Batu Caves, The Stairway to Hindu Heaven ~ Malaysia

by Tsvete Popp
Colorful Batu Caves temple and golden statue in Malaysia's lush landscape.

Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur

One of the must-visit attractions in Kuala Lumpur is the famous Batu Caves. Nestled just outside Kuala Lumpur, these magnificent limestone caves have captivated visitors from around the world. In this travel guide, we will unveil the secrets of Batu Caves, from its towering golden statue to its sacred Hindu shrines. Learn about the historical significance, architectural marvels, and the breathtaking views that await you at this iconic destination. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a cultural enthusiast, or a nature lover, Batu Caves is an experience you don't want to miss. Plan your visit now and immerse yourself in the wonders of this spiritual and awe-inspiring site.

Monkey sitting on a cable against Batu Caves rocks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

Staying in Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur

Unparalleled Luxury: Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its luxurious offerings. The hotel boasts elegant rooms and suites, tastefully designed with opulent furnishings and high-quality amenities. Indulge in a world-class experience with top-notch service and attention to detail.

Central Location: Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's vibrant city center, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur offers convenient access to major attractions, shopping districts, and business hubs. You'll be just moments away from iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers and the bustling Bukit Bintang area.

Woman in a white dress walking through a lush tropical garden in Malaysia.

Exquisite Dining Options: The hotel is home to a variety of exquisite dining options, ranging from international cuisine to authentic local delicacies. Savor culinary delights prepared by world-class chefs, and experience the diverse flavors of Malaysia and beyond.

Relaxation and Recreation: Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur Lumpur provides a range of facilities for relaxation and recreation. Take a dip in the hotel's swimming pool, indulge in a pampering spa treatment, or maintain your fitness routine at the fully-equipped gym. Enjoy a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city.

Impeccable Service: The staff at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur Lumpur are known for their warm hospitality and dedication to exceeding guests' expectations. From the moment you arrive until your departure, expect personalized service and attention to ensure a memorable and comfortable stay.

Woman relaxing under umbrella at a tropical resort in Malaysia with modern buildings nearby.

Elegant hotel lobby in Malaysia with a grand staircase and luxurious decor.

Staying in 8 Kia Peng Suites in Kuala Lumpur

Prime Location: 8 Kia Peng Suites is situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, providing easy access to popular attractions, shopping malls, and dining options. Its central location allows you to explore the city conveniently and make the most of your time.

Spacious and Luxurious Suites: The suites at 8 Kia Peng Suites are known for their spaciousness and luxury. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, you'll find well-appointed suites that provide a comfortable and stylish living space during your stay.

Modern Amenities: The hotel offers a range of modern amenities to enhance your stay. Enjoy amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, fully equipped kitchens, and in-room laundry facilities. These conveniences ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.

Spectacular Views: Many of the suites at 8 Kia Peng Suites offer stunning views of the cityscape. Start your day with breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur's iconic skyline, including the Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower.

Personalized Service: The staff at 8 Kia Peng Suitesare dedicated to providing personalized service and ensuring your comfort throughout your stay. From check-in to check-out, they go the extra mile to make guests feel welcomed and well taken care of.

Hotel room in Malaysia with welcome note, cookies, coffee, and bottled water.Petronas Towers viewed from a window in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on a clear day.

Here you can find other great ideas about where to stay in Kuala Lumpur:

Best Luxury Hotels in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur: Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, The St. Regis offers luxurious accommodations with modern amenities. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites, a spa, an outdoor swimming pool, and multiple dining options. Guests can enjoy personalized service, stunning city views, and convenient access to shopping and entertainment.

Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur: Situated adjacent to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, Mandarin Oriental offers refined luxury and impeccable service. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, a spa, a rooftop infinity pool, and various dining options including a renowned Cantonese restaurant. Guests can indulge in a sophisticated and opulent experience.

