Inside the Thrill of Sepang International Circuit: A Guide
Planning to watch the best of the best high-speed cars in action? Then a trip to Sepang International Circuit is what you need!
But before you rev up your engines, check out our curated guide here to make sure that your trip to the race track doesn’t end up in a wreck. From where to stay and eat, and what to expect in the circuit itself, here’s what you need to know before visiting Sepang International Circuit!
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Sepang International Circuit is during its many must-see races. For instance, it’s always a safe bet for race fans to visit during March or April and October, as these are when The Malaysian Grand Prix and Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix are held respectively.
Alternatively, you can check the events section of their website to see all the upcoming races and their respective dates so that your visit doesn’t go in vain.
Things to Know
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit
(Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Malay, English
Calling Code: +60
Address: 27, 64000 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
Things to Remember When Visiting Sepang International Circuit
- Prepare for the heat: Bring an umbrella, put on sunscreen, and don’t forget to hydrate well!
- Protect your ears: Those fast race cars can get pretty loud, so wear earplugs.
- Don’t bring outside food and drinks: Food stalls and vendors can be found in the venue. If you have packed food and drinks, they will be confiscated.
How to Get There
Trains: The fastest way to get to Sepang International Circuit, which is near KLIA, is by riding the KLIA Ekspres from KL Sentral. Once you reach the airport, you can take the feeder bus that will take you to Sepang Circuit.
Taxi/Grab: Taxis are found just about everywhere in Kuala Lumpur and you can take them if you want a more convenient experience going to the circuit. The only downside here is that the fare will be much more expensive, depending on where you’re coming from.
Grab is also readily available in the area, where you can hail a ride from your mobile phone.
Car rental: Renting a car is good if you’re travelling with your family, as it treats you to a more scenic, private and comfortable ride. A drive to Sungai Kanching from Kuala Lumpur will only take around 45 minutes depending on traffic situations.
Plus, Sepang International Circuit features several designated parking areas for guests so you won’t have to worry about where you’re going to leave your car. However, keep in mind that a parking space here costs around RM50.
Where to Stay
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: $$$
Sama-Sama Express Hotel KLIA Terminal 2 is one of the most conveniently located hotels you can choose if your main priority is visiting the race track. It’s located inside KLIA, which if you don’t know is virtually a stone’s throw away from the circuit—how convenient is that?
Location isn’t the only thing this hotel has going on, however, as it also features classy rooms fitted with premium amenities. Staying here also means that you’ll have access to the exclusive lounges of the airport where you can just chill and munch on your favourite dishes and drinks.
Mövenpick Hotel and Convention Centre KLIA
Address: Kompleks TH Sepang, Jalan Masjid Klia, 64000 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-8661 8661
Pricing: $$$
If you’re looking to stay somewhere fancier, then Mövenpick Hotel and Convention Centre KLIA should be right up your alley! As with Sama-Sama Express, this 5-star hotel is also located within walking distance from the circuit, making it a prime place to stay in for race fans.
The rooms here are world-class, as they’re large, neat and of course, complete with all the necessities for a good night’s sleep.
Plus, what makes staying here extra special is its selection of amazing facilities from its massive outdoor pool to its restaurants and bars.
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: $-$$
Tune Hotel’s Airport Hotel in KLIA is perfect if you want to stay near the circuit without having to spend all your money on your room alone. Aside from its prime location, it’s a great bang for your buck because of its high-quality rooms and world-class facilities.
Speaking of rooms, the ones you’ll get to stay in here feature AC, TVs, Wi-Fi, hot water and all the amenities you can think of from a modern hotel. Plus, the hotel also comes with useful facilities like free shuttle services, a TV lounge, a restaurant and a prayer room—pretty neat!
Where to Eat
PappaGrill Sepang
Address: KIP Sentral, 76, Jalan Warisan Sentral 2, Kota Warisan, 43900 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-8705 3989
Pricing: $-$$
If you’re searching for the best Western food in the area, then PappaGrill Sepang will be right up your alley.
This place serves all the staples from burgers and fries to steaks nachos, onion rings and everything in between. If you’re not big on meat, they also serve different kinds of salads and pasta.
Overall it’s one of those places that you visit when you’re hungry as a horse, as they serve tons of delicious dishes in huge serving sizes.
El Boney Quattro Formaggi
Address: No 87G, Jln Warisan Sentral 1, Kota Warisan, 43900 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 19-699 8025
Pricing: $-$$
El Boney Quattro Formaggi serves some of the best authentic dishes in town and the best part is that they don’t cost too much! From pasta to steaks and more, this restaurant has built quite a reputation for serving delicious familiar dishes—perfect for picky eaters!
The overall vibe of the restaurant is quite charming as well, especially at night when there’s live music playing. If you want, you can also settle in one of their al fresco tables so that you can enjoy a much more scenic dining experience!
LakeSide@SIC
Address: Bay 3, Jalan Pekeliling, Sepang F1 Circuit, 43900 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 12-360 2595
Pricing: $-$$
LakeSide@SIC is a cool and quaint cafe that’s worth checking out for its aesthetically pleasing appearance. It features floor-to-ceiling windows, so you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the circuit while you’re enjoying your food!
