Batu Caves is a limestone hill that has a series of caves and cave temples in Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia. The cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, and is dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is the focal point of the Tamil festival of Thaipusam in Malaysia.
Batu Caves in short also referred as 10th Caves or Hill for Lord Murugan as there are six important holy shrines in India and four more in Malaysia. The three others in Malaysia are Kallumalai Temple in Ipoh, Tanneermalai Temple in Penang and Sannasimalai Temple in Malacca.
The Batu Caves are synonymous with the statue of Lord Murugan located at the foot of the cave, and the Sri Subramanian Swamy Temple is famous all over the world. The statue of Lord Murugan in the caves glows in gold, stands 42.7 meters high and is the tallest statue in Malaysia. The 42.7-metre (140 ft) high statue of Lord Murugan was unveiled in January 2006, having taken 3 years to construct. It is the tallest Lord Murugan statue in the world.
The limestone forming Batu Caves is said to be around 400 million years old. Some of the cave entrances were used as shelters by the indigenous Temuan people. As early as 1860, Chinese settlers began excavating guano for fertilising their vegetable patches. Batu Caves was promoted as a place of worship by K. Thamboosamy Pillai, an Indian Tamil trader. He was inspired by the vel-shaped entrance of the main cave and was inspired to dedicate a temple to Lord Murugan within the caves.
Batu Malai Sri Murugan Temple is managed by the Board of Management of Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Devasthanam, which also manages the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur and the Kortumalai Pillaiyar Temple.
Things to do at Batu Caves
Batu Caves is one of the largest tourist destinations in Malaysia and here are a few things you should not miss while visiting these legendary caves.
prayers at the Cave Temple: Also known as the Cathedral Cave, this cave temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is believed to be the tenth cave or hill of Lord Murugan. The cave temple is 272 steps high and is actually connected by two caves.
Lord Murugan Statue: The tallest statue of Lord Murugan in Malaysia is the tallest statue of Lord Murugan located at the foot of the Batu Cave Temple. Do not forget to take a photo near the statue.
The creepy Dark: The Dark Cave is believed to be the home of the rarest spider species, the Trapdoor Spider. The Dark Cave is not usually open and entry is permitted only under the supervision of a guide. Adventure tours in the Dark Cave last about 3 hours and visitors can actually explore the cave.
The five-legged bull: Years ago, a fifth-legged bull was given to the cave temples by Buttu when he was growing up with a horn from behind. The bull roamed the temple grounds for the rest of its life until it finally rested in peace. Now, a statue has been erected in the courtyard of the temple in memory of the five-legged bull. Definitely a must visit for you.
Ramayana Cave: The Ramayana Cave is situated to the extreme left as one faces the sheer wall of the hill. The Ramayana Cave depicts the story of Rama in a chronicle manner along the irregular walls of the cave. On the way to the Ramayana Cave, there is a 15 meter (50 ft) tall statue of Lord Hanuman and a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, a devotee and helper of Lord Rama. The temple was consecrated in November 2001.
Exhibits at Cave Villa: The caves in Cave Villa are illuminated and offer enlightening views. Cave Villa is located at the foot of the Batu Caves and is actually two caves, with statues and images of Indian poets and mythological Hindu characters giving visitors an in-depth look at the picture or the statue itself. One of the two caves, also has an exhibit of live reptiles like snakes enclosed in a glass box.
Rock Climbing: Batu Caves is a paradise for those who love to enjoy the natural rock climbing game. Hosts 7 cargs and 170 routes. The most impressive rock climbing trails in the Batu Caves are the Damai Wall, the Namuk Wall, the Nanyang Wall, the Comic Wall and the White Wall.
Location: Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Timings: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Mon-Sun
Entry Fee: Free
How to Reach
Batu Caves is located about 73.0 km away from Kuala Lumpur airport.
By Taxi: The distance between KL airport and Batu Caves is 73.0 km and you can hire a taxi which will take you to the Caves in around an hour.
By Bus: There are no direct buses from KL Airport to Batu Caves. One has to board at least three buses to cover the distance, and the shortest route itself can take about 3 hours.
By Train: Batu Caves is easily reached by commuter train at the KC05 Batu Caves Komuter station, costing RM 2.6 for a one-way journey from KA01 KS01 KJ15 MR1 KE1 KT1 SBK15 KL Sentral.
Tips before Visiting Batu Caves
- Short pants and skirts above the knee are not allowed inside the temple. Therefore, dress appropriately to avoid any interruptions. Scarves are available for rent outside the entrance.
- The Dark Cave is open only until 10.00 AM and the entrance fee per person is 33 RM.
- Entry to Batu Caves is free. But, there are many small caves around Batu Caves for which entrance fee ranges between MYR 5.00 to MYR 1.00.
- Do not carry food to Batu Caves as it could invite the monkeys.