Our Batu Caves tour puts one of Malaysia’s best-known landmarks together with two things locals have almost every day: roti canai and teh tarik. You climb the steps at Batu Caves, have a go at stretching and flipping roti canai yourself, and then watch teh tarik being pulled before you drink a cup.
It’s a hands-on outing that suits couples, friends, families and anyone curious about how Malaysian food is made, whether it’s your first trip to Kuala Lumpur or you’ve already done the usual sights.
Climbing the 272 steps at Batu Caves
Batu Caves is a Hindu temple set inside a limestone hill, and it’s one of the most recognisable cultural and religious sites in the country. The 272 steps up to the cave are painted in bright colours, so there are good photos to be had all the way up, and plenty of excuses to stop and catch your breath.
Learning to flip roti canai
Roti canai is the flaky flatbread you’ll find at mamak stalls all over Malaysia. A local roti maker shows you how the dough is stretched and flipped, which is what gives it that thin, crispy texture. Then it’s your turn. It takes a bit of practice, so don’t worry if your first one tears.
Watching teh tarik being pulled
Teh tarik means “pulled tea”. The tea maker pours hot milky tea back and forth between two containers, holding them further and further apart, until it has a thick froth on top. It’s a skill you’ll see at kopitiams and mamak stalls across the country, and after the demonstration you get a cup of your own.
Price and booking for the Batu Caves tour
- RM250 per person
- Minimum booking of 2 people
- Suitable for overseas visitors and private groups
- Guided in English by a MOTAC-registered local guide
- Advance booking required
Batu Caves is a working temple, so wear something that covers your shoulders and knees, and shoes you’re happy to climb in. Come hungry and bring your curiosity.
Why book with Malaysia Taste
Malaysia Taste is run by ZFB Travel Sdn Bhd, a travel agency licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC licence KPL/LN 12070). Our guides are MOTAC-registered locals, and they lead every tour in English.
If you’d like more of KL’s food after this, our Jalan Alor food tour runs in the evening and our Petaling Street food tour runs by day.
