Since becoming an Instagram sensation in 2018, Batu Caves has evolved into one of Kuala Lumpur’s most popular tourist destinations. A huge complex of limestone caves filled with colourful Hindu temples, Batu Caves is a unique and captivating sight.
Visiting Batu Caves is a bit of a ‘Marmite experience’ – you either love it or hate it. Many people baulk at the very idea of going to Batu Caves with kids.
Regardless of what you’ve heard, we think that you should give Batu Caves a go – even with a toddler or preschooler in tow.
Despite the crowds, thieving monkeys and steep stairways, visiting Batu Caves with a toddler can be a very rewarding experience. It is definitely one of the most memorable things to do in KL with kids.
We live in Kuala Lumpur and have visited Batu Caves many times with and without our young children. We’ve learnt from our past mistakes when visiting Batu Caves with toddlers.
Keep reading to find out how to plan the best visit to Batu Caves with kids.
Want to find out where locals recommend you should go in Kuala Lumpur with toddlers? Check out our post: Kuala Lumpur with a Toddler: All the Advice you need!
Practicalities for visiting Batu Caves
Let’s start this in-depth guide to visiting Batu Caves with a toddler and young kids with the information that you are going to need just to get there.
Batu Caves address
Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor.
Batu Caves is located in Gombak, Selangor just North of central Kuala Lumpur. It takes around 30 mins by car or taxi.
Nearly all taxi drivers will know how to get to Batu Caves and the Grab app will automatically tell the driver the address and directions when you type in Batu Caves.
Batu Caves opening times
6 am – 9 pm. Technically, the sight is open between these times but different caves and temples will have differing opening hours.
Best time to visit Batu Caves with toddlers and kids
Definitely go earlier in the day. In the morning the sun shines on the back of the cave. This means that the heat is a lot less oppressive as you walk up the stairways. We usually go around 10 am and most of the steps are still nicely shaded. However, the temperatures inside the caves can be quite cool.
In general, it’s better to visit the caves outside of Hindu festivals and on weekdays. At the weekend, prepare for a slow climb up the stairs zig-zagging past other tourists.
On a clear, sunny day you can see all the way South to KLCC
How to get to Batu Caves with a toddler quickly and safely
The two best transportation options when travelling to and from Batu Caves with toddlers and young children are:
Taking the train from KL Sentral to Batu Caves Komuter Station
In KL Sentral (Kuala Lumpur’s main rail terminal) buy tickets to ‘Batu Caves railway station’. A return ticket should cost around 4RM. Children under 4 can travel for FREE on the KTM. Older children will need to pay child fare which is usually 50% of an adult’s fare.
KL Sentral is well-signposted. Once you are on the KTM train towards Batu Caves, look for the light board above the train doors. Batu Caves station is the eighth (8th) station from KL Sentral and the board will tell you where you currently are. It takes around 30 mins on the KTM train and there is a 5-minute walk at the other end.
Hiring a taxi or using the Grab app to hire a car
As Batu Caves is just under 20km from Kuala Lumpur City Centre. It’s a good idea to use a taxi or Grab car to get there. A regular Grab car can seat 4 people and costs around RM25 from the city centre. Travelling by private transport is often easier for young children.
If you don’t have data on your phone to order a Grab car home, there are usually some regular taxis hanging around by the main entrance to the caves. The fare may be a little more expensive and the car a little older.
Spot the monkey!
Batu Caves dress code
Dress respectfully
Batu Caves is a functioning temple. Therefore it is important to be respectful and conservative with your attire.
Follow the Batu Caves dress code
Women must wear skirts or trousers that cover their knees. Men should also dress respectfully. The ladies at the entrance will check what you are wearing as you enter and stop you if they think that you need a sarong to cover your legs.
Toddlers and little kids can generally get away with wearing whatever they like so no need to force your little one into a long dress. Older girls may be asked to wear a sarong.
Hire a sarong if you need to
Don’t worry if you’ve worn shorts the day you visit Batu Caves as you can hire a sarong at the bottom of the steps for a few Malaysian ringgits. When you return the sarong at the end of your visit, some of the cost will be returned to you.
Travel Tip: it is much easier to wear long trousers or a long skirt of your own than try and climb all the stairs wearing a tightly tied sarong. I can vouch for that!
Climbing the Rainbow Staircase with a toddler
There are 272 rainbow steps – due to the weather and the crowds the colours are fading fast!
Guarded by a colossal statue of the Hindu God Lord Murugan, the steps appear to rise from the ground like a multi-coloured stairway to heaven. Surprisingly, the 42.7-metre tall golden statue of Lord Murugan is relatively recent only erected in 2006.
Lord Murugan is the son of Shiva and the Hindu God of war. He is worshipped throughout Hindu Tamil communities around the world. The annual festival of Thaipusam centres around Batu Caves. Over a million pilgrims make the journey to the caves every year.
Batu Caves with a baby or toddler tip: you can pay the shops at the bottom of the stairs 5RM to hold on to your stroller and belongings.
Climbing the rainbow staircase with a toddler can be challenging. The stairs are often crowded with tourists, guarded by troops of macaques and slippery from recent rainfall.
It is best to use a back carrier or sling when visiting Batu Caves with babies or toddlers. Older children will be able to walk up the stairs independently but may need frequent rests.
Keep reading to find out more about the mischievous monkeys who roam Batu Caves!
Visiting Temple Cave with a toddler
Inside Temple Cave!
The main part of Batu Cave is called Temple Cave. It is open between 8 am – 8.30 pm every day) and is FREE to enter. To reach Temple Cave, first, you must climb the 272 rainbow-painted steps to the mouth of the first cavern.
