An environmentally-friendly airport sounds something of a contradiction in terms, but KLIA is the first in the Asia/Pacific region to have been Green Globe 21-certified. Ask anyone who has used Kuala Lumpur International, either as a gateway or transit point, and the reaction will invariably be favourable. As airports go, this is one of the better examples the traveller is likely to encounter, not just in Asia, but anywhere around the globe. Among the new generation of purpose-built international gateways, such as Hong Kong and Shanghai, it is spacious, functional and efficient, currently handling around 17 million passengers a year and growing. Occupying a 25,000-acre (100sq km) site in Sepang, south of the capital and even closer to Putrajaya, the country’s new administrative hub, it is one of the largest airport sites in the world. KLIA is part of Malaysia’s Multimedia Super Corridor, a catalyst centre created for global research and development, which includes the Petronas Twin Tower, Cyberjaya and Putrajaya. It is also convenient for Shah Alam, Seremban and Malacca, and for the Formula One circuit, where the Malaysian Grand Prix takes place in March. Surrounded by greenery, KLIA is referred to as the ‘airport in the forest, forest in the airport’, with thousands of trees having been planted in and around the terminal, replacing those felled to make way for the construction. It is the first airport in the Asia/Pacific region – and the first travel and tourism organisation in Malaysia – to be Green Globe 21-certified, which requires commitment to continual identification, control and improvement of the environmental and social impacts of its operations. And KLIA is consistently ranked among the best in satisfaction polls worldwide. This is due in part to the efficiency of the operation and also to the range of facilities. There is a conveniently located Transit hotel within the Satellite terminal, where travellers can get their heads down for a few hours between flights (from RM120/€27) for up to six hours) or simply to freshen up. For those who need to work, a business centre is located within the Plaza Premium lounge, to which all travellers have access for RM70/€15/75, irrespective of airline or class of travel. There is a full range of services, including workstations and computers, as well as showers and entertainment facilities. Alternatively, there is another business centre within walking distance in the 5-star Pan Pacific hotel, which has twice been voted Asia’s best airport property. Since its opening six years ago, KLIA has matured into a model airport and is fast emerging as the gateway of choice for the region. With rapid access via the KL Express, which covers the 55km journey from the city centre in just 28 minutes, 216 check-in counters, and a peoplemover transfer between the main terminal and the remote satellite building in under three minutes, the process for both departing and arriving passengers is about as painless as it gets.
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