pahat River, and the actual limestone caves/cliffs itself is estimated to be over 400 million years old! It’s crazy to think about but you’ll definitely get a feel for its ancient aura once you step inside the caverns.

The Batu Caves was initially established as a place of worship by a local Indian Trader around the 1870s - 1880s. Over time, the area started gaining popularity, settlements and markets were formed, and a temple dedicated to the Hindu lord Murugan (which I will talk about soon) was constructed inside the Batu Caves cavern in 1881

Since then the Batu Caves has become the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites outside of India.

Exploring the Batu Caves

The first sensation that hit me as I stepped out onto the base of the Batu Caves is a huge wretched stench of garbage… I am sorry but that’s what it is… The sweltering heat, combined with piles of discarded rubbish along the side walks, and the hundreds of pigeons unloading pigeon poop all over the Batu Caves’ open grounds…

Please remember that I am not being trying to be mean, I am just telling you my experiences of how things were when I was there. So in that sense, perhaps bring an umbrella, a water bottle, and maybe a scented inhaler.

Aside from that horrible initial impression, I can assure you the experience was more positive from here.

batu caves stairs — *The way back down doesn’t seem so bad*

I should also point out that the Batu Caves’ entrance fee is free! Cool cool cool.

As I looked up a the brightly painted rainbow stairs and the glorious Murugan statue, it almost felt like I was in a fantasy world. From the bottom, the stairs leading up to the cave entrance felt like I was about to take a journey into a new spiritual realm.

The sight was absolutely astonishing. Against the backdrop of the jagged limestone rocks and the luscious deep green rainforest fauna, I felt like I was transported into Lord of the Rings.

The Majestic Lord Murugan Statue

batu caves lord murugan statue — *The great Lord Murugan guarding the entrance to the Batu Caves*

The most eye catching landmark of the Batu Caves is of course the 42.7 meter tall gold painted steel statue of the Hindu God Murugan. I later learnt that this is the tallest statue in the whole of Malaysia and the second tallest Murugan statue in the world (first one being in Nepal)!

I don’t know much about Hindu theology but I know that Murugan is the Hindu God of War and the Batu Caves is specifically dedicated to worshipping Murugan.

Murugan guards the entrance leading up to the Batu Caves and believe me, Murugan’s imposing stature is enough to make me not want to commit any ill will towards the scared Batu Caves.

It’s such and incredible landmark.

Climbing the Over 270 Steps

Batu caves stais — *Are you ready to climb the 272 steps up to the Batu Caves?*

The journey up the 272 steps of the Batu Caves is very tiring. 270+ steps might not sound too bad but these steps are steep, so you’ll be exerting more physical strength than your usual flight of stairs. Combined with the intense Malaysian heat, it’s an extremely sweaty workout.

I believe myself to be a fit young man, but I still found myself stopping every few steps to catch my breath. By the time I got to the top it looked like I took a shower with the amount of sweat my body produced… So bring some water and a portable fan.

Side note, I think the stairs have been recently painted as well, from past pictures I’ve seen the stairs being a plain grey concrete, when I went it was this vibrant rainbow gradient.

The Monkeys of Batu Caves

batu caves monkeys — *A monkey looking for its next prey (a bag of chips probably)*

One things that I do want to point out is that there are literally an army of monkeys just walking around the Batu Caves area. These monkeys seem to be coexisting with the humans in the area as in, they are free to just run around stealing people’s snacks and items (sometimes even biting) without any authority bothering to do anything about them, in return we humans get to take cute monkey pictures for our social medias.

Needless to say, keep your belongings close and and be mindful that these are still wild animals who can get aggressive if we mess with them. I literally saw one sneak up on a lady and stole a bag of chips right out of her handbag.

The Batu Caves’ Inner Temple Caverns

batu caves temple — *Be sure to buy a postcard before you leave!*

Once at the top you are greeted by a little gift shop to the side selling various souvenirs and post cards. look past that though and you’ll be welcomed by an ENORMOUS limestone cavern dripping with fresh dew from the rainforest above.

The air inside this cavern is still, little to no wind, you’ll have ample time and opportunity to feel your sweat glands producing buckets of perspiration as the uncomfortable fluids drip down your body.

The Batu Caves’ caverns are incredible. The far cavern’s roofs opens up allowing shining natural sunlight to illuminate the dim caves.

For me, I think the Batu Caves has got to be one of the most awe-inspiring religious sites I have ever been to. Compared to grandeur of the Buddhist Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang, I like the Batu Caves more due to its integration with the natural landscape. Humans can build many a grand structures but we can never replicate the true beauty of mother nature’s chaotic creations.

There is a fair bit of exploring to do in this area so I recommend joining a tour like this Batu Caves Half Day Tour which in addition to bringing you to the Batu Caves, also bring you to various Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist temples in the area where you can have the opportunity to delve deeper into the local religious culture.

Thaipusam festival

While I didn’t personally attend this festival myself, every year on the first full moon of the Tamil Month (around February), the Batu Caves serves as the main gathering point for the Thaipusam festival, a major religious public holiday in Malaysia.

On the first day of the festival there will be a large parade for the Lord Murugan through the streets of Kuala Lumpur, on the second day is where millions will make the pilgrimage to the Batu Caves by foot.

You can visit this website for a more detailed read on the Thaipusam festival, they do a way better job at explaining the Thaipusam festival than I ever could.

Don’t Forget the Ramayana Cave!

batu caves ramayana cave — *The neon lights are giving off Cyberpunk vibes*

One other cave that a lot of tourists miss is the nearby Ramayana Cave. It’s located to the left as soon as you exit the bath leading out of the Batu Caves train station.

The Ramayana Cave is a a network of tunnels and caverns decorated with dozens of statues and psychadelic LED lights depicting the Hindu epic “Ramayana”. I’ve written a blog post about the Ramayana Cave here if you want to check it out but note that there is an entrance fee of 15 MYR for foreigners.

Still, the Ramayana cave is an attraction that you don’t wanna miss, it’s great if you love exploring caves, pretty lights, and religious symbolism.

Details About the Batu Caves

The Batu Caves is the most famous attraction in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, it is a temple located within a limestone cliff that is dedicated to Murugan, the Hindu God of War. Taking the 272 steps up to the entrance of the Batu Caves you’ll be greeted with beautiful natural cavern where a temple resides. Expect to spend a good 2-3 hours there.

Phone: +6 036 189 6284

Location: Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM | Mon - Sun

Entrance Fee: Free Entry!

How to get to the Batu Caves from Kuala Lumpur

The Batu Caves is located on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur up in the north. To get there I recommend taking the KTM Komuter train, more specifically the Seremban Line directly to the Batu Caves Station. Tickets and travel time depends on your starting destination but assuming you’re starting from KL Sentral, it’s a roughly 40 minute journey and a 2.60 MYR ticket.

You can also take a Grab Taxi but that would be a bit pricier, although more comfortable.

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