It would have been nice to have a long layover in Kuala Lumpur during the day because it’s puzzling to find out what we’ll do at night. We have a 16-hour layover in Kuala Lumpur due to a modification on our flight with Air Asia.
The Malaysian budget airline is fair enough to bring you to a destination at a low price, but you must be lucky if the flight does not cancel, delayed, or change. We have flown with Air Asia many times and never had any issues. It was our first bad experience with the airline.
I book a flight from New Delhi, India, to thePhilippineswith a stopover in Brunei for a night. I could select a long layover in Kuala Lumpur during the booking, but I didn’t want to leave the airport as we’ve already been there. Moreover, we don’t have a lot of time on this trip.I choose to fly straight to Manila with a two-hour stopover at Kuala Lumpur airport.
Three Months After The Booking
However, three months after the booking, I received an email that our flight had changed – yet, we were able to reach our final destination on the same day. So it was just a half-hour delay.
Additionally, a second email came after the first mail that our flight to Manila was entirely canceled. Without any consent, they set us on a trip with a16-hour overnight layover in Kuala Lumpur. We have no choice because we have already arranged everything in Cebu.
I contacted the customer service of Air Asia and never got any reply. I sent emails several times, or maybe I’m on the wrong contact address. So whatever it is, I’ve tried everything – it’s a sucks airline with poor customer service! So I have to adjust our itinerary due to the cancellation of the flight.
Our final destination on this trip is Cebu. Therefore, I booked a separate ticket withCebu Pacificbecause Air Asia doesn’t fly to Mactan Cebu. With this obstacle, I have to cancel our flight to Cebu. It wasn’t a big deal for me, as I booked that flight for 400 pesos only and a non-refundable ticket. However, booking a new trip with Cebu Pacific cost me six times more because it’s close to departure day.
16-Hour Overnight Layover In Kuala Lumpur City
We board this flight fromBrunei, and during check-in at the airport, they only see our original itinerary with a two-hour stopover in Kuala Lumpur.It seems the staff of Air Asia in Brunei wasn’t aware that our flight had changed. Following the airline’s policy, they printed out the boarding pass and tagged our luggage to Manila.
I explained that our flight was changed and there was no flight to Manila. Thus I showed them the email I received from Air Asia. This whole thing was so confusing; why they’re not informed about the changes to our flight? It looks like communication in the airline company isn’t right.
Somehow, I’ve learned my lesson this time. I usually don’t book a flight far in advance with budget airlines.
However, our holiday falls during the Christmas season. Therefore, I reserve the flights far off in advance, knowing it is the busiest time of the year.
As mentioned, we never had problems with Air Asia; it’s the first time it has caused me stress. Everything I arranged beforehand was a complete muck up, including the car rental in Cebu. What a pity we go through some difficulties with the airline.
Kuala Lumpur airport–Visa And Passport Control
A tourist visa is not required for many nationalities staying in Malaysia for less than 90 days. But your passport must be valid for at least six months upon arrival in the country. And you need to have a return ticket or proof of a document to your next destination.
Whether you are crossing to another country by train or any other transportation, book online – in our case, we have not asked for any document. For sure, print out your itinerary!
We traveled with a Belgium passport and received a three-month stamp upon arrival. As for other nationalities, check with the embassy in your home country before the trip.
Otherwise, check the Malaysiane-visa website.Remember that passport control at Kuala Lumpur airport can take a while. We were queuing for about 45 minutes, arriving in the evening.
Kuala Lumpur Layover? Getting To The City Center
As mentioned, it can take up to one hour before you clear the immigration because the passport control in Kuala Lumpur is disorganized. However, if you have a layover offewer than eight hours, I suggest staying at the airport to avoid stress.
Although there’s not much to do inside the airport in Kuala Lumpur, by the time you clear immigration and head to the city center, you will already lose like three hours.
Also, remember thatKuala Lumpur is approximately 57 kilometers from the international airportand takes more than one hour in traffic. You must also be at the airport two to three hours before departure. Reaching the city center is pretty straightforward. There are different ways to get to Kuala Lumpur.
