Selangor, Malaysia – Located just minutes away from Kuala Lumpur, the iconic Batu Caves is a place you shouldn’t miss on your visit to Malaysia. Considered as one of the top tourist attractions in Malaysia, these limestone caves are 400 million years old and houses the world’s tallest Hindu statue, Lord Muruga Statue. Besides visiting KL’s Little India, this is a good place to see and experience the Indian-Malay culture.
How to get there?
There are a lot of tour operators that offers a visit to Batu Caves but I would recommend doing this under your own steam. Just jump on the train from KL Sentral – KTM Komuter to Batu Caves station. It will only cost you 4RM (~1USD) for a roundtrip ticket. Travel time should just be around 30 minutes. The gates are open 7.00am – 8.00pm daily.
What to do?
We’ve been here in three different times (surely, there will be a next time) but still cannot put away the camera to take pictures of the towering golden statue. It’s the first thing you’ll notice once you set your foot at the gate though there are temples also near the entrance.
After taking pictures, make sure you do some stretches (a-must!). There are 3 caves around the area but the other 2 aren’t free. So, to be able to make the visit worth it especially for first time tourists, you have no choice but to take the 272 leg-burning steps that lead up to the main cave entrance. No need to pay entrance fee for this one, but there’s a box for donations.
BTW, they recently implemented the no short/skirts allowed policy, or anything above knee-length outfit. Thus, make sure you bring scarf or wear something appropriate as a respect as this place is sacred for Hindus.
As you make your way up, you’ll be welcomed by a number of monkeys which are nice to take pictures of but pay attention to your belongings especially your food/drinks (if you have any) else be prepared to be harassed. 😛
At the top, you’ll get a nice view of the city center. Inside is a massive cave which we heard that during the Thaipusam festival (January/February), thousands of devotees gathered here so unless you want to be part of it might as well opt out the visit to Batu Caves during this time.
On our second and third visit, we came with our friends from Manila. We just let them do the hike as we waited downstairs. Yes, going up is worth to do if it’s your first visit. Don’t think there’s much more to see for the second one.
For those not into climbing the ‘again’ 272 steps, you can get the famous Indian henna tattoo done while waiting at 10RM for a basic design. Very cultural thingy! 😀 Or, there are restaurants offering Indian food at the area, but just make your way back to Kuala Lumpur for better food at reasonable price. 😉
That is good to know taking a train to Batu Caves! Perhaps will do so next time.
LikeLike