Exploring Kl Airport And Its Surroundings

what to do around kl airport

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is a bustling hub with plenty of amenities and attractions to keep travellers entertained during extended layovers. The airport itself boasts a wide variety of dining options, ranging from local Malaysian cuisine to international fare, as well as an array of duty-free shops and luxury brands. For those seeking relaxation, KLIA offers multiple airport lounges, including the Plaza Premium Lounge, which provides comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, food, and shower facilities. The airport also features a mall with a hotel, providing convenient access to accommodation and shopping. If you have a longer layover, you can explore the city of Kuala Lumpur, which is easily accessible via the KLIA Ekspres high-speed train. Must-see attractions include the iconic Petronas Towers, the KL Tower, and the Batu Caves.

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Eat at the airport's cafes, restaurants and food courts

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is a foodie's paradise, with a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars serving both local and international cuisine. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, you'll be able to find something to suit your taste and budget.

If you're short on time, there are plenty of options for a quick bite. Grab a coffee and a pastry at one of the popular cafes, or choose from a range of fast-food merchants, including well-known Western spots like Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, McDonald's, and KFC. If you're looking for something more substantial, the airport also has several Grab & Go locations offering a variety of Malaysian and Southeast Asian delicacies at budget-friendly prices.

For those with a longer layover, KLIA offers a range of dining options to suit all tastes. Food Paradise on Level 4 offers a great ambiance and a mix of local Malaysian dishes. Feast, located in the Tower Wing, is a bright and cheery restaurant with a contemporary setting and interesting Asian elements. It offers a visually stunning buffet spread with a compelling international menu, including Signature Asian dishes like wok-fried yellow 'Mee Mamak' and Penang-style 'Char Kway Teow'. If you're craving Japanese cuisine, the Sheraton Petaling Jaya hotel has a stylish, contemporary, and informal dining venue with a la carte options like sushi, sashimi, tempura, and omakase sets. You can also watch the chefs in action at the live-cooking stations.

If you're in the mood for Western food, Contango, also in the Tower Wing, offers freshly prepared dishes ranging from pizza and grilled meats to Chinese, Japanese, Malay, and Thai options. For a unique dining experience, try The Colonial Cafe, which recreates the atmosphere of the halcyon days of the planters of Malaya with authentic classical cuisine from the colonial era. Located in the Majestic Wing, it features plush red leather chairs, crisply starched white tablecloths, and timber paneling.

In addition to the dining options within the airport, those with longer layovers can also explore the city of Kuala Lumpur, which is just a 28-minute ride away on the KLIA Express train. This will allow you to sample the diverse culinary offerings of the city, including Indian, Chinese, and Japanese options.

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Shop at the airport's duty-free outlets, emporiums and souvenir shops

Kuala Lumpur International Airport is a bustling hub with plenty of shopping options to keep visitors entertained. The airport has a wide range of duty-free outlets, emporiums, and souvenir shops, offering a variety of products to browse and purchase.

The Gateway Mall in KLIA2 is a shopping mall within the airport, providing a diverse range of retail options. Here, you'll find various duty-free outlets offering tax-free prices on a range of products, from cosmetics and fragrances to alcohol and tobacco. These outlets are ideal for picking up gifts or treating yourself to something special, all at duty-free prices.

The airport also boasts several emporiums, which are large, sophisticated shops that offer a unique and extensive selection of goods. These emporiums may specialise in specific product categories, such as fashion, accessories, or local crafts, providing a one-stop-shop for travellers looking to indulge in some retail therapy.

For those seeking mementos of their trip or gifts for loved ones back home, the airport's souvenir shops offer a convenient option. These shops typically stock a range of items that reflect local culture and traditions, including handicrafts, artwork, and other unique items that embody the essence of Malaysia. From keychains and magnets to intricately designed local crafts, you're sure to find something that captures your heart.

In addition to the physical stores, Kuala Lumpur International Airport also offers digital shopping options. With high-speed WiFi available throughout the airport, travellers can access online shopping platforms and make purchases from the comfort of the departure lounge. This blend of physical and digital retail options ensures that travellers have a variety of choices to suit their preferences and needs.

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Relax in one of the airport's many lounges

Kuala Lumpur International Airport is a bustling hub with plenty of facilities to keep you occupied and relaxed during your time there. If you're looking to unwind, the airport boasts several lounges that offer a quiet and comfortable space to rest and recharge.