Based on our experience (going back to the airport),it takes45 minuteswith ataxiin the morning without traffic and costs17 euros. However, if you want to reach the city within 30-minutes, the best option is to take the trainKLIA Ekspreswhich costs12 eurosper person. The cheapest alternative for3 eurosis thebus,but it takes longer.
What To Do In Kuala Lumpur At Night?
Somewhat, there aren’t many things you can do on a long layover at night in Kuala Lumpur. You can go shopping and bar hopping, as some are open 24 hours.
We landed in Kuala Lumpur at7:00 in the evening, and by the time we exited the airport and got to the city, it was pretty late.
We book a hotel in advance in Bukit Bintang to crash down, as our flight departs only at11:00 in the morning.
However, it shouldn’t be a problem for people who love partying. If you stay in Bukit Bintang, this place turns into a different world at night. These were like theBangkok Khao San Road, with a bustling nightlife.
We’re not a party-type traveler, though a short visit to a pub we’ll do. We coincidently went to a pub where there were no alcoholic drinks. We were looking for a place with big-screen tv my buddy wants to watch a soccer game. But later, we realized that we were in a Muslim pub, and only carbonated beverages were available.
The Petronas Twin Tower By Night
The Petronas twin tower is open daily until 9 pm, and these were the first thing we’ve done. I have seen all the tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur before, and I have been to the twin tower during the day. And I’m keen to go up to see the city at night. But when we got there, it was already closed. What a bummer.
However, standing beneath the tower at night was brilliant. The striking contrast is so excellent! People take selfies in different poses to get the twin towers in the background. We’re not the only crazy tourist.
The imposing twin tower has a unique structure with a height of 452 meters, the tallest identical building in the world. It’s something you can’t miss during your trip to Kuala Lumpur.
Tip!If visiting the Observation Deck of Petronas, book the tickets onlineHERE.
Like seeing the Burj Khalifa in Dubai,UNITED ARAB OF EMIRATES, booking tickets in advance is advisable! As the number of visitors per day is limited.
Getting here:If coming from Jalan Bukit Bintang, take the monorail (the green line). By foot is about a15 to 30-minutes walk.
The Street Food In Jalan Alor
I love strolling markets and street food during my trip – it’s a place to blend with local people. But on my trip toIndia, I haven’t tried anything from food stalls due to low sanitation, which is also too risky for Delhi belly.
The street food experience in Kuala Lumpur is just the same as in Bangkok, Vietnam, and Singapore. The food stalls increasingly resemble small restaurants as an excellent place in the evening to watch the vendors preparing the food. The best Malaysian food is offered that is not in the overpriced restaurants.
You’ll find street food in different areas in Kuala Lumpur, but the most popular is Jalan Alor. The stalls may be found on both sides of the road, which have been a go-go place in Kuala Lumpur for years. Jalan Alor has a lot to offer for both its residents and foreigners. So either go for food or take a stroll and be part of the ambiance.
Shopping Or Just Browsing
We needed to buy some stuff because we didn’t have our luggage. So lucky that we could do some shopping here, or it could be a disaster.
Our luggage was tagged for Manila through misunderstanding or lack of communication with the staff from Air Asia, and we couldn’t get to it. We usually travel with a carry-on, but we bought some souvenirs in India that aren’t possible to carry onboard. So that’s why we need to check in our bags.
In some way, we’re in the right area. Bukit Bintang is the tourist center and the shopping district of Kuala Lumpur, a shopper’s paradise. You can shop till you drop, and some stores are open all night.
So there’s something to keep you up.
The range is extensive, from international luxury brands to famous Asian trademarks. I love shopping, and I could go for a whole day browsing some stuff, but I didn’t have a suitcase with me and ended up only buying one dress.
Which Neighborhoods To Stay in KL
Probably one of the most taxing decisions to make. Malaysia’s bustling capital Kuala Lumpur has grown into a metropolis with modern skyscrapers and countless neighborhoods with a different atmosphere.
