The Batu Caves are located near to Kuala Lumpur city and consists of a number of Hindu shrines within a series of caves. The Batu Caves are the focal point for Hindu worship in Malaysia and one of the most important Hindu religious sites outside of India. The Batu Caves are impressive and attract a large number of non-Hindu visitors.
About the Batu Caves
The Batu Caves were established as a Hindu temple to the Hindu God of War, known various as Lord Murugan or Kartikeya or Skanda or Kumara, in 1890. In Hindu mythology Lord Murugan is the brother of Ganesh and famous for his victory over the demon Surapadman. A 42.7 metres tall statue of Lord Murugan, covered in gold paint, is located near the start of the 272 steps which rise 100 metres to the start of the Batu caves. The only way in via these steps.
Statue of Lord Murugan at the Batu CavesUpon ascending the 272 steps you come to the largest of the caves known as Cathedral or Temple cave. This cave is set within a limestone hill and at the far end there is a hole in the ceiling through which you can see the branches of the trees in the jungle above. Several shrine are located within the cave and you will see people worshipping and ceremonies going on at all times of the day. There are also two smaller caves located at the base of the hill, both of which feature shrines and Hindi paintings.
Entrance fees to the Batu Caves
- Admission Fee: Free
Opening Hours at the Batu Caves
- Opening Hours: Daily, 06:00 – 21:00
Travel the Batu Caves
The cheapest and easiest way to travel to the Batu Caves is to take a train from Kuala Lumpur Sentral Railway Station. Trains depart from Kuala Lumpur Sentral Railway Station every 30 minutes from 06:43 until 23:43 and the journey to the Batu Caves takes 28 minutes. A single ticket costs 2 MYR and trains to the Batu Cave leave from Platform 3.
Location of the Batu Caves
- The Batu Caves is 15.1 km by road from Kuala Lumpur Sentral Railway Station.