Batu Caves Travel Guide: 272 Steps, Monkeys, and the Meaning of the Red Dot on the Forehead

While traveling through Asia, I had always been curious about that red dot in the middle of Indians' foreheads. While walking down the street in Malaysia, I saw a Hindu temple and thought, "time to explore," and dived right in. As I was trying to figure out what was happening, they took us into their fold, had us sit down, and pressed that red seal onto our foreheads. For a moment, I had become a bona fide Indian. That same day, we also climbed up to the Batu Caves, the most famous Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur. In this post, I explain both the meaning of that red dot and everything you need to know before visiting the Batu Caves.

Watch the Video: They Stamped a Seal on Our Foreheads at an Indian Temple

What is the Red Dot on Indians' Foreheads?

The dot on the forehead is generally known as a bindi or tilak. In the Hindu faith, the space between the two eyebrows is considered the "third eye"; it is regarded as the center of intuition and wisdom. The mark applied there carries the meaning of both a prayer and a protection.

• Kumkum: A red powder made from turmeric and lime. This is the mark you see most frequently in temples.
• Vibhuti: The white ash remaining from the sacred fire. It is applied to the forehead in the form of lines, especially in Shiva temples.
• Sandalwood paste: A yellowish, cooling paste. It can be used in combination with kumkum.

The bindi worn by married women can be an indicator of marital status, but the mark applied in the temple is for everyone. Men, women, those who are Hindu, those who are not… After the ceremony (puja) is over, the priest or those in the temple offer it to the guest. That is exactly what happened to us: they said, "Come on, sit down," and then applied it to our foreheads with their fingers. Don't get me wrong, you are not obligated to accept this. But if you accept it graciously, they really appreciate it.

What Should You Pay Attention to When Entering a Temple or Mosque?

In Malaysia, we knocked on the doors of a mosque, a church, a Buddhist temple, and a Hindu temple on the same day. I received the warmest welcome at the Indian temple. In Penang, however, we were not allowed into a mosque because of our attire. My friend with me was wearing shorts, and my shorts were also at knee-length, but we couldn't get inside. That day, I learned this: every place of worship has different dress codes, and you must adapt to these rules.

• Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Carrying a light shawl or sarong with you opens every door.
• In Hindu temples and mosques, shoes are removed outside.
• Ask for permission with a gesture before taking photos or videos during a ceremony.
• Do not touch statues and stones that are considered sacred. In a Buddhist temple, they specifically warned us, "do not touch the stones."
• Use your right hand when giving or receiving food and offerings in Hindu temples.

Things You Need to Know About the Batu Caves

Batu Caves is a Hindu temple complex built inside a giant limestone hill, about 13 km north of Kuala Lumpur. It is the most important sacred site for the Tamil Hindu community in Malaysia.

• Murugan Statue: The approximately 43-meter-tall gold-colored statue at the entrance is one of the largest Murugan statues in the world.
• 272 Colorful Steps: You reach the main cave via these stairs. In the video, I say "247 steps or something," but the correct number is 272. The steps were painted in rainbow colors in 2018 and are now the most photographed place in Kuala Lumpur.
• Temple Cave: At the end of the stairs, there is a massive cave with an open ceiling. Light enters from the hole at the top, and inside there are temples, people praying, bats, and birds. Since it is inside the mountain, it is cooler compared to the suffocating heat outside.
• Ramayana Cave: A separate cave below where the Ramayana epic is depicted with colorful statues. Entry is paid.
• Thaipusam Festival: It takes place every year in late January or early February. Hundreds of thousands of people flock here. If you go during these dates, you will see an extraordinary sight, but it will be very crowded.

How to Get to Batu Caves from Kuala Lumpur?

The easiest way is the KTM Komuter train. Take the line from KL Sentral to Batu Caves; the last stop is the Batu Caves station. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes, and the station opens right at the entrance of the temple. The ticket is cheap and can be purchased with a card or from the machine at the station.

Ride-hailing apps like Grab also take you from the city center for a reasonable price. If you are a large group, a taxi might be cheaper than the train. You need to have internet abroad to use Grab. That's why I install an eSIM before I set off. You can check out Malaysia packages with Yırtık eSIM here.

At the time of writing this, entry to the main cave (Temple Cave) was free. The Ramayana Cave and some smaller areas are paid. Since prices can change over time, I recommend checking for up-to-date information before you go.

Beware of the Monkeys!

The true owners of the Batu Caves are the long-tailed macaque monkeys. While we were resting on the stairs, a monkey snatched someone's water bottle, ran off, and tried to open the cap to drink it. It’s funny, but it can also be dangerous.

• Do not carry food, plastic bags, or water bottles in your hands. Put them all inside your bag.
• Do not make eye contact with the monkeys or approach them. If one comes near you, move away calmly.
• Do not feed them. It is both prohibited and makes them aggressive.
• Hold onto your phone and glasses tightly. They are attracted to shiny things.

If you are curious about a more intense incident we had with monkeys, you can read my Monkey Beach post.

Practical Tips for Batu Caves

• Go early in the morning. Both the heat and the tour buses intensify in the afternoon.
• Pay attention to your attire. If you came in shorts, they provide or rent sarongs at the entrance to wrap around your legs. They tied my Korean sister-in-law's legs like that too.
• Bring water, but put it in your bag. The 272 steps are more tiring than you think in humid weather.
• Footwear: Wear something comfortable that doesn't slip. The steps become slippery after rain.
• Time to allocate: Half a day, including travel, is enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee for Batu Caves?

At the time of writing this, entry to the main Temple Cave was free. Some sections, like the Ramayana Cave, are paid.

How many steps are there at Batu Caves?

There are 272 steps on the colorful staircase leading up to the main cave.

What should I wear to Batu Caves?

Clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Sarongs are provided at the entrance for those who arrive in non-compliant clothing.

Should I allow them to apply a mark to my forehead at the Indian temple?

It is not mandatory, but since it is a sign of hospitality and blessing, accepting it graciously is very well received.

When is Thaipusam?

It is determined according to the Tamil calendar and usually falls between late January and early February.

After the Batu Caves, our route was Singapore. I explain how we hitchhiked the 360 kilometers and that strange border that cannot be crossed on foot in my next post. For my other adventures in Malaysia, you can check out my Kuala Lumpur and Twin Towers post.