How to easily get to Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur - A Photographers Guide

I decided to write this quick guide after looking at a map of the Kuala Lumpur rail system and Google maps while trying to figure out how to get to the world famous Batu Caves, among other places.  Most searches online seemed to end with the solution of taking a cab or tour package. If you know me, you'll remember how much I try to stay away from the tour bus/companies/large groups of tourists and prefer to find my own way. Doing so usually ends with a better story and more time exploring, and of course better photos.  So, we decided to make our own way and it worked quite well.

 Keep in mind this is written starting from the KULA2 Airport. (The NEW one)

Airport arrival terminal.

Once you are standing at the arrival level of KLIA2 out in the high humidity of central Malaysia you have a few options to get to the city center.

1: A taxi will cost you at least 90 Ringgit which is about $30 American and will go by freeway.

2: A bus will cost you $1.50 and will include a detour through more of the city. (Takes about an hour)

3: Walk if you are crazy. Its about 60km. You would walk through some beautiful pineapple plantations however.

***Beware: We had bought a bus ticket for the VIP Air Asia bus (that doesn't seem to exist) when we purchased our Air Asia tickets online, but after charging us for them we couldn't find any proof of them on our receipt/boarding pass. On top of that, after wasting time asking everyone in the arrival terminal where the Air Asia bus was, and where the ticket counter was we gave up and bought a regular airport bus ticket.***

After arriving at KL Sentral on the underground loading platform, wade through the incredible amount of touts and head upstairs to the main floor. From here there are many ticket booths for the rail system which will take you all over the city.

Main Floor (below)

To get to Batu Caves from KL Sentral head to the blue counter. The ticket will cost less than 4 Ringgit. Turn around and walk past the security. Hang onto your ticket after security. If you don't have it when you get off the train you will be charged 300 Ringgit. Almost $100!!

Ticket Counter for KTM.  (below)

These guards will probably just wave you through as they did for us.

Head downstairs and wait for the monorail. Don't get in the ladies car if your not a lady. You will get in trouble if you do.
 

The ride takes about 30 minutes? (I wasn't timing it) and you'll arrive just a couple hundred meters from the Batu Cave entrance. Head up the stairs and take a left then walk across the edge of the parking lot and you've arrived.

Batu Caves (below)

Batu Cave Monkey (below)

If this helped you please leave your name and where you are from in the comment section below!