Batu Caves, Malaysia

Batu Caves, one of the most prominent heritage sites of Malaysia is a series of limestone caves that date back to about 400 million years ago. Situated 13 km north of Kuala Lumpur, the caves were used as shelters by the indigenous Temuan or Besisi people (a tribe of Orang Asli) in ancient times. Today, Batu Caves are synonymous with the grandiose Murugan Statue located at the foot of the Cave and is famous worldwide for the Sri Subramanian Swamy Temple.

The Murugan Statue at the caves glistens in bright gold colour and soars up 42.7 meter and is the tallest statue in Malaysia. The cave temple is considered to be one of the ten holy abodes of Lord Murugan and hence, is revered by millions of Hindu devotees.

Thaipoosam is the most celebrated festival here and thousands of ardent devotees fulfill their vows here taking “kavadi” attracting tourists from all parts of the world. The Ramayana Cave is another marvelous attraction at Batu Caves which consists of psychedelic dioramas of the Indian epic 'Ramayana'. The giant statues of Lord Hanuman and Kumbakarna leave every visitor spellbound.

The Art Gallery Cave and Museum Cave at the base of the Batu Caves have an envious collection of Hindu statues and paintings that depict the victory of Lord Murugan over Demon Soorapadman. Apart from the religious significance of Batu Caves, the huge limestone outcrops of Batu Caves have made it the prime rock climbing destination in Malaysia and there are 170 rock climbing routes here.

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• Visit and offer prayers at the divine Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple, also known as Cave Temple, which is one of the ten abodes of Lord Murugan.
• Marvel at the golden-coloured statue of Lord Murugan that stands soaring high at 42.7 metres height and glistening in glory.
• Indulge in the popular Thaipusam festival that is celebrated grandly in honour of Lord Murgan and witness thousands of devotees fulfilling their vows by taking the ‘Kavadi’.
• Relive the scenes of Ramayana at the Ramayana Cave where you can find a huge life-sized statue of Lord Hanuman, self-formed Shiva Linga and other deities.
• Pay a visit to the Art Gallery and Museum cave at the base of Batu Caves that has a wide collection of statues and paintings illustrating the story of Lord Murugan defeating the demon Soorapadman.
• Visit the statue of Five-Legged Bull which is constructed in memory of the bull that had five legs and was given to Batu Caves after its birth.

Batu Caves is located about 73.0 km away from Kuala Lumpur airport and one can reach it by the following ways -

By Train: There are no direct trains from KL airport to Batu Caves. You can take the KLIA Ekspres towards City (KL Sentral) from KL airport and reach KL Sentral. From KL Sentral, you can take the KTM Seremban Line (Blue, 1) and get to the Batu Caves.

By Taxi: The distance between KL airport and Batu Caves is 73.0 km and you can hire a taxi which will take you to the Caves in around an hour.

By Bus: There are no direct buses that ply from KL airport to Batu Caves. One needs to hop at least three buses to cover the distance and the shortest route itself could take about 3 hours.

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Places to Visit near Batu Caves

1. Taman Eko Rimba Kanching Waterfalls- This waterfall is a well-kept secret spot in Kuala Lumpur that looks magnificent as the waterfall flows through seven tiers over the moss-filled rocks and mountains. The green canopy that the tall trees make here and picnic facilities available at the entrance of the waterfalls promises a perfect day out amidst the lap of Nature.

2. Selayang Hot Spring- Selayang Hot Spring is a set of four hot springs with different degrees of hot water. Well 1 is soothingly warm but not clean enough for a lounge session. Well 2 is hotter than well1 and one can get into the well after you feel comfortable with the heat. Well 3 is the hottest that one might usually have to fill a tub and let it cool before pouring it over. The thick deposits of minerals in these spring make them therapeutic.

3. Templer Park- This botanical park is a forest reserve that looks verdant with multi-tiered waterfalls, jungle streams, and trails. Many bird species like he hawk-cuckoo, crested serpent eagle, the emerald dove, the forest wagtail, malkohas, barbet, the woodpecker, the flycatcher-shrike have made this park their home and sighting these birds in their natural habitat promises a blissful experience.

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Places to Eat near Batu Caves

1. Restaurants to head to for lip-smacking Indian cuisine

• Restoran Amutha: This restaurant is popular for South Indian Cuisine like idly, vada, and many types of dosas. The prices at this hotel are a little cheaper than at other restaurants.
• Dhivya's Cafe: This South Indian restaurant serves 100% vegetarian food which includes idlis, vada, dosas, veg thali and outwins its competitors with delicious samosas.
• Restoran De Maduras: With dim lighting and air conditioned seating area, the ambiance here is perfect after that long hike at Batu Caves. The veg meals and non-veg meals served here are scrumptious.
• Restoran Rani Pure Vegetarian and Jain Food: This vegetarian Indian restaurant serves delicious food on a banana leaf. The masala tea and lemonade served here is really good.

2. Restaurants that serve international Non-vegetarian cuisine

• Coca Seafood Restaurant: This restaurant is popular for its yellow noodles that is topped with fried wonton, char siew, roast pork, long beans, tofu pork, bean sprouts, and many others for just RM 12.
• Restoran Pan Heong: This restaurant is located right in Batu Caves and the renditions served here like freshwater prawn drizzled with lemon juice and Kuey Teow (flat rice noodles) are a feast to indulge guilt-free.
• Mel’s Corner Batu Caves: Known for its local durian tembaga and ice creams with green cendol strands, RM 20 is all you need here for a big bowl.
• Canton Kitchen: This Chinese restaurant serving lip-smacking Chinese food with exotic items like Guangxi style braised pork (with yam) and Steamed Kampung Chicken.
• Kim Kee Noodles: This roadside restaurant is jam packed all through the day with its guests savoring more than 10 types of noodles in their menu from pan Mee to Curry mee, Yee Mee and more.

Must Read: Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur

Places to Stay near Batu Caves

There are numerous hotels within a radius of 10 km from Batu Caves to suit the budget of every traveller. Some of the top-rated hotels are -

1. KIP Hotel Kuala Lumpur- Located in the heart of Sri Utara, this modest and affordable hotel has facilities like well-equipped rooms, cafe, 24-hour Gym, an Infinity Pool, and a convenience store

2. Dynasty Hotel- This 3-star hotel has 364 modern rooms and is loaded with all luxurious facilities like fitness centre, business centre, beauty salon, and gift shop. The 15-metre double deck swimming pool offers arresting views of the city around.

3. Sunway Putra Hotel- This plush 5-star hotel is for those who cannot compromise on comfort and luxury. Free shuttle services and the hotel's proximity to major tourist spots like Batu Caves, Putra World Trade Centre, KL Twin Towers makes this a great accommodation choice of holidaymakers and those on a business sojourn.

Checkout: Resorts in Malaysia

Tip for Visiting Batu Caves

Batu Caves is a bliss to be visited and here are a few tips that will make your trip hassle-free.

1. Short pants and skirts above the knees are not allowed inside the temple. So, dress appropriately to prevent any hassles. Scarves are available for rent outside the entrance.

2. Entry to Batu Caves is free. But, there are many small caves around Batu Caves for which entrance fee ranges between MYR 5.00 to MYR 1.00.

3. The Dark Cave is open only until 10.00 AM and the entrance fee per person is 33 RM.

4. Do not carry food to Batu Caves as it could invite the monkeys.

5. Do not feed the monkeys as they might turn aggressive anytime.

Also Read: Best Malaysia Tour Packages for Family