I have been to Kuala Lumpur twice and stayed for a few days on each trip. Therefore choosing areas played a significant role in my opinion. But, based on my experience, as I’ve stayed in three different places in Kuala Lumpur, my favorite neighborhood is KLCC. However, everyone has their own opinion, and let nobody stops you from choosing places to stay. I prefer quiet areas.
The Three Areas in KL
On my first visit to KL, I stay inKLCC–a district with a popular tourist attraction and various highlights. Best known for the stunning Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC is the city’s business center with many high-rise buildings and is home to several luxury hotels in Kuala Lumpur.
During my second time in KL, I stayed inChinatown– which has a different atmosphere and a great place to sample the local flavor of Kuala Lumpur. China town is a cheaper version of Bukit Bintang, where you find inexpensive accommodation, shopping malls, and the famousPetaling food street.
This time I abide inBukit Bintang– the tourist center of Kuala Lumpur and the most popular area to stay for many travelers. You will find a mix of accommodations from luxury and median to budget-class hotels, especially around Changkat Bukit Bintang and Jalan Alor. Bukit Bintang is a long street with shopping malls, restaurants, bars, and the famous street food Jalan Alor.
A Basic Hotel In Bukit Bintang
When our flight itinerary changed, the first thing I did was book a hotel. It’s hard to stay awake the whole night, and we still have a long trip the next day. And guess what, for the first time we stayed in Bukit Bintang, I thought this could be great to experience.
We stayed at this hotel on the busiest street (Jalan street). The entertainment center of Kuala Lumpur, where you find everything. Once you step out the door, you’re right away on the shopping street, and the street food in Jalan Alor is only five minutes walk.
It’s my first time staying in Bukit Bintang, and I’m not returning to this neighborhood. The hotel was pretty good, but if you want a restful night– this isn’t the right place.We got a room on the 8th floor, and I could hear the music from bars nearby and ended up awake the whole night. There are plenty of accommodations onBooking.comfor a reasonable price.
MAYBE INTERESTED
FAQs
Can you leave the airport during a layover in Kuala Lumpur? ›
Can I Leave the Airport During Transit in Kuala Lumpur? The short answer is YES! Of course you can, provided you have a valid Malaysian visa or are eligible for visa on arrival.
What to do with a 15 hour layover in Kuala Lumpur? ›You have enough time to visit the 3 most touristy areas; Chinatown/Pasar Seni, KLCC/Twin Tower and Bukit Bintang shopping area. Add/replace with Chow Kit/Medan Tuanku area(more Malays) or Brickfields(more Indians) / KL central if you like, or even Batu Caves. Otherwise take the bus/cable car to Genting Highlands.
What can you do for a 16 hour layover? ›- Catch Up on Sleep. ...
- Play a Game. ...
- Research Your Destination. ...
- Read or Write. ...
- Meet New People. ...
- Get Some Work Done. ...
- Exercise. ...
- Take a Short Trip Out of the Airport.
The short answer is yes. It is possible to exit and reenter the airport. Whether or not you should depends on a range of factors, including if you're traveling internationally or domestically and how much time you have between flights.
Do I need a visa for an overnight layover? ›You need a transit visa if you leave the transit area. However, nationals from specific countries (Iran, Syria, Guinea, etc.) will need a transit visa regardless of whether they leave the transit area or not.
Are there places to sleep in Kuala Lumpur Airport? ›At the klia2, If you need a night-stay or a short nap before your next flight, you can easily find hotel room located inside the klia2 terminal or just short walking distance to the terminal. The Tune Hotel klia2 and the Capsule by Container Hotel are the favourite choices of many passengers.
Do I need a visa for a layover in Kuala Lumpur? ›Foreign nationals on transit without leaving the airport premises and who continue their journey to the next destination with the same flight do not require a transit visa. The Malaysian Immigration Department also allows online visa application to foreign nationals from certain countries through eVISA.
Do I need a visa if I have a layover in Kuala Lumpur? ›Kindly be informed that you do not need any visa during transit if your flights are booked under a single PNR and you have no plans to leave the transit hall.
How do you survive an 18 hour layover? ›- Escape the airport on your own to explore the city.
- Take an organized tour of the city.
