Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Hotels and City Guide

Kuala Lumpur - Airports

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is a spectacular feat of architecture that combines futuristic technology, Malaysian culture and the rich, tropical splendour of the country’s natural resources. Located in close proximity to the administrative capital, Putrajaya, the Kuala Lumpur International Airport is approximately 75 kilometres (47 miles) south of Kuala Lumpur.

International flights arrive at the Satellite Building and the Aero Train brings passengers to the International Level of the Contact Pier. Other international, domestic and mixed flights arrive on the Domestic Level of the Contact Pier.

Kuala Lumpur Airport is Malaysia's main international airport and is situated in the Sepang district, in the south of the state of Selangor, about 50 kilometres (31 miles) outside the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. There are 216 check-in counters, arranged in 6 check-in isles. The airport is the first in the world to use the Total Airport Management System (TAMS). The airport’s 10,000-hectare land area includes a Formula 1 racetrack, theme parks, an amusement centre and provision for airport expansion to handle 100 million passengers annually.

The Passenger Terminal Complex (PTC) was built with an emphasis on reflecting natural light from outside the building. This complex comprises three buildings - the Main Terminal Building, the Satellite Building and the Contact Pier. Besides an 80-room hotel at the Satellite Building, there is also a 450-room five star airport hotel. Shopping spots are available on an area encompassing 85,000 square metres (101, 660 square yards).

The Main Terminal Building and Satellite Building are linked by Aero Train, a two-car train which runs on elevated rail and under the taxiways at three to five minute intervals. The journey between terminals takes under two minutes, and each train is able to transport 3000 passengers per hour, per direction.

The airport is also designed using the concept of ‘Airport in the Forest,’ in which it is surrounded by green space. This was intricately done with the co-operation of the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport is the main hub to Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia, and half of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore air connection operated by both Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines.

Kuala Lumpur Airport International Terminal

The Kuala Lumpur Airport Terminal is one of the most modern in the world. Its high-tech features include a computerised total airport management system that covers baggage handling among other services. To help passengers find their way around the airport easily, signs have been written in English and Malay.

Hundreds of public phones are located throughout the airport, mainly at the Arrival and Departure areas. These phones accept Amex, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa cards, as well as Smart cards that can be purchased at the airport.

Maps and guidebooks can be obtained at the tourism Malaysia counter at the international Arrival Hall, after Customs, on Level 3 of the main terminal building.

The airport has information desks in the main terminal and the Satellite Building, and there are also information kiosks located throughout the building, which have Touch-Screens, Text, Audio, Video, and Graphic Technology. There is a Visitor's Service Centre located in the main terminal, which provides airport and tourist information.

There are luggage lockers and baggage services available at the airport. Lost property services are provided by the Airport Police. The airport has a bank and several bureaux de change and cash machines located throughout the terminals. The airport has prayer rooms and a silent room in both the Main Terminal Building and the Satellite Building. It also has a post office and wireless Internet services. There are also baby changing facilities, a children's play area, a 24-hour medical clinic, pharmacies, and a Fitness Centre.

The Kuala Lumpur airport has a wide range of shops located in both terminals, including duty-free shops, gift shops and convenience shops. Kuala Lumpur International Airport has a range of bars, cafes, delis, fast food outlets, snack bars, and restaurants located in both terminals. The Plaza Business Centre offers a wide range of business services, including telephone, fax, Internet, videoconferencing, postal and secretarial services. The E-Centre offers high-speed and wireless Internet, web cams, videos, computers, printing, CD burning, scanning, telephones, fax, and videoconferencing facilities.

The airport is also accessible to physically challenged passengers, with lifts and adapted toilets and lowered telephones. There are also reserved parking spaces in the car park. Any passengers needing special treatment should inform their airline prior to travelling.

Baggage trolleys, conveniently located within the Arrivals area, are free and may be left at the point where they are no longer required. The airport does not have a porter service. In addition, car rental desks are also located at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport Parking

Passenger and baggage check-in can be done at the covered car park adjacent to the main terminal building. The covered car park has a total of 6208 parking lots, and other conveniences such as trolleys, shops, and elevators to name a few.

The uncovered car park boasts 5509 parking lots and is ideal for those intending to spend a long time at the airport. A total of 2644 motorcycle parking spaces are also available here.

Transportation

Taxi

Taxis are available from taxi ranks on the Arrivals level, and coupons can be purchased at taxi counters. Also available are airport limousine services, as well as budget taxi services.

Bus

There are regular bus services from the airport to Kuala Lumpur, and Nilai KTM Komuter Station and Subang. The bus station is situated on the ground floor of Block C in the covered car park.

Rail

Regular train services operate to and from the Kuala Lumpur airport and the city centre. The KLIA Ekspres operates between the airport and Kuala Lumpur City Air Terminal situated at the Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station. Yet another high-speed commuter train, the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Transit, operates to and from the airport and Kuala Lumpur City Air Terminal.

Hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia