We saved Batu Caves for our last day in KL and it could not have been better. We took grab but you can easy train to Batu Caves station, we stepped out into the heat and colour of the plaza, and made a beeline for the paid cave to the left of the station before tackling the famous stairs. That cave is often called Ramayana Cave, and for us it was the best part of the whole visit.
Inside it was cool and calm, a welcome break from the midday sun. Lights picked out dramatic formations and story scenes as we followed the path deeper in. The kids were wide-eyed, pointing at rock “curtains” and shadows that looked like animals. Starting here set the tone perfectly. It took the edge off the heat, gave us a touch of magic, and meant the big climb felt like part two rather than the whole show.
Back outside we headed to the plaza for the main event. Lord Murugan gleamed over the rainbow staircase, the air buzzing with chatter, drums and the occasional monkey skirmish. We tightened backpacks, took a sip of water and started the climb. It is 272 steps to the top. The metal rails were hot enough to make you flinch, so we paced ourselves, stopping on the landings for a breeze and a breather.
Halfway up we had to breath have a wobble, laugh, carry on. Ali carried Dotty all the way up! At the top the cave opened into a huge bowl of light and limestone. Sunbeams cut through the roof, temple drums echoed, and the girls’ voices bounced back at them from the walls. For a few minutes it felt both giant and peaceful.
On the way down we took it slower, pointing out colour on the steps and letting the kids choose our snack stop. Back at ground level we were pink-cheeked, salty and very happy. Finishing a KL trip with a climb and a cave felt right. The first cave gave us wonder and cool air, the stairs gave us a challenge and a view, and the top gave us that proud, quiet moment families remember.
Handy bits if you are going with kids
Start with the cool cave to the left as you exit the station. It is shaded, interesting and a great warm-up. Dress for temples. Shoulders and knees covered. Sarongs are available at the base if you need one. Bring water and hats. The rails and steps get very hot, so pace it with short pauses. Use a carrier, not a pram. There are a lot of stairs and some uneven ground. Monkeys are cheeky. Keep snacks zipped up and hold onto bottles and hats. Getting there. KTM Komuter train to Batu Caves station is easy, or Grab if you prefer door to door.
Hot, colourful and a tiny bit chaotic, Batu Caves gave us everything we wanted from a family day out. Doing the left-of-station cave first made all the difference. It was our calm, glowing highlight before the big climb, and a brilliant way to say goodbye to Kuala Lumpur.
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