- Book yourself into a transfer hotel.
- Try out the local cuisine.
- Indulge in the comfort food you've been avoiding.
- Take a shower.
- Phone a friend.
- Find a meditation room.
You do not need a visa if you are coming for business or tourism for 90 days or less. Immigration officials will place an entry stamp, known as a social visit pass (visa), in your passport authorizing a stay of up to 90 days.
Can you leave the airport during an 18 hour layover? ›
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover, provided your passport allows you visa-free entry to the country you're in, and you have enough time between flights. In fact, some people intentionally book flights with longer layovers (which are often cheaper) so they get to see a new city.
What happens to your luggage when you have an overnight layover? ›If you have an overnight layover, you can request to retrieve your luggage at baggage claim so that you have all of your items with you. However, you'll need to recheck your luggage in the morning, so plan additional time for going through security again.
Can I leave the airport during an international layover? ›Can you leave the airport during a layover while traveling on an international flight? Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover while traveling internationally! However, it is never easy as compared to the domestic layover. For instance, the country you're in could require a visa even to visit.
Do you have to go through customs on a layover? ›Do You Have To Go Through Customs During A Layover? Customs and immigration are usually required at the connecting airport for international flights. You don't always have to for domestic flights. In most cases, passengers on layover flights must clear customs and immigration at the first point of entry.
Do airlines pay for hotel for overnight layover? ›Layover Time
Most airlines only provide free hotel accommodations for passengers that have a layover between 8-12 hours or overnight. However, each airline is different, so be sure to check your carrier's website.
Go for a walk.
If you do have an overnight layover and will be spending the night at the airport, remember your options. What is this? You can stay in an airport hotel both within transit or on the public side, or you could sleep or rest in the airport terminal itself.
- Do Your Research. ...
- Consider On-Site Hotels and Sleep Pods. ...
- Protect Your Belongings. ...
- Don't Choose an Isolated Location. ...
- Create a Restful Environment. ...
- Set an Alarm. ...
- Expect to Get Woken Up by Security. ...
- Head to Airport Lounges.
...
- Estonia.
- Finland.
- Hungary.
- Iceland.
- Liechtenstein.
- Lithuania.
- Latvia.
- Malta.
This shower is completely free of charge and while it's located near the airline offices, anyone including passengers may use the free shower facility. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 Level 4 is accessed from the Arrival Hall at Level 3.
How long can I stay in Kuala Lumpur Airport? ›If you're transiting through Malaysia, you can stay up to 24 hours at Kuala Lumpur International Airport without a Malaysia Tourist Visa.
How much is Kuala Lumpur transit visa charges? ›
The Malaysia visa fee, both for a Single Entry or Multiple Entry Visa and a Transit Visa, is RM 20 (Malaysian Ringgit) for all countries, other than the countries listed below. When converted, RM 20 is about $4.7 or €4.25.
Can we go outside the airport on a connecting flight in Malaysia? ›You are not allowed to exit the airport if you do not have relevant visas into the transiting country. If you wish to exit, you will need a valid visa. Please note that Visa On Arrivals (VOA) is now abolished in Malaysia effective 15th August 2010.
How long does it take to get a transit visa for Malaysia? ›* Visa application is processed in 4 WORKING DAYS. ** Validity of the passport shall not be less than 9 months. 6 months validity is required for the requirement for entry and another 3 months for the minimum validity of visa.
What is the rule for transit in Kuala Lumpur? ›Requirements for the Malaysia Transit Pass
Your passport, which is valid for at least another six months from the date of entry. Original departing flight ticket. A photocopy or booking number won't be accepted. Printed copy of flight itinerary.
Yes. Flight tickets and Hotel bookings are mandatory for Malaysia visa online as well as offline applications.
Can I get transit visa on arrival in Malaysia? ›Malaysia Transit Visa (Visa on arrival)
Submit the completed application form along with all the required documents. The required documents may include a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months, a confirmed return ticket, proof of sufficient funds, and a recent passport-sized photograph.