It’s one of the best spots to grab a cup of coffee as well as delicious brunch items, as it’s conveniently located in the circuit itself. Plus, the taste of their dishes as well as their presentation aren’t too shabby and are worth trying and taking photos of.
What to Expect
Exciting Races
Of course, the main reason why you’ll visit this attraction in the first place is its exciting races and boy does it have plenty of them. For instance, this is where one of the most prestigious motorcycle racing tournaments is held, MotoGP.
Seeing these races in person is very different from watching them on your screen. From the roar of the engine to the energy of the crowd, it’s definitely an experience worth trying.
Open Track Day
— Media credit: NoEqual and a2zmotorsport
Open Track Day is one of the most anticipated events in Sepang International Circuit, and rightly so! This event lets race fans live out their wildest dreams by giving them the opportunity to bring their own car and drive at one of the tracks in the circuit.
There’s also an open cycling track event that they hold regularly. It’s definitely for those who have the endurance to cycle for countless hours, as the circuit is quite massive to complete via bicycles.
Extreme heat
One of the things that they don’t tell you before visiting Sepang International Circuit is the extreme heat. Sure, there’s shaded seating there, but there’s also a wide area that’s directly exposed to sunlight, which is a big no-no if you know the harmful effects of UV rays.
This is why as much as possible, we recommend bringing protection from the sun like caps and umbrellas. Also, as a general rule of thumb, we highly recommend applying sunscreen and bringing a bottle of it along with you to be safe.
Pricey food and drinks
— Media credit: apiething
Something you should know about Sepang International Circuit or any other sports arena is that the food is always overpriced. The sad thing about this is that you’re not allowed to bring outside food or drinks, which forces you to buy these overpriced snacks.
It is worth noting, however, that the food stalls here are quite varied and some of them will give you the best bang for your buck.
Things to Do
Go behind the scenes at the Circuit Tour
If you want to enjoy the full fan experience, you have to try the Circuit Tour. This will take you behind the scenes to get an exclusive look at some things that aren’t particularly shown on the TV—pretty cool, right?
Some of the places that you’ll get to visit here include:
- Race Control Room: This room is basically a huge centre that features monitors showing live feedback from the cameras in the circuit. It’s used to supervise everything from practice sessions to the races themselves!
- Paddock Area: This is the ultimate fan destination, as it’s essentially the temporary parking garage for the participating race cars.
- Timekeeping Room: This is one of the most essential parts of the circuit, as it accurately records the finish time of each participant in the race.
- Media Centre: A hall where media outlets gather to hold press conferences, corporate presentations, launchings, product demonstrations, etc. This room is also surrounded by glass halls and it’s equipped with over 400 seats.
- Corporate Suites: Corporate suites are like the skyboxes in arenas. It’s an exclusive room that’s fitted with lavish facilities like sofa sets, clean restrooms, huge televisions and a pantry for all your snacking needs.
Test your skills with the Driving Experience
— Media credit: luna.mk6r
If you think you’ve got what it takes to become a race car driver, you’re in luck! Sepang International Circuit offers a driving experience where you’ll be coached by one of the in-house talented drivers on the track.
How this works is that you’ll hop inside a safety car where you’ll be in the passenger’s seat while the coach will teach you the ins and outs of the track. After their lap, you’ll then be put to the test to see if you can put knowledge into practice—now that’s exciting!
Go on one of the most exciting taxi rides of your life
— Media credit: shafiqrosli
Want to see and feel the different twists and turns of the tracks without actually driving? Then the taxi ride experience should be right up your alley!
Here, you’ll be strapped in the front seat, while another driver will be behind the wheel, doing all the heavy lifting. All you have to do is savour the moment and try your best not to throw up, as you go through the track’s curves at full speed!
Take a leisurely bus tour around the circuit
— Media credit: porscheclubmalaysia
The Circuit Bus Tour is a more leisurely way of seeing the race tracks up close and personal. You can think of it as one of those tour buses that takes tourists through a city’s different attractions but this time, it’s purely for exploring the tracks.
What’s pretty cool about this experience too is that it comes with a tour guide that will give you a sneak peek of what goes on behind the curtains.
Lastly, this tour also includes various photo-taking opportunities, giving you lifetime memories of your visit here.
Engage in friendly competition through go-kart racing
— Media credit: rudespang
Who says that the race tracks are only for huge and roaring vehicles? Sepang International Circuit can make your dreams of becoming a race car driver come true in the form of go-kart racing—close enough, right?
This is one of the most fun things you can do in the circuit, as it lets you race on a professional track. Plus, there’s nothing quite like putting the pedal to the metal and beating your friends in an action-packed race for the championship.
Stop by the nearby National Automobile Museum
If the exciting races in the circuit weren’t enough to satisfy the car lover in you, then a trip to the National Automobile Museum is called for. This place is filled with exhibits that showcase different cars from different eras.
It also features visual aids that tell the detailed history of how the automotive industry developed in Malaysia!
Apps to Download for a Trip to Sepang International Circuit
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