Many of the lounges provide a range of amenities, including food and drinks, clean toilets, and shower facilities, though some reviewers note that the number of showers available is limited, so it's advisable to shower before your meal if possible. The lounges also offer a quiet environment to relax or work, with free WiFi available throughout the airport, making it easy to stay connected and productive during your layover.

The Sky Lounge, located on the first floor, is noted for its friendly staff and cosy atmosphere, providing a peaceful retreat from the bustling airport. Similarly, the Penang Plaza Premium Lounge is praised for its cleanliness and comfort, making it an excellent place to unwind before your flight. If you're an economy class traveller, you can still access the lounges by purchasing a day pass, annual membership, or paying at the door.

For those seeking a more private and quiet space, the Sama-Sama Express KLIA is a transit-only hotel offering day rooms in 6-hour blocks, while the Capsule Transit provides private sleep pods and shower facilities with a minimum booking of 3 hours. These options can be ideal if you want a more secluded environment to relax or work during your layover.

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Explore the city of Kuala Lumpur by taking the KLIA Express train

If you're looking to explore the city of Kuala Lumpur and have a layover of at least 6 hours, the KLIA Express train is a great option. This high-speed train service offers a quick and comfortable journey from the airport to the city centre, with trains running every 20 minutes throughout the day. The 28-minute ride will take you directly to KL Sentral train station, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Before boarding the train, be sure to store your luggage at one of the two storage locations available in the airport. You can purchase your KLIA Express tickets online or at the airport, and simply have your voucher barcode scanned for entry. The train offers a seamless travel experience with inclusive porter services and WiFi, allowing you to stay connected and share your journey with friends and family.

Once you arrive at KL Sentral, you'll be in the centre of the action. From here, you can visit the iconic Petronas Towers, take in the views from the top, or capture memorable photos with the stunning Twin Towers as your backdrop. Explore the 50-hectare Petronas Tower Park, where you can enjoy light shows and water displays at night.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also venture to other popular destinations in Kuala Lumpur, such as Batu Caves or Cocoa Boutique. The city offers a variety of culinary delights, including Indian, Japanese, and Chinese cuisine, as well as local Malaysian dishes. For those seeking a quick bite, there are also familiar Western options like Starbucks, KFC, and McDonald's.

With its speed, convenience, and frequent departures, the KLIA Express train is an ideal choice for exploring Kuala Lumpur during your layover.

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Visit the Petronas Towers and the KLCC mall

If you're looking for things to do around the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the city centre is only 55km away, and easily accessible by the KLIA Ekspres high-speed train, which takes under 30 minutes. The Petronas Towers are a must-see for anyone visiting Kuala Lumpur. These iconic, interlinked 88-storey skyscrapers were the tallest buildings in the world from 1996 to 2004 and remain the tallest twin skyscrapers. They stand at 451.9 metres (or 452 metres according to one source) and offer breathtaking views of the city.

You can access the towers by entering the Suria KLCC mall, which sits at the foot of the towers. This upscale mall has approximately 300 stores, including foreign luxury goods and high-street labels, as well as a large food court with a variety of cuisines. There is also an art gallery, an underwater aquarium, a science centre, and a large bookstore. The mall is beautifully decorated during holidays and is a great place for window shopping.

The towers themselves offer incredible views of the city from the Skybridge on the 86th floor. You can also visit the Petronas Tower Park, a 50-hectare park that offers views of the towers and features light shows and water displays at night. Be sure to take photos of the iconic towers as a memorable souvenir of your trip.

The KLIA Ekspres train also stops at KL Sentral, where you can find the Sama-Sama Express KLIA, a transit-only hotel that offers day rooms in 6-hour increments. This is a great option if you need a place to rest during a long layover.

Frequently asked questions

If you have a long layover (at least 6 hours), you can explore the city of Kuala Lumpur. First, store your luggage, then take the KLIA Ekspres high-speed train to the city centre. There, you can visit the Petronas Towers, take in the views from the KL Tower, and shop at KLCC.

Kuala Lumpur Airport offers a wide range of food options, including local Malaysian dishes, Indian, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine, as well as Western spots like Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, and KFC. Many eateries are open 24 hours.

Yes, Kuala Lumpur Airport features several lounges that offer comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, food and drinks, and shower facilities. You can also book a room at the on-site Aerotel Kuala Lumpur or the Sama-Sama Express KLIA hotel for longer layovers.

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