Kuala Lumpur International Airport
2011 Best Airport
Runner-Up
Traveller Comments....
"Airconditioning is set to 'Arctic'" - Bert Dosfel
"the terminal smells of food....seriously, smells like a pot of Nasi-Lemak..." - surejb
"just as we'd set up we were told the whole terminal building would be closed until 4 because they were spraying for bugs!" (Herodotus)
"But 12 hours later on a long haul to LAX when the food poisoning diarrhea set in, my opinion changed BIG TIME!! Five uncomfortable days later and notwithstanding the side effects of the antibiotics, things are settling down." (?)
"The nice thing about KLIA is that it is a white elephant trying desperately to be another Changi Airport, the passenger numbers are about 25% of its capacity so its relatively peaceful." (?)
"Many thanks to previous writers to informed me about the Plaza Business Lounge at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. " (Larina)
"KLIA is one of the best airports I have had the pleasure to pass through, the only one to come close is the new Hong Kong. " (A Visitor)
"Long cushioned benches were nice and we pushed a couple of these together in a more remote area to make a 'double bed'" - lisadridenour
Recent Review
I had a good experience staying at this airport. Being a first timer at this, I had very low expectations airports are meant for you to depart from and arrive to not as temporary forms of accommodation especially not for an unseasoned traveller. However, everything I needed was available and the time I spent in transit was very comfortable. Remember that there are two international airports in KL: The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and the KL Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT).
I landed at the LCCT and based on the sleepinginairports.net reviews, took a shuttle to KLIA as there was about 28 hours till my next flight out of the country. Shuttle fare (the green bus with yellow strips if in doubt, ask) costs only 2.50 RM about 78 cents USD.
There are three main food areas. The largest one is called Food Garden on the second floor with many options, cuisines and price ranges. Theres one eatery on the fourth floor with the airline offices. All the fast food outlets and cafes are on the fifth. There is also a water fountain on the fourth floor to refill your water bottle. A convenient store is located on the ground floor and theres also a health/natural remedies store on the fifth floor for any last minute non-prescriptions.
Internet is the fastest on the fifth floor particularly around caf Old Town White Coffee in between KFC and McDonalds. Power points are mainly around the eateries in the fifth floor.
I slept on the long seats at the back of the fifth floor. Some are positioned facing the glass wall and away from the airline counters, giving you some privacy. Otherwise, you can move the seat rows around. There were a few people doing the same so it was very safe. I recommend using a sleeping mask to block out the LED lights above (though they are dimmed when late). I also had earphones to drown flight announcements (with the ipod underneath my jumper!), neck pillow and my own travel blanket. Others around me slept with coats/clothes over their bodies.
There is also the less known seating area on the fourth floor, opposite the eatery where there are long, padded leather couches, which you can stretch out on. I would have slept there for the night had I known because its more private, comfy, the internet connection is fast and power points & restrooms are in close proximity.
Bathroom facilities are fantastic they have cleaners in there all the time so its always very clean and safe. Also, there IS a shower (cold-water) for free public access. I found it - after asking, on the fourth floor near the prayer room in the airline offices corridor. Any issues ask the very friendly airport staff!
A few hours before my flight, I took the shuttle bus back to LCCT. In total, I spent 52 RM or 16 USD including shuttle fare and 5 shared meals drinks. Couldnt have asked for more.
The last review for this airport was in 2011. Have you been there recently? Tell us about it!
Kuala Lumpur Airport Guide
Airport Lounges
- Plaza Premium offers 5 hours of free food, drinks, internet, massage chair, showers, free local calls, reading material, comfortable armchairs. KLIA has two lounge locations:
- Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) - landside, opposite Departure Gate T1, open 24 hours
- Satellite Building - airside, near Gate C11-17, open 24 hours
- Airlines with lounges: Malaysian Airlines, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Emirates Airlines, China Airlines
Airport WiFi / Internet
Free wireless internet access is available at KLIA Airport. WiFi is available in the Satellite Building, Contact Pier, and arrival and departure halls. A reader tells us that the Internet is available in 3 hour blocks free, just relogin at the end of each block.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the Kuala Lumpur Airport does not appeal to you, there are hotels near the airport....
- Airside Transit Hotel - located inside the airport at Satellite A (you can book 6 and 12 hour blocks)
- Pan Pacific Hotel - adjacent to airport terminal. You can check-in at Baggage Claim (Caroussel F)
- Concorde Inn - 3 minutes from the airport. Free airport shuttle.
- Tune Hotel - located 7 minute walk from the LCCT. 24 hour Shuttle is available.
More Services, Facilities & Things to Do at the Airport
- Food / Dining
Many options available. At the moment, I do not know which (if any) concessions are open 24 hours. - BAGGAGE Storage / Lockers
Baggage Storage are available 24 hours per day. Location: Main Terminal Building, Departure Level, P2. Lockers can be found in ther Satellite Building, Passenger Level, P8. A reader tells us he saw them in the LCCT. - Showers
Showers are available at the Airside Transit Hotel. Rate: RM 20.00 per person includes towel, soap and shampoo. Free cold water showers are availableon the 4th floor, past the eateries. - ATMs / Cash Machines
Locations: Airside and Landside in the Main Terminal Building. Available in the Satellite Building, but the locations are unknown. - GYM
A gym is available at the Airside Transit Hotel. Rate: RM 30.00 per person includes towel, soap and shampoo - Children's play area & Nurseries
The Children's Play room is located Airside, Main Terminal Building, Level 5. Nurseries are located in the Main Terminal Building, International and Domestic Contact Piers, and the Satellite Building. - Reflexology & Massage Centre
Location: Lot SATP B1, Passenger Level, Satellite Building, KLIA (leading to gates C1-C5, next to smoking room). Hours: 7am - 12am. Rates: vary according to service. - Observation Deck
Location: Airside, Main Terminal Building - Visitor Service Center
Location: 3rd Floor, Main terminal Building, near the baggage reclaim area. Open: 24 hours. Information Desks are also available in the Main Terminal Building (Departure and Arrivals Hall), Contact Pier and Satellite Building. - TV Lounges
Locations: airside and landside throughout the airport - Trolleys
Available for free in the baggage reclaim area - Smoking Lounges
Locations: Contact Pier, Domestic Level, near Gate B2 and Satellite Building, Mezzanine Level, near Gate C11 and C31 - Prayer and Silent Rooms
A Silent room is available in the Main Terminal Building, Level 5, Departure Hall. Prayer rooms for Muslim visitors and travellers are located in three locations:- Main Terminal Building (on all levels)
- Contact Pier: near the entrance to Gates B2-B10(international flights) and next to transfer counters (domestic flights)
- Satellite Building: at the Mezzanine Level, Gates C11-C17 and Gates C21-C27
- Car Rentals
Kasina Baru • Hertz • Pantas • Mayflower • Orix • Insas • Avis. Offices are located in the Main Terminal Building, Arrival Halls C and B
Transportation: Getting Around
Unless you are going to pay for the Plaza Premium Lounge, the LCCT Terminal will be a boring nightmare for you. Take the airport shuttle to the Main Terminal Bulding. A reader tells us the cost is approx, 2.50 RM about 78 cents USD.
Airport Hours
Open 24 hours
>>>Read All Kuala Lumpur Airport Reviews
Last Updated: 08 Jan 2012 | Sources: Kuala Lumpur International Airport
The information in this Airport Guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airport's and their web sites. When you see "information not available" and "unknown", the airport has a lousy web site and/or has been uncooperative in providing information. The information above is subject to change without notice. Use it for informational purposes only to help you during your stay. To report errors, or to add/change any items quoted in the guide, please email me.
