Kuala Lumpur. A sweaty city filled with crowds and skyscrapers. Many people opt for other stopover cities without realising that only a short drive away from the high-density city you can find yourself being attacked by the cutest primates in town and climbing through Hindu caves past Golden giants. Kuala Lumpur may not have a Disneyland, but the Batu Caves are definitely worth a visit.

Situated just thirteen kilometres from KL, the Caves are the site of a Hindu temple and shrine and feature some magnificent surrounding sights and a giant 42m golden statue. The limestone caves were discovered in 1892, and feature 3 main caves and a number of smaller ones.

If you are up for a stroll you are in the wrong place. If you are up for a steep 270-stair hike, you have chosen the right shrine.

If you do brave the stairs, you will be greeted, or attacked, by the bold long tailed-macaque monkeys that call the caves home, but it will be worth it for the magnificent city-views.

You may have noticed the locals selling peanuts at the bottom of the stairs. They are not for you. The monkeys love peanuts and even if you haven’t realised it yet, they know the peanuts are from them. (Or any other item you might be carrying that they happen to take an interest in).

I have also heard it is a popular destination for Rock climbing enthusiasts, if you are looking for something a little more adventurous than cheeky monkeys and stairs.

The base of the caves also feature an Art Gallery and museum full of Hindu statues and paintings if you have time to spare.

The limestone forming Batu Caves is said to be around 400 million years old and there is a reason it is such a popular tourist destination today. It is the perfect way to escape the city and admire Malaysia from a different angle.

Opening Hours: Daily, 06:00 – 21:00
Address: Batu Caves, Sri Subramaniam Temple, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +603 2287 9422
How to get there: 13km north of Kuala Lumpur How to get there: Take Intrakota bus No 11D from the Central Market or the Cityliner bus No 69 at Jalan Pudu to get to Batu Caves. Taxis are also available anywhere around city.