Batu Caves stairs: the 272 steps
The staircase has 272 steps and leads to the Sri Subramaniar Swamy temple in the Temple Cave. The gold-coloured Lord Murugan statue stands at the foot of the steps, so you can see it before you climb. The steps are painted in bright colours, which is why many visitors call them the rainbow stairs.
The climb is free in 2026, and you can do it on your own. If you prefer a guide, our Batu Caves tours from Kuala Lumpur start from the city. Cover your shoulders and knees, wear shoes on the steps and read the notes on the monkeys below.
Batu Caves rainbow stairs
Where the colours come from.
The colours
The rainbow look comes from a repaint in August 2018, which gave the staircase its bright colours.
What is at the top
The steps end at the Temple Cave, the large cave with the Murugan shrine. It is an active place of worship, so keep your voice low and respect any service that is under way.
The Temple Cave →What is at the bottom
At the foot of the steps stand the gold-coloured statue, the Cave Villa and the forecourt. The Ramayana Cave lies to the left of the main climb.
The Murugan statue →Our pick: a shared half-day
The cave visit is on your own, so you can climb the steps at your own pace.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Batu Caves tours that include the steps
Guided trips from Kuala Lumpur, with live prices and availability. Check the meeting point and what each tour includes.
Batu Caves monkeys
Long-tailed macaques live around the complex. They can become pushy when you carry food, and you cannot count on seeing them on any given day.
- Do not feed them. Feeding teaches them to approach visitors.
- Secure your bags. Keep food out of sight and close zips and pockets.
- Do not touch them. Official travel advice for Malaysia warns of bites from dogs and monkeys, advises you to avoid contact and to see a doctor right away after any relevant contact.
Tips for the climb
Heat, storms and the practical side.
Heat and humidity
It is warm and humid all year, so carry water and go early. Mornings are often clearer, and thunderstorms tend to build in the afternoon.
Opening hours and best time of day →Thunderstorms
When thunderstorms are expected, postpone the climb and shelter in a solid building or a car, not under a single tree. Do not start the climb if a storm is on its way.
Weather and best time to visit →Clothing and shoes
Shoulders and knees must be covered, for men and women. Wear shoes on the steps and take them off at individual shrines. A sarong costs about RM 15 to buy, and hire is not always available.
Tickets and dress code →If steps are hard for you
The 272 steps are a real obstacle, and you should not plan on an escalator or lift. The statue at the foot of the steps can be seen without climbing. Being at the foot of the hill does not mean the whole visit is step-free.
Side caves
The Ramayana Cave has a short flight of steps at its entrance. It charges RM 5 to RM 15, and the Cave Villa charges RM 10 to RM 15 for international visitors.
Ramayana Cave and Cave Villa →
Batu Caves steps: frequently asked questions
How many steps are there at Batu Caves?
There are 272 steps up to the Sri Subramaniar Swamy temple in the Temple Cave.
Are the Batu Caves rainbow stairs free?
Yes. The steps and the Temple Cave have no entry fee in 2026. The Ramayana Cave and the Cave Villa charge their own fees.
Are the monkeys at Batu Caves dangerous?
They can become pushy when you carry food. Do not feed or touch them, keep food out of sight and secure your bags. See a doctor right away after any relevant contact.
Is there an escalator or lift at Batu Caves?
Do not plan on one. The 272 steps are the way up, so allow time and rest on the way if you need to.
What should I wear for the steps?
Cover shoulders and knees and wear sturdy shoes. You take your shoes off only at individual shrines.