Inside the first cavern is a small temple, a stand selling incense and another shorter staircase leading into the second cavern. Here stands a temple dedicated to Valli Devanai (Murugan’s wife).
The nature at Batu Caves is incredibly beautiful – just look up!
Visiting Ramayana Cave
If you turn left as you exit Batu Caves MRT station, you will spot the impressively decorated Ramayana Cave.
Ornate dioramas of classic Hindi scenes adorn the walls. The vivid colours and dramatic pictures to captivate if the most stubborn of two-year-olds. Ramayana Cave costs 5RM to enter.
Dark Cave
Until recently, you were able to join a guided tour group and venture into the Dark Cave. 40 minutes tours took you through seven chambers where you were introduced to wildlife, rock formations and hundreds of bats.
Unfortunately, at the moment, Dark Cave is closed to the public. I cannot find any information online about when or if it will be reopening to the public. If you’re planning a visit, it is worth researching if the tours have reopened.
Caves Villa
The lakes outside look quite attractive – but read the reviews before you visit!
Just by the entrance to Batu Caves, you will see the entrance to the very family-friendly looking Caves Villa. This ‘tourist attraction’ consists of a collection of small lakes, some zoo animals, Hindu artwork and a small museum with some taxidermy and art displays. It costs 15 RM to enter.
To be honest, we really don’t like the look of it and have never been in. After reading some online reviews I don’t think we ever will. Most of the reviews (click here to read the Tripadvisor reviews ) talk about filthy cages, distressed animals and tacky illuminations.
Illuminations inside the caves
Outside Batu Caves
Outside of Batu Caves is a small row of shops, cafes and stands selling colourful flower garlands. If your little ones are hungry, grab from traditional Indian savoury and sweet snacks.
There are a couple of places to eat. However, none of our visitors who have eaten nearby have had good experiences. It’s probably best to eat breakfast before you go and be on your way by lunchtime!
Things to bring with you to Batu Caves with a toddler
Although not far from central Kuala Lumpur, it is a good idea to bring a well-stocked daypack when you visit Batu Caves with a toddler.
Packing a Day Bag for Toddler and Babies: things to include:
Mosquito repellant
Mosquitoes love damp, dark places so there are a lot of these flying critters around in the Batu Caves area. Use a good-quality insect repellant that is safe for babies and toddlers. And cover up (another great reason to follow the Batu Caves dress code!)
Water bottles
The climb up all 270+ steps is tiring especially in the heat. You (and your little ones) will need to stay well-hydrated. Carry a water bottle in your daypack. Don’t carry it in your hand unless you want to share it with a monkey!
Hand sanitizer
Not only do thousands of people touch the handrails every single day but inside Temple Cave, there are A LOT of bird droppings. Be liberal with the hand sanitizer and watch what your toddler touches!
Tissues
There are public toilets at the bottom of the rainbow staircase. Toilets in Malaysia do not always provide toilet paper. Sometimes, the paper is kept outside the cubicles and sometimes there is just a water hose. Carry toilet paper around in case you or your toddler gets caught short.
Waterproofs
Even if it isn’t raining outside, the high ceilings of the limestone caves often drip water. If you are visiting in the afternoon during monsoon season (typically October – January) bring waterproofs just in case.
Camera
Of course, just look at how colourful this place is. Bring your best camera!
For more great tips on travelling overseas with toddlers, check our posts: Long Road Trips with Toddlers: Awesome Tips to keep you SANE! and The Mother of all Tantrums; why you SHOULD travel with your toddler
Batu Caves with toddlers: Practicalities and Hazards
Batu Caves dress code
As mentioned above there is a dress code at Batu Caves. Dress conservatively and hire a sarong if you are asked to.
Steep steps
Last year, the stairs up to the caves were painted in stunning rainbow colours creating a new iconic Instagrammable sight in the city. These steps though pretty are pretty steep.
Be careful when walking up and down them with toddlers and young children. I’ve seen quite a few people (adults) miss a step!
Crowds
Batu Caves can get busy and busy places are often difficult to visit with toddlers. Be especially mindful of the crowds on the stairs. People will suddenly stop to take pictures or ogle the monkeys.
Monkeys
This monkey at Batu Caves doesn’t look too hungry!
Oh yes, the famous monkeys. If you live in Kuala Lumpur, you will see monkeys regularly in the parks. If you’re visiting then watch out for the troops of brazen macaques that line the steps up to Temple Cave. These fearless and agile furry friends are just watching and waiting for a tourist to try and walk past with some food.
I’ve often seen tourists get ‘mugged’ by the monkeys ascending the stairs. It can give them quite a fright.
Some toddlers are going to love the macaques and others will be afraid. As long as you don’t have any food or drink they will probably leave you alone. That said, I have heard stories of monkeys snatching mobile phones – so be careful!
Toddler-friendly Tip: Remind toddlers and children that the monkeys at Batu Caves are wild animals. Do not feed them or attempt to stroke them. They may scratch or bite.
Slippery surfaces
Even if the weather is fine outside as you enter the caves there is often water dripping from the roof of the cave. Again, just walk carefully and try to hold hands with your children in Batu Caves.
We hope that you’ve found our in-depth guide to visiting Batu Caves with a toddler useful.
For more, great things to do in Kuala Lumpur with toddlers don’t forget to check out our comprehensive guide:
Kuala Lumpur with a Toddler: All the Advice you need!
If you’re exploring the rest of Malaysia with kids, check out our post 50+ unforgettable things to do in Malaysia with kids to be inspired.
We have written some other popular guides on Penang with kids and Langkawi with toddlers.
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