Anjung Spotter: The Ultimate Guide for Aerophiles
If you’re a fellow aerophile, chances are, you’re on the hunt for the best observation decks to admire aviation’s best and coolest aeroplanes today. Well, you’re in luck because you won’t have to go far from Kuala Lumpur’s International Airport to find one of these coveted spots.
The place in question is Anjung Spotter and it provides the best seat in the house when it comes to plane spotting. Don’t believe us?
To make sure that everything goes smoothly during your visit, we’ve curated a beginner’s guide for your eventual visit. From what to expect, where to stay and more, here’s everything you need to know:
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Anjung Spotter depends on what kind of experience you aim to get out of the observation deck.
For instance, if you want to see as many planes as possible, you can visit during the weekdays, more specifically around 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This is when tons of commercial flights depart and arrive at KLIA so you’ll have more than plenty of planes to admire and take photos of.
Meanwhile, if you want a more scenic experience, you can visit just right before the sun sets to enjoy the golden hour. This time of day provides the best lighting for taking photos of planes, especially if they’ve already taken off.
Do keep in mind, however, that this is a famous spot for tourists and locals alike, so if you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting in the morning.
Things to Know
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit
(Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Malay, English
Calling Code: +60
Address: Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 64000 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
Entrance fee: Free
Parking: Available by the other side of the road
Operating hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
How to Get There
Train: Riding the train is the fastest way to get to the airport if you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur’s City Centre. More specifically, you can take the KLIA Ekspres Train, which will only take around half an hour to get to the airport and cost about RM55.
Bus: Meanwhile, if you want to save the most money, we recommend taking the bus. Several providers pass through KLIA and their fares mostly play around RM10 per person.
The only downside here is that your arrival time to the airport will depend on the traffic situation, which by the way, is one of the biggest problems in KL.
Taxi/Grab: One of the best things about Kuala Lumpur is that taxi cabs can be found almost at every turn, making getting around accessible and convenient. Since the observation deck is located in KLIA, all you have to tell your driver is that you’re going to the airport.
Alternatively, you can also book a ride through Grab and enjoy a much easier travel experience.
Car rental: If you feel more comfortable behind the wheel and want to provide your loved ones with the utmost comfort and privacy, we recommend you rent a car instead. Luckily for you, a rental car company is available as soon as you land in KLIA.
You can also check out our personal picks for the best car rental companies in Kuala Lumpur to know where you can start searching.
Where to Stay
Tune Hotel KLIA Aeropolis, Airport Hotel
Address: Low-Cost Carrier Terminal, Lot PT 29, Jalan Klia S4, Aeropolis, 64000 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-8787 2759
Pricing: $-$$
If you’re on a limited budget and still want to stay close to Anjung Spotter, you have to check out Tune Hotel KLIA Aeropolis, Airport Hotel. The rates aren’t too cheap, but you’ll be getting your money’s worth because the rooms are of high quality and the facilities are aplenty!
Plus, staying here is great because you don’t have to spend additional money on transportation since Anjung Spotter is only a stone’s throw away.
If you are planning on going to different day trip destinations in Kuala Lumpur, you’ll be pleased to know that the hotel also offers shuttle services!
Sama-Sama Express Hotel KLIA Terminal 2
Address: L3 SATELLITE BUILDING, AIRPORT TERMINAL, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 6, Jln Klia 2/1, Klia2, 64000 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-8775 6600
Pricing: $$$
If you REALLY want convenience to be on your side on your trip to Anjung Spotter, then Sama-Sama Express Hotel KLIA should be on your radar. This mid-tier hotel is located in the airport itself so you can virtually access the observation desk as soon as you step outside.
The rooms here are basic but they’re more than enough to become your second home during your stay in the area. Plus, with a prime location like this, we have a feeling that you’re going to be spending most of your time outside doing iconic activities in Kuala Lumpur.
Mövenpick Hotel and Convention Centre KLIA
Address: Kompleks TH Sepang, Jalan Masjid Klia, 64000 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-8661 8661
Pricing: $$$
Mövenpick Hotel and Convention Centre KLIA is a solid option if you have a bit more wiggle room in your budget. This classy five-star hotel features large rooms that come with lavish amenities and facilities—a bang for your buck, indeed!
Outside your room are the equally lavish facilities including the outdoor swimming pool, in-house restaurants and bars.
Aside from these lavish features, the best thing about staying here is that it’s within walking distance of KLIA.
