# Thaipusam at Batu Caves: what to do between sessions in Kuala Lumpur

Source: https://eventweekends.com/seasonal/thaipusam-batu-caves/
Last checked: 2026-11-02

## In short

- **When:** 22 to 23 January 2027 (expected, not yet confirmed by the organiser)
- **Where:** Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, about 11 km from the centre
- **Free time:** The main event takes a day or an evening; plan the other days around day trips.
- **Best base:** KLCC: Under the towers.
- **Getting there:** KLIA (KUL) has the KLIA Ekspres to KL Sentral in 28 minutes.
- **Weather:** In January, Kuala Lumpur averages highs of about 28°C and lows of 21°C, with roughly 206 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 11 h 58 min of daylight.
- **Top things to do:** Batu Caves and city tour; Petronas Towers skybridge; Malacca day trip

## Know before you go

- Devotees climb the 272 steps carrying kavadi; arrive early and dress modestly.

## Weather and what to pack

In January, Kuala Lumpur averages highs of about 28°C and lows of 21°C, with roughly 206 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 11 h 58 min of daylight.
- Sun hat, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle.
- A rain jacket or umbrella: it rains often in this month.
- Comfortable shoes for crowds, and keep valuables in a front pocket.

## Airport to venue

KLIA (KUL) has the KLIA Ekspres to KL Sentral in 28 minutes. Sepang circuit is 10 minutes from the airport.

KTM Komuter to Batu Caves.

## Where to stay

- **budget:** Bukit Bintang. Street food and malls.
- **mid:** KLCC. Under the towers.
- **luxury:** Putrajaya and Sepang resorts. Closer to the circuit.
- Hotels we would book: Ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre (budget), Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (mid), The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur (luxury)

## Day plans for the free hours

### The main day (Friday 22 January)

Build the day around the event itself. Arrive early for the best spots.
- Free: Merdeka Square.
- Eat: Jalan Alor, Night food street

### The day before or after

Use the second day for the city and a half-day tour.
- Half-day: Batu Caves and city tour. Temple caves and 272 steps.
- Eat: Village Park, Nasi lemak

### Day trip

A full day out of the city.
- Full day: Malacca day trip. Colonial old town.

### Evenings

After dark.
- Evening: Fireflies and Kuala Selangor. Fireflies by boat.

## Tours worth booking

- [Batu Caves and city tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Batu%20Caves%20tour&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-thaipusam-batu-caves): Temple caves and 272 steps.
- [Street food tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Kuala%20Lumpur%20food%20tour&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-thaipusam-batu-caves): Jalan Alor and Chinatown.
- [Petronas Towers skybridge](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Petronas%20Towers%20tickets&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-thaipusam-batu-caves): Skybridge and observation deck.
- [Malacca day trip](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Malacca%20day%20trip&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-thaipusam-batu-caves): Colonial old town.
- [Fireflies and Kuala Selangor](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Kuala%20Selangor%20fireflies&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-thaipusam-batu-caves): Fireflies by boat.

## Where to eat

- Jalan Alor: Night food street
- Village Park: Nasi lemak
- Lot 10 Hutong: Hawker food court

## With kids

- Aquaria KLCC.
- KL Bird Park.

## Rainy-day backups

- Islamic Arts Museum.
- Pavilion mall.

## Getting around

- LRT, MRT and monorail; Grab is cheap. Afternoon storms are common.

## Questions people ask

### When is Thaipusam at Batu Caves 2027?

The next edition is 22 to 23 January 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.

### What is the weather like during Thaipusam at Batu Caves?

In January, Kuala Lumpur averages highs of about 28°C and lows of 21°C, with roughly 206 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 11 h 58 min of daylight.

### How do I get from the airport to Batu Caves?

KLIA (KUL) has the KLIA Ekspres to KL Sentral in 28 minutes. Sepang circuit is 10 minutes from the airport. KTM Komuter to Batu Caves.

### Where should I stay for Thaipusam at Batu Caves?

For most visitors the best base is KLCC: Under the towers.

### What else can we do around Thaipusam at Batu Caves?

Good short outings in Kuala Lumpur include Batu Caves and city tour, Petronas Towers skybridge. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.

### What is there for kids and families near Thaipusam at Batu Caves?

Family-friendly picks: Batu Caves and city tour, Petronas Towers skybridge, Fireflies and Kuala Selangor. Aquaria KLCC.

### How far is Batu Caves from Kuala Lumpur centre?

About 11 km in a straight line. KTM Komuter to Batu Caves.

More in Kuala Lumpur: https://eventweekends.com/city/kuala-lumpur/