Batu Caves is one of Malaysia's renowned tourist attractions. It is, however, located in a suburban area, so public transportation access to this place is not as diverse as the other attractions in Kuala Lumpur city.
Public transportation that is often used by tourists is KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) Komuter. It is the only railway-based transport mode available to Batu caves. Until now, at least, there are no routes for MRT, LRT, or Monorail going there yet.
That's why in this article, I'd like to share my experiences of using KTM Komuter from KL Sentral to Batu Caves. You can also use this way from the other stations, such as Pasar Seni or any other stations, as long as they are on the KTM Komuter route.
Head to the KTM Komuter station at KL Sentral. It is easy to find since the station is at the center of KL Sentral building. The gates stand side by side with The LRT Kelana Jaya Line (KLJ) and KLIA Transit.
Unlike MRT, LRT, and Monorail which still can use tokens, KTM Komuter has already been in cashless mode since 2018. So, you need to buy selected cards to use the commuter.
There are two options you can use. The first one is Touch n Go. I highly recommend you purchase this because it can be used for the other transport modes—MRT, LRT, and Monorail.
The second one is Komuter Link. It is different from Touch n Go since you can only use this to access KTM Komuter. You can purchase both Touch n Go and Komuter Link at the customer service counter at KL Sentral station.
This step is actually optional. If your balance is sufficient, you don't have to reload the card. I purchased the Komuter Link for RM 8.00 and there's a stored value of RM 3.00 for use.
When I checked the fare to Batu Caves, it was RM 2.3. So, it would cost RM 4.6 for the back-and-forth journey. RM 3.00 would be sufficient for a one-time trip, but I decided to reload the card so it would be enough for the return trip.
It's not difficult to reload the card. Come to the ticket vending machine in front of the KTM Komuter station entrance, then follow the instructions on the screen. The ticketing machine isn't only used to reload the card but also to check the remaining balance and fare to your destination station.
It is crucial to see the KTM Komuter timetable. This commuter is different from MRT, LRT, or Monorail whose trains arrive every few minutes. KTM Komuter usually departs every 30 minutes or even one hour.
You are suggested to look at the train timetable displayed on the screen gate. It will also show you the platform number information for the train departure.
If you still have to wait for your train departure, you may do window shopping at KL Sentral or NU Sentral instead of waiting. You may even go to the restroom (in case you need it) because there is no restroom on the KTM Komuter.
When it's time, head straight to the platform and tap the card in the entrance gate with a green arrow, and the gate will be open. Then find the correct platform displayed on the information screen.
Look at the signage to see when the train arrives. There should be two trains in the opposite direction. So, take a look carefully to avoid boarding the wrong train.
Wait for the train in the designated chairs. If you need to stand, stand behind the yellow lines because the KTM Komuter station is not equipped with a gap between the platform and its rail.
When the trains arrive, wait for the passengers on the train disembark first before you enter the coaches. Same as KLIA Express train, KTM Komuter door doesn't open automatically. You need to press the button on its door.
The KTM Komuter is also designated with a ladies' coach and seating area. This seating area is available at Platforms 3 & 4 and Platforms 5 & 6. Areas marked "Ladies Only" are cordoned off by iconic pink stickers.
After getting on the train, you can sit in a vacant seat. The seating format in KTM Komuter is different from MRT and LRT which utilize longitudinal seating arrangements—arranged along the longitude of the train. KTM Komuter utilizes a combination of the forward-facing seat in a 2+2 configuration and longitudinal seats.
Always listen to the safety and information announcement on board. The announcement usually tells you about the next stop and is delivered in two languages; English and Malay.
Just like LRT and MRT rules, passengers are not permitted to eat or drink on board or in the station area. If you do, you will be issued a notification of offense which carries a fine according to the country's regulations.
Batu Caves Station is the final stop of this KTM Komuter route. It is about half an hour away from KL Sentral. If you want to sleep on the way, there's no problem because you won't miss the station anyway.
If you are close to your destination, come near the exit door to get off the train. Leave in an orderly manner when you arrive at the station. Mind your footsteps because there's always a gap between the rail floor and its platform. Next, follow another signage to exit the station.
To leave the station area, tap the Touch n Go card or Komuter Link at the exit gate. You know the drill already, choose the gate with a green arrow, and it will open automatically. Your balance will also be deducted.
Head to the exit gate and Batu Caves is right next to the station. I suggest you to see the schedule of the next train before leaving the station, so you can adjust how long you will walk around Batu Caves.
And that's it! Let us know if you plan to use KTM Komuter to Batu Caves. Also, please read our traveling journey of walking around Batu Caves that has been posted before.
