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Why the Batu Caves Temple stands out with its rainbow stairs

Temple Cave & Rainbow Stairs

Just outside Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is one of Malaysia’s most visited landmarks and for good reason. It’s not just a temple but a blend of faith, nature, and art set within a limestone hill that’s over 400 million years old. The main draw is the Temple Cave, reached by climbing the now-famous Rainbow Stairs. Whether you're here to learn, reflect, or simply take in the view, here’s what you need to know before you go.

History of the Batu Caves Murugan Temple

Early use of the caves

Before Batu Caves held any religious significance, the area was mainly known to local Indigenous communities and Chinese settlers. They used the caves to collect guano (bat droppings), which was valuable as fertilizer. In 1859, American naturalist William Hornaday explored the site, drawing attention to its striking limestone formations and contributing to early interest in the caves.

The vision of K. Thamboosamy Pillai

In the 1860s, Tamil trader K. Thamboosamy Pillai—an early Indian settler in British Malaya—had a dream in which Lord Murugan appeared and asked him to build a shrine. When Pillai later visited the site and noticed that one of the cave entrances resembled a “vel” (Murugan’s divine spear), he took it as a divine sign. In 1891, he installed a small idol of Lord Murugan in the largest chamber, marking the beginning of the site’s transformation into a Hindu place of worship.

The temple’s evolution

The first Thaipusam festival at Batu Caves was held in 1892. It quickly became a central pilgrimage destination for Tamil Hindus in Southeast Asia. Wooden stairs were eventually replaced by concrete, and the site expanded with more shrines and infrastructure. Today, it hosts one of the largest Thaipusam celebrations outside India, attracting hundreds of thousands of devotees each year.

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Batu Caves Murugan Temple

At the top, you’ll enter the Temple Cave (also called the Cathedral Cave). It’s the largest cavern in the Batu Caves complex, with ceilings over 100 meters high and sunlight streaming through openings above. The space is open, airy, and used for both prayer and ceremonies.

Inside, you’ll find:

Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple

This is the main shrine inside the Temple Cave, dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war and victory, who is especially revered by Tamil communities.

Smaller shrines and altars for other deities

Scattered throughout the cave are shrines to various Hindu gods and goddesses, including Lord Ganesha and Goddess Durga, each decorated with colorful statues and offerings.

Two main chambers, connected by 56 internal steps

After entering the Temple Cave, you'll pass through two large halls separated by a short staircase. Each chamber contains different altars, carvings, and spiritual spaces for prayer.

Natural limestone formations, like stalactites and stalagmites

The cave walls and ceilings feature dramatic limestone formations, shaped over millions of years. These blend naturally with the religious structures, giving the space an ancient, sacred feel.

Murals and carvings that depict scenes from Hindu mythology

Vibrant artwork and stone reliefs tell stories from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

The Rainbow Stairs

To reach the Temple Cave, you’ll need to climb 272 concrete steps painted in bright rainbow colors. The stairs got their makeover in 2018 ahead of the Kumbhabhishekam, a Hindu temple consecration ceremony held every 12 years. The colors were inspired by the peacock, a symbol tied to Lord Murugan, the deity the temple honors.

The painted stairs turned Batu Caves into a social media hotspot almost overnight. But beyond the photos, they also reflect a moment of cultural pride and community renewal.

Halfway up, you’ll notice a small entrance to the Dark Cave. This is a protected conservation site (not a temple) but you can join a guided tour to learn about its fragile ecosystem and see species like the rare trapdoor spider. Just note: the Dark Cave is often closed for conservation, so check ahead.

Best photo spots on the stairs

At the base, with the towering golden statue of Lord Murugan in the frame
Midway up, where the stair colors really pop in photos
Near the top, where you can capture the cave entrance and skyline views

Planning your visit

When to go

What to wear

What to bring and not bring

Accessibility

Early morning is best. You’ll avoid the heat and crowds.
Thaipusam (late January or early February) is incredible but packed.

Dress modestly. Shoulders and knees should be covered. You may be asked to rent a sarong at the entrance if needed.
Wear sturdy shoes. The steps are steep and can be slippery, especially after rain.

No toilets at the top. Use facilities before climbing.
Keep food packed away. Monkeys are common and can be aggressive if they see snacks.
Pack water. It’s a workout in tropical heat.
Camera or phone? Yes but be discreet during prayer times.

There’s no elevator or ramp. The stairs are steep, and there’s no way around them, so unfortunately it’s not accessible to people with mobility challenges.

FAQs

What is the Temple Cave?

It’s the largest cave at Batu Caves and contains several Hindu shrines, including one dedicated to Lord Murugan.

Why are the stairs painted?

The rainbow colors were added in 2018, inspired by peacock feathers associated with Lord Murugan. The timing also aligned with a major temple ritual.

How many steps are there?

272 concrete steps lead up to the Temple Cave.

Are the Batu Caves free to enter?

Yes, entrance to the Temple Cave is free. Some other caves, like the Ramayana Cave and Cave Villa, charge a small fee.

How do I get there from Kuala Lumpur?

Take the KTM Komuter train (Batu Caves line) directly from KL Sentral. It’s cheap, direct, and drops you right near the entrance.