This airport-resort, just a short taxi ride from Kuala Lumpur’s international airport terminal, offers a budget-friendly stay that will have you relaxed and ready to fly.
There are not many airport hotels where you can sip cocktails by a sprawling outdoor pool under a sun umbrella surrounded by dense tropical forest, but that is the deal at ibis Styles Sepang KLIA. This 229-room resort-inspired stay is just over a kilometre from the hustle and bustle of the airport but feels like a destination in itself. The pool is the biggest in the Sampang region, it is near the one-time Sampang F1 circuit where you can now take your own vehicles and is close hawker stalls and factory outlet shopping.
What’s the neighbourhood like?
It’s an oasis among the runways and planes but there are local highlights. Beyond the F1 circuit you can head to Mitsui Outlet Park, a factory outlet shopping mall that KL residents travel to for the great deals. It also just 20 minutes to SplashMania water park with slides, swimming and a surf park if you need to tire out some plane-seat-crazy kids.
Where am I sleeping?
The high-ceilinged rooms are simple but comfortable with nature-themed art stretching across one wall and views out to the pool area.
What's on the menu?
Next to the pool, encased in a glass cube, is sTREATs and while it does have international offerings like Aussie sirloin and fish and chips, it’s the local cuisine that shines. Get a plate of kampung satay with peanut sauce or a local version of nasi goreng Sepang. Mee goreng noodles with whole, barbecued prawns is also a hit.
And how about drinks?
Also at sTREATs, you can get a signature cocktail that channels beach club vibes. The list features a Kookaburra (lemon-grass-infused gin, lime, mint and vanilla syrup), Indus Nesus (Absolut vodka with berry compote) and a limey, salty Beergharita.
What are the facilities like?
When you see the size of the fitness centre, you have to reminded that you are just five minutes from the airport. This is an incredibly spacious ibis Styles, the pool dominates in a way usually reserved for beachside havens, the entrance is open and welcoming and the restaurant seats 233 people. You could spend a weekend here happily not just a layover.
What sets ibis Styles Sepang KLIA apart?
Just like the recently built airport resort in Darwin, this hotel manages to offer a secluded, relaxing stay in what is often an industrial airport-adjacent space.
Who will love ibis Styles Sepang KLIA?
Anyone who needs a convenient airport stay but is afraid they will end up sleeping in a glorified cupboard.
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The writer was a guest of the hotel.
