Navigating the Batu Cave steps with Kids
Every time I travel to Kuala Lumpur I make a stop at the Batu Caves. There is something magical about getting to the very top and experiencing the Fern Gully type of hidden kingdom revealed at the precipice. My most recent trip to the Batu Caves was for my annual birthday trip and was the first time climbing the steps with a toddler in tow. Let me tell you, climbing the steps of the Batu Caves are a completely different beast while pregnant versus with a full grown human strapped to my back. Here are a few tips for your next family trip to the Batu Caves, including what to wear. Like most temples, the Batu Caves follow an easy to follow, hard to forget in the tropical heat, dress code.
I advise taking public transportation to the Batu Caves, here is a detailed explanation of how to get there from KL Sentral station.
TIPS FOR A FAMILY TRIP TO THE BATU CAVES FAMOUS STEPS
BRING WATER: It seems obvious I mean you’re in a tropical climate, for goodness sake, but I’ve seen many people who don’t want the added weight of the water so they make it half way up and are completely spent. Especially with a bouncing baby in tow. You need water, bring it.
DITCH THE STROLLER: There are literally 9777543527 steps at this attraction, spread across 3 levels. Stairs just aren’t practical for tiny people with throngs of tourists and little monkeys running about. If you do bring the stroller you and your children wont make it to the top but there are heaps of family trip photo ops at the base of the main attraction.
BRING A BABY CARRIER: even if you don’t normally carry your children I highly recommend bringing one along for a family trip to the Batu Caves, especially if your kids are small. In addition to there being 12 billion stairs, they’re of varying heights and widths. The steps are extremely steep so even though your toddler may maneuver stairs quite well at home these stairs feel like there is a 90-degree drop at times. I took many breaks while climbing and held the banister essentially the whole way up. it may be a bit harder to climb while balancing a tiny human and adhere it to the dress code, but the Batu Caves are worth it.
Batu Caves Temples and Steps have a dress code
What to wear to the Batu Caves? Cover your knees, this is a functioning temple, so you won’t be allowed up the steps to the temple without your knees covered.
The Batu Caves dress code is enforced, Sarongs are for rent at the base of the staircase for a nominal fee, but as I rarely carry cash, (or wear pants) this is a hassle. Not to mention juggling the heat of the hot sun, one million tourists and your kid are enough to drive anyone mad, without adding in the shouts of the sarong hawker. Besides there is no entrance fee to the Batu Caves if you don’t rent a Sarong. So cover your knees save your rupees for all the yummy food to be eaten on your family trip.
Throw a lightweight swaddle blanket or shawl in your bag and wrap it around your waist when you get to the Batu Caves to honor the dress code if its too hot to travel with long pants on.
Batu Caves Steps
I visited the Batu Caves in 2018 and since then the steps have gotten a complete makeover. The once plain concrete steps and later candy stripe stairs of the Batu Caves have recently received a major facelift. The steps of the Batu Caves are now painted in a rainbow ombre effect that really is pretty dazzling. The steep 272 step staircase is a little too treacherous for letting tiny toddlers climb, I had to take a few breaks ascending and descending myself. Closed toed shoes are not part of the dress code, however, be sure to wear comfortable shoes with a decent amount of grip on them when visiting the Batu Caves o your next family trip.
If you dont want to adhere to the dress code at the Batu Caves keep in mind you’re free to explore the ground level pavilion wearing what ever you’d like.
What steps do you take to adhere to temple dress code like the one inforced at the Batu Caves?
