What to Do in Kuala Lumpur Airport During a Layover
Transit passengers are a common sight at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, as KUL serves as a major hub for numerous long-haul flights. So, do you have a long layover at the main airport in Malaysia and are wondering how to spend your free time there? You’ll find several things to do in Kuala Lumpur Airport. Read through this guide and bookmark your favorites for your visit.
Our Tip: KL Airport features two terminal buildings, operating as separate airports. KLIA terminal 1 serves conventional airlines, domestic and international, while KLIA terminal 2 handles low-cost flights. The two terminals are connected via the free airport shuttle. However, they are linked only landside. Thus, there’s no airside connection between the two terminals.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport is an accessible aviation hub. Therefore, passengers with disabilities are provided with all the necessary services and amenities to optimize their travel experience and streamline procedures.
The Shopping Experience at KLIA Airport
Whether arriving at KLIA terminal 1 or KLIA terminal 2, you’ll find a wide number of retail stores. From international chains to local brands and from convenience stores and souvenir shops to luxury boutiques and emporiums, KUL Airport offers everything a traveler could need. Expectantly, duty-free areas are also available. On the other hand, travelers looking for a compact shopping experience can also visit the Gateway@klia 2 Shopping Mall, located adjacent to the main terminal building of KLIA terminal 2. The shopping mall houses more than 225 retail stores, spa facilities, and hotels. Please note that it lies in the public zone area of the airport, meaning that transit passengers have to clear customs and immigration to access it.
The Dining Options at Kuala Lumpur Airport
Airports are notorious for their bad and expensive food. That being said, KL Airport should be the exception to the rule. Indeed, exploring the dining facilities is one of the top things to do at Kuala Lumpur Airport. Fast-food eateries, casual restaurants, and even some fine-dining establishments can be found within the two terminals, along with various bars, cafes, and other beverage options. Passengers can get a taste of Malaysian cuisine, savor dishes from Indian, Chinese, or Japanese fare, or even enjoy international flavors. Plus, the airport’s facilities are regarded as overall affordable, meaning that you can enjoy good food at reasonable prices.
Free Wi-Fi is Available
Do you want to relax watching your favorite movie during your layover at Kuala Lumpur Airport? Do you feel like checking your socials or communicating with your loved ones to pass the time? You can use the airport’s Wi-Fi to stay connected throughout your entire stay at the airport. Do you worry about running out of battery? Charging stations for your electronic devices are available in both terminals.
Our Tip: Should you need assistance with your internet connection, you can contact the Airport CARE Ambassadors. They can be found at the information counters scattered within both terminals.
Get Some Work Done During your Layover at Kuala Lumpur Airport
Besides the Wi-Fi, the airport houses business center facilities, allowing business travelers to make the most of their layover at KL Airport and stay productive during their free time. In fact, business facilities can be found within the common-use airport lounges and some of the KLIA airport hotels. Thus, business services are provided at the Main terminal and the Satellite building of KLIA terminal 2, and the Satellite building and the Gateway@klia 2 Mall of terminal 2. Therefore, the airport offers both airside and landside options.
A Massage is Definitely One of the Top Things to Do at KL Airport
Malaysia is known for its massage and spa culture. Hence, if you have some time to spare at the major Malaysian Airport, you should certainly get acquainted with the spa services available. You’ll find spa establishments on the second level of International Departures of terminal 1 and on the Satellite building and Gateway@klia2 Mall of terminal 2. From a rejuvenating massage to beauty treatments, can you think of a better way to unwind during your time at KLIA Airport?
Pay your Religious Dues During your Layover
Both KLIA airport terminals feature Muslim prayer rooms. Whether you want to pay your religious dues or find your inner peace before your upcoming flight, you can use one of the airport’s facilities. Explicitly, Muslim prayer rooms can be found on all floors of the Main building of terminals 1 and 2, as well as on their Satellite buildings.
Smoking is prohibited in KL Airport. Still, you’ll find smoking lounges in both terminal buildings.
The Butterfly Effect
Kuala Lumpur Airport caters to all its passengers’ needs. In fact, it has introduced the Butterfly Effect for passengers with hidden disabilities, such as autism. Once they register, passengers are given the Butterfly Lanyard. Friendly facilities, such as calm rooms, are designed to help these travelers decompress from the hustle and bustle of the airport. Additionally, the airport staff provides guidance and assistance to minimize waiting times and streamline security procedures.
The Sensory Walls and the Artistic Exhibitions at KL Airport
Several Sensory Walls can be found within KLIA airport’s premises. They are interactive walls that combine sight, sound, and touch. They were added to the airport’s terminals to offer a pleasant and calming experience to passengers. They are to be found on the KLIA terminal 1’s:
- Level 3 (International Arrivals)
- Level 3 (Domestic Arrivals)
- Level 1 (Satellite building, close to Gate C1)
- Level 3 of Contact Pier (Domestic area)
And on the KLIA terminal 2’s:
- Mezzanine floor of the main building
- Level 3 (International Departures)
- Level 2 (International Arrivals)
- Level 2 of Satellite building (International Departures)
Moreover, the airport houses various contemporary art exhibitions. Those exhibitions typically showcase the local culture and traditions. Thus, you’ll most likely find an artistic event happening at KUL Airport during your layover.