The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur: Located in the city center, The Ritz-Carlton offers a blend of elegance and comfort. The hotel features stylish rooms and suites, a spa, a fitness center, and multiple dining options including a Japanese restaurant and a contemporary steakhouse. Guests can experience world-class hospitality and enjoy easy access to popular attractions.

Woman relaxing by rooftop pool with cityscape view in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur: This modern boutique hotel offers chic and comfortable rooms with a contemporary design. The hotel features a rooftop swimming pool, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a rooftop bar with panoramic city views. Guests can enjoy a trendy atmosphere and explore the vibrant neighborhood of Jalan Kamunting.

Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral: Conveniently located in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Aloft offers stylish and vibrant accommodations for urban travelers. The hotel features loft-inspired rooms, an infinity pool with city views, a 24-hour gym, and multiple dining options. Guests can experience a lively and contemporary atmosphere.

citizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang: This design-forward hotel offers compact yet comfortable rooms with modern amenities and smart technology. The hotel features a rooftop swimming pool, a 24-hour grab-and-go canteen, a lounge area, and a rooftop bar. Guests can enjoy a tech-savvy and affordable stay in the city center.

Aerial view of Kuala Lumpur skyline, featuring high-rise buildings and lush greenery in Malaysia.

Best Hostels in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

The Explorers Guesthouse: Located in the heart of Chinatown, The Explorers Guesthouse offers affordable and cozy accommodations. The hostel features dormitory rooms and private rooms with shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen, a rooftop terrace, and a lounge area. Guests can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, meet fellow travelers, and explore the vibrant neighborhood.

The Bed KLCC: Situated in the city center near the Petronas Twin Towers, The Bed KLCC provides modern and comfortable dormitory and private rooms. The hostel features a communal kitchen, a lounge area, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views. Guests can enjoy a convenient location, a trendy atmosphere, and easy access to shopping and entertainment venues.

Sunshine Bedz KL: Located in the vibrant Bukit Bintang area, Sunshine Bedz KL offers budget-friendly dormitory and private rooms. The hostel features a communal kitchen, a cozy lounge area, and a rooftop terrace. Guests can enjoy a friendly atmosphere, meet fellow travelers, and explore the nearby attractions, shopping malls, and street food stalls.

Hanuman statue at Batu Caves temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with vibrant colors.

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is a famous spot for very good food and a great shopping experience. Besides this fact, one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside of India is located just 13 km north of Kuala Lumpur and less than a 30 min drive from Petronas Twin Tower – the Batu Caves! The temple complex became one of the most visited tourist and Hindu attractions in South-East Asia during the last couple of years. It is located at the Gombak district and is best known for its large gold statue dedicated to Lord Murugan. Nowadays the Batu Caves is a favoured pilgrimage destination not only for Malaysian Hindus but also for Hindus from all over the World!

Golden temple structures in front of lush green Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Visiting the Batu Caves was an awesome experience for me, having in mind my almost missing background knowledge of Hinduism. The daily trip to this Holy place provided a different light on my understanding of Hinduism as a whole. My curiosity has inspired me to read more about it and has opened a new perception of this culture and its beliefs.

Colorful temple sculpture with lush cliffs in Batu Caves, near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Getting to Batu Caves

Batu Caves are absolutely easy to reach! Take the KTM Kumuter Train from the main Station Bukit Bintang – it will cost you 2 RM for a one-way journey and approximately 30 min ride. Another option is to take a taxi/Uber/Grab car for about RM 25 (one-way). But taking a taxi back to KL could be much trickier as it will cost more than 40 RM… Therefore I would recommend you to travel by the KTM Komuter – a very modern and air-conditioned ride for less than 0,50 €!