Kuala Lumpur
Don't be fooled by the congested streets of Kuala Lumpur! Malaysia's capital city continuously paves new walkable areas, beginning with the River of Life. The iconic waterfront is designed with pathways that lead to Merdeka Square, Masjid Jamek, Central Market, and other popular travel destinations.
You should plan to spend around RM287 ($65) per day on your vacation in Kuala Lumpur, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, RM63 ($14) on meals for one day and RM30 ($6.69) on local transportation.
How many days are enough to explore Kuala Lumpur? ›For example, four or five days would give you enough time to explore Kuala Lumpur and its surroundings. Alternatively, you can enjoy a wildlife-focused experience in Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary in Sabah, in northern Borneo, plus beach time and snorkeling at Lankayan Island in the Sulu Sea.
What if the layover is more than 24 hours? ›While a layover lasts for less than 24 hours, a stopover is generally considered to last 24 hours or longer. Stopovers are considered to be a great option if you're looking to explore the connecting city, especially when the stopover lasts for several days.
What to do if layover is too long? ›
- 1) Enjoy the lounge facilities:
- 2) Check out the airport area:
- 3) Read a book:
- 4) Take a nap:
- 5) Explore the city:
- 6) Eat your heart out:
- 7) Channel your innate shopaholic :
- 8) Binge watch a new series :
“Standard layovers are usually up to four hours on domestic flights and up to 24 hours on international flights,” explains William J. McGee, Senior Fellow for Aviation at the American Economic Liberties Project, noting that they are most common at hub airports.
How much is Malaysia visa for US citizens? ›| Countries | Single/Multiple Entry Visa (RM) | Transit Visa (RM) |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 15.00 | 15.00 |
| Sudan | 12.90 | 4.30 |
| United States of America | 6.00 | 20.00 |
| Uruguay | 13.50 | 13.50 |
How Much Does A Malaysian Visa On Arrival Cost? The Malaysian Visa on Arrival costs RM 200, approximately INR 3 744 Indian Rupee.
How much is visa from Malaysia to USA? ›| Visa Type | Fee in USD | Category |
|---|---|---|
| US Visitor Visas (B-1 visa and B-2 visa) | $160 | Non-Petition Based |
| C-1 visa for transits to the US | $160 | Non-Petition Based |
| D visa for airline or ship crewmembers | $160 | Non-Petition Based |
| F visa for students and academics | $160 | Non-Petition Based |
You'll need to clear customs and immigration. Next, you'll recheck your luggage for the domestic flight. Finally, you'll need to go through Transportation Security Administration screening.
How do international layovers work? ›For international layover flights, you will normally have to go through customs and immigration at the connecting airport. For flights with a layover in Canada or the USA, you will need to go through immigration and fill out the necessary customs paperwork even if you are not staying in the country.
What is the difference between a layover and a connecting flight? ›What is the difference between a layover and connecting flight? While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. A layover is the time you spend at the airport between two flights. A connecting flight is the next flight in your itinerary that you're waiting at the airport to take.
Can I leave the airport if I have a 15 hour layover? ›If you have an excessive layover time you may be wondering: Can I leave the airport between connecting flights? The short answer is yes. It is possible to exit and reenter the airport.
Do you pick up checked baggage during long layover? ›When you purchase a layover flight, you will need to claim your bags when you land at your layover destination, and recheck them the next day when you continue your flight(s).
Where do checked bags go during long layover? ›
What happens with checked luggage on a layover? For domestic layovers, your checked luggage will be tagged to your final destination, so there's nothing for you to do while on your layover. Your bags will get taken off the first flight and loaded onto the second flight.
Can you leave the airport during an international layover without visa? ›So, if you have a visa (or your connecting country doesn't require one), then, yes, you can leave the airport during a layover on an international flight. If you need a visa but you don't have one, then you can't leave the airport during an international layover.
Can I leave airport during layover without visa? ›Leaving the airport during a layover without a visa is a violation of airport policy. Nevertheless, if you just want to get through customs and onto the next flight, you won't need a visa. In short, if you have a valid visa for the nation you are visiting, it is safe to leave the airport upon arrival.
