Visiting the Batu Caves for the first time?
We share our experience with you. This is all you need to know to prepare for your half day visit to the Batu Caves, and yes it is worth going!
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How to get to the Batu Caves
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The number of steps at Batu Caves
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What to wear
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How much time to spend there, opening times & tickets
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The Batu Cave Monkeys
How to get to the Batu Caves
It was raining heavily the morning we went, so we took a taxi using the ‘Grab’ app. It took 25 minutes from our hotel in the city centre and cost around 45 Ringgits (MYR) approximately £7.50.
There is a train station right next to the Batu Caves which takes you directly to the city centre. We took the train back for 2.5 Ringgits each, that’s around 85 pence for 2 people! The train only runs every 30 minutes and takes 35 minutes to reach the city centre. If you’re on a limited budget and time your visit with the train times, this is your best option!
No. of Steps:
There are 272 steps to climb so it’s not one for people with bad knees! You don’t have to be an avid hiker to get to the top, there is plenty of space for you to rest along the way, watch the monkeys play, and turn around to admire the stunning views of the city below.
There is no other way to get to the top! It takes around 15 minutes.
What to wear:
Where light clothing that covers your shoulders and down to your knees. You are entering a religious site. Bring a shawl to cover up of needed, or rent one from at the entrance to the cave.
It was raining heavily when we went so we wore rain jackets. It can get a bit hot in the cave, so thin layers are best!
How much time you need, Opening hours and Tickets
- We spent approximately 2 hours there, so including travel time it’s easily done in half a day.
- The Batu Cave is open from 6am to 9pm.
- The lesser known Ramayana Cave (separate entrance) is open 9am to 6.30pm, there is 10 Ringgit per person entry fee. The Dark Cave is now permanently closed to visitors.
- No tickets are needed, just turn up! It’s free to enter but leave a donation if you have the means to.
The Batu Cave Monkeys
You may have heard the monkeys can attack people or steal food, we did not see this happen but it’s best to be cautious and avoid eating near them or approaching them. They are wild animals after all!
Your top 3 tips for a great visit:
We had a lovely time at the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur and would recommend it to anyone wanting to escape the busy city for a while.
Our 3 top tips for making your trip a better one:
1) It’s best to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon if it’s due to be a hot day. The rain can make the steps slippery so wear shoes with a good grip!
2) Use the toilet before you go up the steps, the only public facilities are on the ground level.
3) Water and snacks are available from the food vendors on the site and next to the train station, so you won’t go hungry. (Just remember to avoid eating near the cheeky monkeys!)
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