A huge limestone hill covered with lush greenery is what defines Malaysia’s Batu Caves. Located in Gombak, Selangor, a little away from Kuala Lumpur, with a huge golden statue of Lord Murugan in the front, Batu Caves is one of the most important Hindu temples outside India. The colorful steps (more than 250) take you on top of the hill that is home to a series of caves that are home to Hindu Gods and Goddesses. While the caves are said to be 400 million years old, the temple was established in the late 19th century. While Hindus flock to the Batu Caves every day, it has also become a popular tourist spot. But before you visit the caves, it is important to know all about the Batu Caves dress code.
Why is there a Dress Code at Batu Caves?
The Batu Caves Temple is an active religious place where hundreds of worshippers visit every day. A proper dress code ensures the respect and sanctity of this place is maintained. The temple dress code requires all visitors to wear modest clothes that cover their shoulders and legs. It enforces respectful behavior towards the Gods worshipped here, the spiritual practices conducted here, and towards the beliefs of the devotees.
Batu Caves Dress Code for Men
Men should wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees. Here are some of the outfit options that are allowed for Batu Caves dress code males.
- Shirts and T-shirts with short and long sleeves are acceptable.
- Long pants and shorts that cover the knee are acceptable for men visiting Batu Caves.
- Sarongs can be rented at the entrance of the temple if you are not wearing clothes that cover your shoulders and legs.
- For footwear, it is best to wear a good pair of walking shoes or sneakers, as you need to climb up a lot of stairs. However, it is important to remove them before entering any of the shrines inside the caves.
Batu Caves Dress Code for Women
The Batu Caves dress code female is the same as that of men: you must cover your shoulders and knees. Here are some of the options that women can wear while visiting Batu Caves temple.
- Western clothes like dresses, skirts, and pants can be worn inside the temple. However, it is important to ensure that they cover your knees.
- You can wear t-shirts, shirts, and tunics with small or long sleeves. If you are wearing a sleeveless top, it is important to cover your arms and shoulders with a scarf or a shawl.
- Maxi dresses, long skirts, capris, and mid-length skirts and dresses are also allowed.
- In case the outfit you are wearing does not go with the dress code, you can get a sarong to cover you up.
- Footwear should be sturdy shoes or sandals, which should be placed outside the shrines before entering them.
Batu Caves Dress Code for Children
The dress code for children is a bit more lenient, although modesty is expected in their cases too.
- For boys, t-shirts or shirts with short or long sleeves would be ideal. This can be paired with knee-covering shorts and full-length pants.
- For girls, knee-covering or longer dresses and skirts would work out well. Long tunics with leggings, full pants with t-shirts or tops, etc., are also good outfit choices for temple visits.
- While little children may rarely be asked to cover their shoulders and knees, teenagers may be asked to do it. So, ensure that your children, especially those in the teens, are wearing appropriate Batu Caves attire.
- Like adults, kids should also wear proper walking shoes to ensure their climb up the temple stairs is comfortable.
What Not to Wear at Batu Caves?
Now that you know what to wear to Batu Caves, you must also know the things that you should not wear while visiting the temple.
- Shorts that are too short (above the knees) should be totally avoided. This includes hot pants, miniskirts, short dresses, and slit skirts that expose the knees. You must also refrain from wearing ripped jeans, gym shorts, etc.
- Tops with spaghetti straps, sleeveless dresses or tops, tank tops, tube tops, and strapless tops are a complete no-no. Similarly, it is best to avoid crop tops that show off your midriff.
- Overly revealing clothes and dresses that are too tight should also be avoided when visiting the temple. This includes see-through tops without inner layers, bodycon dresses, low-cut tops, etc.
- Avoid wearing flashy party clothes. Instead, opt for simple, regular clothes.
- Another thing to avoid is wearing outfits with offensive slogans or prints that may offend people visiting the temple.
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Featured Additional Travel Tips for Visiting Batu Caves
- Sarongs are available for rent outside the temple at MYR 15. If you are wearing an outfit that does not match the dress code of the temple, you can get a sarong to cover your bare shoulders and/or knees.
- You need to remove your shoes at the entrance of the temple and enter the shrine barefoot.
- There are around 270 steps at the Batu Caves temple. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes. Avoid wearing slippery footwear.
- Beware of monkeys while climbing the stairs. Avoid feeding them anything. Moreover, it is necessary to keep your belongings safe, as they are bold enough to snatch them from you.
- Drinking and snacking are not allowed inside the temple.
- While photography is not prohibited inside the temple, you must ensure that you are not blocking the view of worshippers. Do not take photographs of people praying without their permission.
- Carry some cash to buy souvenirs, Indian snacks, and coconut water outside the temple.
Conclusion
Batu Caves temple is a religious sanctuary for the Hindus in Malaysia. People’s beliefs and faith are associated with this place, and hence it is important to follow the rules and dress code to maintain the sanctity of the temple.
Frequently Asked Questions