Aerotel Kuala Lumpur
Address: Level 2M, gateway@klia2, Terminal klia2, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 64000 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-8778 0888
Pricing: $$
Aerotel Kuala Lumpur is one of those hotels in Kuala Lumpur that has that exclusive feel to it. One of the reasons we say this is because it boasts an exclusive swimming pool inside the airport itself, which makes waiting for flights that much more bearable.
Aside from its pool, the hotel is worth staying in because of its cute and cosy rooms. Each room feels and looks modern and most importantly, features a complete set of amenities necessary for a comfortable stay.
CapsuleTransit KLIA 2 (Landside) Airport Hotel
Address: Level 1 Lot 1-5, CP1 Gateway Terminal KLIA 2 Jalan KLIA 2/1 LandSide, 64000 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-7610 2020
Pricing: $$
CapsuleTransit KLIA 2 (Landside) Airport Hotel is the perfect choice for backpackers or those who just want to avoid overpaying for their accommodation. As you may have gleaned from its name, this is one of those hotels where you’ll stay inside a decked-out pod.
Decked-out is sort of an understatement, as these pods are made futuristic with the amount of features they come with like charging ports, foldable tables and lights. Also, guests can take a refreshing shower in the hotel’s common bathroom, which isn’t half bad at all.
Where to Eat
Grandmama’s KLIA Satellite
Address: Klia Satelite A Building, Lot A, Mezzanine Level, South Wing, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 64000 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-8776 2357
Pricing: $
Grandmama’s is a famous chain in Malaysia that serves authentic local delicacies, and fortunately, they have a branch right inside KLIA.
As soon as you enter its doors and get a whiff of what they’re whipping up in the kitchen, you’ll know that you’re in for a treat. They serve every Malaysian staple you can think of, from curry chicken, to nasi lemak, assam laksa and anything in between.
What’s better is that these dishes are being offered at an affordable price while coming in huge portions—now that’s value for money!
DIN by Din Tai Fung KLIA Terminal 1 [No Pork No Lard]
Address: Kuala Lumpur International Airport – Main Terminal, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 64000 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-8703 3029
Pricing: $$
DIN by Din Tai Fung is one of the most famous restaurants in KLIA—and rightly so. Its delicious offerings of halal-friendly Taiwanese dishes are to die for, especially its famous xiao long bao, which are dumplings filled with flavourful broth.
If you have a sweet tooth like us, we also recommend ordering their rice balls. These cute and sweet desserts are dipped in soya bean and they offer a balance between sweet and creamy—yum!
Jamie Oliver Pizzeria
Address: Lot MTB-5-L33, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 64000 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 12-451 2603
Pricing: $$
If you’re looking for a quick bite, we recommend checking out Jamie Olliver Pizzeria in KLIA. The esteemed chef/TV personality definitely lives up to the hype, as this restaurant serves some of the most delicious and authentic pizzas in the country.
Whether you’re looking for classic flavours like cheese, pepperoni, Neapolitan or anything in between, you can expect to be pleased with this restaurant’s offerings.
Also, they offer other dishes aside from pizza like pasta, salad and seafood, making it a great place to eat for picky eaters.
What to Expect, See and Do
Admire the different aircraft
— Media credit: tied.the.knot
Of course, one of the main reasons why one would visit this attraction in the first place is to admire the different aircraft as they land or depart from the airport. This activity is called plane spotting, and it’s one that’s super beloved by aerophiles, but anyone can enjoy it to some extent.
What’s great about this observation deck is that it features several levels, allowing you to get closer to the action when needed.
Take amazing photos
— Media credit: malaysiaairports
Anjung Spotter is the best seat in the house when it comes to taking photos of aeroplanes. This is why it’s not uncommon to encounter various photographers snapping their high-end cameras during your visit to this nice and peaceful spot.
Don’t be shy to whip out your camera, however, as anyone can take these photos. Heck, with views like these, it would be a shame or even downright wrong to not capture at least one or two photos.
Gain a deeper understanding of different aeroplanes
— Media credit: ashbergambar
You don’t have to be an expert on aeroplanes to enjoy Anjung Spotter. However, if you want to gain a deeper understanding of these aircraft and how they work, you can take the time and read the various information boards found on the observation deck.
Enjoy a picnic
— Media credit: bir_thokchomm
You can also turn this attraction into a nice restaurant with stellar views by setting up your own picnic! All you have to do is head to the grassy field located next to the observation deck, set up your blanket and you’re golden!
Apps to Download for a Trip to Anjung Spotter
Travel Malaysia: A pocket travel guide to Malaysia
Maps.me: Offline map of the world
XE Currency App: Real-time currency exchange rate app
Grab: Ride-hailing app of Southeast Asia
Google Translate: Word translation with offline capabilities
CatchThatBus: Bus ticket booking app