Do I need to pick up my luggage to go through customs? ›When entering the United States from overseas, you must obtain your luggage and bring them through Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You will need to check them back into the airlines to make your next flight. Baggage not obtained after your international flight will not get to your final destination.
Do I have to pick up my luggage on a connecting international flight United? ›Connecting flights
For a trip that includes one or more connection, we'll check bags to the final destination on your ticket. You'll need to go to baggage claim and re-check your bags if: You chose to have a layover. You make a connection that involves an overnight stay.
It depends on how your ticket was booked. If your flights were booked under one ticket, your bags will be checked through to your final destination. If your flights were booked under separate tickets, you will need to collect your bags and recheck them before your connecting flight.
What is the longest layover allowed? ›A layover is a connection that lasts no longer than 4 hours for domestic flights and no longer than 24 hours for International flights.
What happens if you stay overnight in an airport? ›Generally, sleeping in the airport is safe as long as you take normal precautions that one should expect to do when sleeping in public places. While we have never received any reports of attacks against airport sleepers, there have been a few bum fondlings. A few ipods and laptops have also gone missing!
Do I have to collect my luggage on an overnight layover? ›As a general rule, most airlines will NOT automatically check your luggage through for an overnight connection. You will normally need collect your luggage when you land, and re-check it the following morning. This is normally a good thing as it allows you access to your luggage for your overnight stay.
Can you leave the airport during an overnight layover on an international flight? ›Can you leave the airport during a layover while traveling on an international flight? Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover while traveling internationally! However, it is never easy as compared to the domestic layover. For instance, the country you're in could require a visa even to visit.
Can you stay in airport lounge overnight? ›
Access a 24-hour lounge
Whether you have access through your elite status or your credit card, airport lounges can be an overnight traveler's best friend. This is especially true once you factor in the cost (and quality) of food in addition to lodging expenses.
If your layover exceeds a certain length (typically between 8 to 12 hours), Go Ahead will book and cover the cost of a hotel room for you to relax or sleep in for the full duration of your connection while you wait for your next flight. We refer to these as dayrooms and overnight layovers.
What to do on a 10 hour layover in Kuala Lumpur? ›- Petronas Twin Towers (Petronas Towers) Langkawi Cable Car (Langkawi SkyCab) National Mosque of Malaysia (Masjid Negara) ...
- Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka) Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) ...
- Langkawi Sky Bridge. Dayang Bunting Island (Pulau Dayang Bunting) Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL Tower)
- Escape the airport on your own to explore the city.
- Take an organized tour of the city.
- Book yourself into a transfer hotel.
- Try out the local cuisine.
- Indulge in the comfort food you've been avoiding.
- Take a shower.
- Phone a friend.
- Find a meditation room.
Immigration officials will place an entry stamp, known as a social visit pass (visa), in your passport authorizing a stay of up to 90 days. Travelers may apply to the Malaysian Immigration Department for extensions, which may or may not be granted. You must exit Malaysia using the same passport that you used to enter.
Can you shower at Kuala Lumpur Airport? ›Showers – Free cold water showers are available on the 4th floor, past the eateries. Additionally, showers can be found on Level 2 and 3, Main Terminal and Level 2 Satellite Building, it is not known if they are free or offer hot water. Hot showers are available at the Sama-Sama Express Hotel and KLIA2.
What if my layover is more than 8 hours? ›If your layover is more than 8/9 hours, it is suggested to book a transit hotel where you can sit, relax and take a nap. Instead of roaming around the airport, you can have a relaxing time in the hotel.
How long do you have to leave for international layover? ›What is the recommended layover time for international flights? International flights require longer connections as you will often have to go through immigration and customs upon arrival. For international layover flights booked on one airline, two hours is often recommended to make your connection.
Who pays for overnight layover? ›Most airlines only provide free hotel accommodations for passengers that have a layover between 8-12 hours or overnight. However, each airline is different, so be sure to check your carrier's website.
Do you pick up luggage for overnight layover? ›If you have an overnight layover, you can request to retrieve your luggage at baggage claim so that you have all of your items with you. However, you'll need to recheck your luggage in the morning, so plan additional time for going through security again.