The airport’s website: http://www.klia.com.my/
Arriving:
Customs and Immigration formalities. Do I need to fill out any forms? How do I get through quicker?
Non Malaysians are supposed to fill out a customs and immigration declaration form. If you are flying in on a premium class, you will get a priority lane pass which you should use as lines do get long during rush hour. These are a godsend for non-malaysians. Keep those handy.
Malaysians supposedly need to fill out a customs declaration form – but in my experience, not required in reality. Malaysians do not need to fill out the immigration form as they can use the automated machine lane.
Customs do x-ray bags here, but this is rare.
Luggage reclaim : Do priority tags work? Is it quick or slow?
Priority Tags are hit and miss. They work reasonably well arriving on SQ, not so well on MH and TG. There are timers estimating first bag arrival onto the carousel, and is usually pessimistic. Most bags arrive before the clock counter runs out. Not quite as quick as SIN, but improving. Feel free to visit the duty free shops upon arrival as the luggage delivery is not THAT quick.
Duty Free Shops – Costs for typical items
There is a duty free shop on arrival just before baggage reclaim. Prices for typical items TBA
Transport to Town tips – what’s the best way?
Train – The KLIA Express: http://www.kliaekspres.com/ runs every 15 minutes on the hour during peak hours, and every 20 minutes on the hour during off peak hours. The train takes 28 minutes, and arrives in KL Sentral. The Hilton and Le Meridien are built above KL Sentral. Other hotels are a short cab ride away. Taxis outside are plentiful. Cost is RM 35 one way.
Taxi – There is a limo counter just after customs, before spilling out to the arrival hall. Fares are competitive, depending on the KL zone that you want to go to. They are reliable, and depart from just outside the arrival hall after a very short walk.
Do NOT use taxi touts – they are unlicensed, and have a horrible reputation.
Taxi Fare list: http://www.klia.com.my/index.php?ch=8&pg=3&ac=1688
Are there any left luggage services? Where and how much?
There are several options here: http://www.klia.com.my/index.php?ch=62&pg=137&ac=2678
Are there airport hotels? Are they airside? Are they within the compound?
There is an airside transit hotel. Best described as adequate. Rates from RM140 for a 6 hour block. Facilities without the room are also available. This hotel is located behind MH’s Golden Lounge in the international terminal building.
http://www.klia.com.my/index.php?ch=8&pg=87
The Pan Pacific KLIA is a much better option if you can clear immigration, somewhat more expensive. Day rates upon enquiry
http://klairport.panpacific.com/
Things to avoid: The pitfalls of this place
Avoid the taxi touts at all costs. Whilst KLIA is generally very safe, beware of pickpockets as it can also get quite crowded in the arrival hall.
Other general tips
If you arrive at an International C Gate, you will need to board the Aerotrain to go to customs and immigration. There are two trains and they run every 3-4 minutes. Signs are clearly posted.
Arriving:
Customs and Immigration formalities. Do I need to fill out any forms? How do I get through quicker?
Non Malaysians are supposed to fill out a customs and immigration declaration form. If you are flying in on a premium class, you will get a priority lane pass which you should use as lines do get long during rush hour. These are a godsend for non-malaysians. Keep those handy.
Malaysians supposedly need to fill out a customs declaration form – but in my experience, not required in reality. Malaysians do not need to fill out the immigration form as they can use the automated machine lane.
Customs do x-ray bags here, but this is rare.
Luggage reclaim : Do priority tags work? Is it quick or slow?
Priority Tags are hit and miss. They work reasonably well arriving on SQ, not so well on MH and TG. There are timers estimating first bag arrival onto the carousel, and is usually pessimistic. Most bags arrive before the clock counter runs out. Not quite as quick as SIN, but improving. Feel free to visit the duty free shops upon arrival as the luggage delivery is not THAT quick.
Duty Free Shops – Costs for typical items
There is a duty free shop on arrival just before baggage reclaim. Prices for typical items TBA
Transport to Town tips – what’s the best way?
Train – The KLIA Express: http://www.kliaekspres.com/ runs every 15 minutes on the hour during peak hours, and every 20 minutes on the hour during off peak hours. The train takes 28 minutes, and arrives in KL Sentral. The Hilton and Le Meridien are built above KL Sentral. Other hotels are a short cab ride away. Taxis outside are plentiful. Cost is RM 35 one way.
Taxi – There is a limo counter just after customs, before spilling out to the arrival hall. Fares are competitive, depending on the KL zone that you want to go to. They are reliable, and depart from just outside the arrival hall after a very short walk.
Do NOT use taxi touts – they are unlicensed, and have a horrible reputation.
Taxi Fare list: http://www.klia.com.my/index.php?ch=8&pg=3&ac=1688
Are there any left luggage services? Where and how much?
There are several options here: http://www.klia.com.my/index.php?ch=62&pg=137&ac=2678
Are there airport hotels? Are they airside? Are they within the compound?
There is an airside transit hotel. Best described as adequate. Rates from RM140 for a 6 hour block. Facilities without the room are also available. This hotel is located behind MH’s Golden Lounge in the international terminal building.
http://www.klia.com.my/index.php?ch=8&pg=87
The Pan Pacific KLIA is a much better option if you can clear immigration, somewhat more expensive. Day rates upon enquiry
http://klairport.panpacific.com/
Things to avoid: The pitfalls of this place
Avoid the taxi touts at all costs. Whilst KLIA is generally very safe, beware of pickpockets as it can also get quite crowded in the arrival hall.
Other general tips
If you arrive at an International C Gate, you will need to board the Aerotrain to go to customs and immigration. There are two trains and they run every 3-4 minutes. Signs are clearly posted.
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