Malaysia's renowned Batu Caves is one of the most important Hindu holy sites outside of India. It is a must-see while you are in Kuala Lumpur. There are three primary attractions here, including the Temple Cave, Cave Villa, and Ramayana Cave. The Temple Cave, also known as the Cathedral Cave, is devoted to Lord Murugan - the Hindu God of War.

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Batu Caves at Gombak, Selangor

Batu Caves at Gombak, Selangor

History of Batu Caves Temple

Batu Caves is a limestone hill in Selangor featuring three large caves and several colourful cave temples. Experts estimated that the limestone that formed the caverns is approximately 400 million years old. In the past, the Orang Asli or the indigenous people used the caves as dwelling quarters and refuges.

When biologist William Temple Hornaday wrote about the caverns in 1878, they immediately became popular. K. Thamboosamy Pillai, an Indian trader, was captivated by the grandeur of the cave and built Batu Caves' first cave temple in 1890. This very temple is now one of the most prominent Tamil temples outside of India, hosting large-scale Thaipusam festivities on an annual basis.

K. Thamboosamy Pillai was an Indian trader who constructed the first temple cave in Batu Caves.

Batu Caves Murugan Statue

The first thing you see as you approach the caverns is a towering golden statue of Lord Murugan. Erected in 2006, it is the world's largest monument devoted to a deity which matches the height of the 272 steps leading to the cave openings. As you make your way up the flight of stairs, you will be greeted by a troop of fearless monkeys which are inhabitants of the area. Remember to keep an eye on your valuables to prevent the monkeys from snatching them. If you wish to catch your breath, there are resting spots along the way that provide beautiful views of the surrounding suburbs.

The golden and majestic Batu Caves Murugan statue

Inside Batu Caves Temple

Three major caves are located within the jagged limestone hills of Batu Caves.

Temple Cave is the largest and most popular, with a ceiling over 300 feet high. Inside the illuminated cave, you'll discover Hindu shrines and beautiful renditions of tales. Dark Cave is the wildest of the three, which entrance is located right under Temple Cave. The 6,500-foot subterranean section has stunning limestone formations and is home to several cave critters, including the endangered Trapdoor Spiders.

The Dark Cave can only be explored by pre-booking a spelunking tour. The trips need a reasonable degree of physical fitness because crawling is involved. Please be reminded to bring an extra set of clothes. Lastly, the Cave Villa features Hindu carvings and wall paintings depicting Lord Murugan and other Hindu deities.

Beautiful caves within the Batu Caves limestone hills

The colourful cave temple found inside Batu Caves

Kumbhakarna - a giant sleeping god statue in the Ramayana Cave

Depictions of Hindu deities found within Batu Caves

Inside the Batu Caves temple in Gombak, Selangor

How Many Steps in Batu Caves

At first glance, it looks almost impossible to make it to the top with the seemingly endless stair. You will be surprised to know that there is only a total of 272 steps.

There are a total of 272 steps in Batu Caves

Batu Caves Entrance Fee 

Admission fee is free for the main temple which is the Temple Cave or also known as the Cathedral Cave. However, the entrance fees for Malaysians and non-Malaysians to the Cave Villa are priced at RM7 and RM15 respectively. For the Ramayana Cave – the admission fee is only RM5, regardless of nationality.

Tips for Visitors

Batu Caves is often teeming with a sea of tourists! Please keep in mind that although this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Malaysia, it is a religious site and place of worship. Please dress appropriately such as long pants to cover your legs. Additionally, pick clothes and footwear that are comfortable enough for you to climb the stairs.

Opening Hours

Batu Caves is open every day from 6.30am–8.30pm 

Management Office Contact Number 

You may contact them at +603-6189 6284 

Address: Batu Caves 68100 Gombak, Selangor.

Batu Caves remains as Malaysia's top attraction for many years now. Most of the visitors are either Hindu devotees who come to pray and perform rituals, or curious tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of the sacred Hindu way of life. See with your own eyes the beauty of this temple and the surrounding caves at Batu Caves!

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