Colorful Hindu deity statues at Batu Caves, a cultural site in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Batu Caves

The Batu Caves is a Hindu complex of three main caves and a few smaller ones, which are located on a 400 million-year-old limestone hill. The main caves are the Temple Cave, the Dark Cave and the Art Gallery Cave. Inside all the caves you’ll be able to see various Hindu shrines and statues. The most prominent of all is the 43 m tall statue of Lord Murugan (the Hindu God of war), who is proudly “protecting” the whole complex. Many of the shrines inside the cave are also related to the story of Lord Murugan’s victory over the demon Soorapadam.

Ornate temple entrance at Batu Caves with lush cliffs in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Statue of Lord Murug

The Statue of Lord Murugan was a great art project as it took more than 3 years to be completely built-up. The project cost more than 24 million Rupees invested in all 1550 cubic meters of concrete, 250 tonnes of steel bars and 300 litres of gold paint! An interesting fact is that all material was brought from Thailand. This one is the tallest Murugan’s statue in the World and serves as one of the most famous motives for travel photos in Malaysia!

Golden Murugan statue at Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia under a sunny sky.

Tourists climb vibrant stairs at Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, amid lush greenery and limestone cliffs.

The Batu Caves are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and entry is free! Just make sure you bring some water and some present for the Gods e.g. flowers, snacks, fruits, etc. Another important thing is to have some clothes on which are suitable for the temple. This means that your knees and shoulders should be covered during your visit to Batu Caves.

Monkey on colorful stairs at Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, with lush greenery in the background.

In order to reach the complex, which is located deep inside a limestone mountain, you’ll have to climb the steep flight of 272 steps. The Holy Steps are patrolled by an army of countless number macaque monkeys and their babies! The monkeys are a fun thing to see and make a photo of as they weren’t afraid of the tourists at all! But keep your belongings close to you – the monkeys are very keen on stealing, especially when it comes to smartphones, plastic bags and sparkling things! And monkey bites can be pretty serious … Therefore, consider not playing or being too close to them.

Crowds at Batu Caves with a large golden statue in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Once we reached the top of the stairs we saw the entrance to the Main Cave. The view over Kuala Lumpur is gorgeous too! On a sunny day, you’ll be even able to see the Petronas Twin Towers too! As we enter the main cave we were welcomed by the intense smell of the joss sticks which were filling the air. There was a festive stage where all the pilgrims were able to witness a religious ceremony. During the Thaipusam (a Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community) the Batu Caves are crammed with worshippers from all over the World!

People climbing colorful stairs near the golden statue at Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Colorful Hindu deity statue in Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, surrounded by limestone formations.

The entire cave area felt very spiritual to me! Inside the cave, it was actually very quiet, as we could only hear the monkeys and the Indian music coming from the ceremonial stage. There are several places where you can put your gifts for the Gods – the favourite area of all monkeys too, as they are the real Gods here. There were also some bats inside and outside the cave, so be careful with them too …

Lush greenery atop limestone walls at Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur's natural wonder.

Colorful statues at Batu Caves temple entrance in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Lush greenery on limestone walls at Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Intricate carvings at Batu Caves temple entrance in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with lush greenery.

Monkey perched on rock at Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, surrounded by lush vegetation.

The Dark Cave

There is much more to explore in the Batu Caves. One of the three main caves is the Dark Cave which is home to a number of animals who can be found nowhere else, but here. The Dark Cave is a 2 km-long network of untouched caverns full of cave curtains, flowstones, cave pearls and cave scallops. You can visit the cave only via guided tours. We decided not to go inside the Dark Cave after I saw some animal taxidermy in jars with many different kinds of snakes and insects inside, which were even bigger than the bats from the main cave. I cannot stand any snakes so it was a pretty quick decision to take. But if you have no problem with these creatures I would definitely recommend you to make the guided tour!

Monkeys on a fence near the Dark Cave entrance in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, surrounded by greenery.

Colorful hanging elephant ornaments in a market in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Golden statue of Lord Murugan at Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur with steps in the background.

Planning a trip to Malaysia?

Malaysia Accommodation

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Malaysia Flights

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Rental Car in Malaysia

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Malaysia Tours

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Travel Insurance

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Enjoy the day!

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