Experience Nature During your Layover at Kuala Lumpur Airport
An actual rainforest can be found inside the Satellite building of KLIA terminal 1. The Satellite building is connected to the Contact Pier of the Main terminal via the Aerotrain. Aerotrain runs every 3-5 minutes and takes around 2.5 minutes to travel from Contact Pier to the Satellite building. Right in the middle of the Satellite building, travelers come across a rainforest. It spread centrally in the terminal, consisting of more than 3660 trees. A waterfall and 39 types of plants can be found here, allowing visitors to feel the atmosphere of the Malaysian rainforests, hear their sounds, and enjoy their views. Boardwalks are spread across the Jungle Boardwalk, as it is named, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the miniature rainforest.
The Viewing Spots: One of the Top Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur Airport
Whether you are an aviation enthusiast or not, you’ll certainly be impressed watching the planes land and take off from the airport. Both terminals feature viewing areas. The Viewing Area in KLIA terminal 1 can be found in the Main building’s Level 5, and KLIA terminal 2’s Viewing Area is located between the entrance of the main terminal and the Gateway@klia 2 Shopping Mall. Please note that both areas lie landside, meaning that passengers need to clear customs and immigration to reach them.
Visit the TV Lounge
How would you feel about watching a movie during your layover at Kuala Lumpur Airport? KLIA terminal 2 houses a movie lounge. The TV lounge is situated on Level 2 of the Satellite building. Please keep in mind that the Satellite building is connected to the main terminal 2 via a skybridge. There, passengers can enjoy movies or watch sports events while seated comfortably in armchairs.
Feel Refreshed with the Shower Facilities
A refreshing shower sounds ideal, especially after long flights. Although KLIA terminal 1 doesn’t house shower facilities, passengers can use the shower premises of the KLIA airport hotels located in terminal 1. Indeed, the Kepler Club Hotel and the Sama-Sama Express Hotel, situated airside at the Satellite A Building, offer shower services. Moreover, passengers can use the shower facilities of Capsule Transit Hotel, the lodging lying landside on Level 5 of the Main terminal building (Departures).
On the other hand, KLIA terminal 2’s hotels also offer shower services. However, travelers can also use the terminal’s shower facilities. Therefore, if you want to take a shower at KLIA terminal 2, you should head to Level 2 or 3 of the Main terminal building or access Level 2 of the Satellite building. The shower facilities feature lockers where you can safely store your personal belongings.
Relax at Kuala Lumpur International Airport
KL Airport features numerous lounges at its terminals. Airport lounges, independent lounges, and airline facilities can be found in KLIA terminals 1 and 2. While some can only be accessed by members, several lounges are accessible to all passengers for a fee. Thus, if you want to relax in a luxurious environment, enjoy a refreshing drink, a snack, or even a meal, and benefit from the various services provided, you should consider spending your layover in one of the Kuala Lumpur airport’s lounges. In addition to the previously mentioned services, many lounges house shower premises and business center facilities.
On the other hand, passengers wishing to enjoy a good sleep typically check-in in one of the KLIA hotels. Although there are several landside options, airside hotels are the most convenient choice for transit passengers. There are two hotels located in the post-security area of KLIA terminal 1 and two establishments located airside at KLIA terminal 2.
Our Tip: Do you want to work out during your layover at Kuala Lumpur Airport? You can use the fitness center of the Sama Sama Hotel KL International Airport. The hotel can be found connected to the Main terminal of KLIA terminal 1 via a covered bridge. Thus, it lies outside the terminal, in the airport’s public zone.
The Best Things to Do Near Kuala Lumpur Airport
During long layovers, passengers often leave the airport and head to explore the surrounding areas. Although KUL Airport is efficiently connected to Kuala Lumpur (via taxi, train, and bus), the Malaysian capital lies 50km/31 miles from KLIA Airport. Thus, rides can be long, especially during peak hours. Therefore, passengers are advised to visit areas within proximity to KL Airport and travel to Kuala Lumpur only during lengthy layovers.
In any case, you’ll have to clear customs and immigration to exit KUL Airport. You may need to issue a transit visa and fill out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) three days before your arrival. Hence, if you are planning to leave the airport, you should check the entry requirements depending on your nationality to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Our Tip: Have you retrieved your luggage once landing at KLIA Airport? You should use the airport’s luggage storage facilities to store it and make your way out of the airport in comfort.
So, what are the top things to do near Kuala Lumpur Airport?
- The Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA Sepang: Located a 14-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur Airport, Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA Sepang is a factory outlet spreading over two floors. A wide variety of retail stores, along with plenty of dining options, are available. Moreover, a free shuttle bus connects the mall with KLIA terminals 1 and 2.
- The Sepang International Circuit: Opened in 1999, the Sepang International Circuit is the motorsport racing circuit in Sepang, close to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. It hosted the Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix for almost twenty years and still hosts various events. Guided tours around the facility are provided, thrilling motorsport enthusiasts.
- The National Automobile Museum: An 18-minute ride from KUL Airport lies the National Automobile Museum, which is dedicated to the history and development of the Malaysian automobile industry and Formula One in Malaysia. It can be found at the Welcome Center International Sepang Circuit and houses many vintage and classic cars. The museum is recommended for car lovers, and entry to its facilities is free.
- Cyberjaya: The tech hub of Malaysia, Cyberjaya, is a town where technology dominates. That being said, apart from its innovative science park, Cyberjaya houses several attractions, such as the Lake Gardens, and the Tamarind Square, along with various dining and drinking facilities, making it a recommended destination for all types of travelers. A car ride from KUL Airport to Cyberjaya usually lasts around 35 minutes.
- Putrajaya: The “green city” is conveniently located a 40-minute drive from KL Airport. Putrajaya, the federal administrative capital of Malaysia, is home to stunning architectural marvels, along with several sites worthy of your time, such as the Putra Mosque, the futuristic IOI City Mall, and the Botanical Gardens.