Lounge Review: Malaysia Airlines Satellite Golden Lounge - Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Malaysia Airlines operate an Airbus A330 between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur on selected flights and this is a great way to experience the long-haul Business Class product if you are curious to try it out. If you are departing from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) in the late evening, you should definitely drop by the Qatar Airways Singapore Premium Lounge for some amazing food and drinks before your flight. When departing from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Business Class, it is worth noting that you will be able to use the fast-track lanes (same as the ones reserved for ABTC) to clear immigration a little faster (extremely useful during peak hours!).
As I was departing on MH603 from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Singapore (SIN) in Business Class, I had access to the Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge which is located in the Satellite Terminal. Unlike the Plaza Premium Lounge which Singapore Airlines uses in KLIA, the Golden Lounge is actually a lot larger, with plenty of space between tables so you do not have to listen in to your neighbours’ conversations. If you are traveling in Economy Class on Malaysia Airlines, you may also purchase access to the Golden Lounge for MYR 320 (or MYR 279 if you purchase it online) - this is quite a high price to pay and there is probably little to no reason why you should do this unless you have an extremely long layover at KLIA.
It is easy to miss the Sports Bar when you are here at the Malaysia Airlines Satellite Golden Lounge as it is the first area that you will pass by (on your left) as you may your way into the main lounge area. In fact, on my first visit, I thought that it was a business center since it was vacant and it seemed pretty dark inside - most airport lounges would serve their alcohol in the main area but since the most professed religion of Malaysia is Islam, it is understandable that the drinks are served in a separate area.
In case you were wondering, sparkling wine is available upon request (even though you will probably not see it being displayed), and the usual house pour spirits can be expected. This is the only spot in the whole lounge where you will be able to order alcohol from but with that being said, you are not restricted to drink it in the Sports Bar only - you are free to take your drink with you to enjoy it in the main lounge area.
As mentioned earlier, the Malaysia Airlines Satellite Golden Lounge is massive and there are separate seating areas that cater to different groups of travellers - those who prefer the company of strangers and other solo travellers may choose to sit in the middle area but those who prefer a little more privacy may opt for one of the little nooks by the side (which is also perfect for planespotting!).
My flight from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore was scheduled to depart at noon so the airport lounge was relatively quiet during my visit - airport lounge typically gets busier towards late afternoon but I am not sure if this is the case with the Malaysia Airlines Satellite Golden Lounge.
With plenty of different seating areas, the lounge truly caters to different types of travellers and I really appreciate the abundance of personal space which is a rare commodity these days.
The Golden Lounge has a pretty decent buffet spread and since I visited slightly before noon, I had the chance to sample both breakfast as well as lunch dishes. Located towards the back of the lounge is where you will find more seats but this area does not actually have a view so it is pretty dreadful so I cannot imagine anyone wanting to sit here on their own accord unless they are taking an important work call or something.
As I was departing Kuala Lumpur on the actual day of Diwali, the lounge actually offered special dishes that were made to celebrate the occasion - the biryani was delicious and I really enjoyed the selection of curries as well. Unfortunately, I do not know what the lounge offers on a ‘regular’ day but the food option is definitely a whole lot better than the Plaza Premium Lounge.
Malaysia Airlines added dedicated laksa bars in all the Golden Lounges in Kuala Lumpur in 2016 and this is always a fun way to sample the different regional varieties of laksa. It is interesting that the laksa bar is completely designed in a different way that is slightly more traditional (it looks like a local coffee shop with colourful chairs) and this is a cool spot to just drop by for a bowl of comforting laksa before moving on to do what you need to do (be it indulge in drinks, or to take a work call).
I tried the assam laksa during my visit and while I am typically not a big fan of it, I have to say that the assam laksa in the Golden Lounge was actually pretty good. I think this is a nice touch since foreign travellers (especially those in Kuala Lumpur for work) might not necessarily have time to sample a lot of local food during their stay so the lounge offering a chance for them to do so is appreciated.
As mentioned earlier, alcoholic drinks from the sports bar can be taken out of the sports bar to enjoy across the different areas of the Golden Lounge. I was not feeling a glass of sparkling wine that day but a pint of draught beer was perfect for the warm afternoon.
Located towards the far end of the Golden Lounge is also where you will find the bathrooms are the payer rooms for both male and female guests. Shower facilities are also provided should you require them and the lounge was never busy during my visit. Made-to-order coffee is also provided in the lounge by a coffee barista
There is a small family zone and play room located towards the back of the lounge for those traveling with young children - the room is pretty basic with a small TV showing children programs but it honestly does not differentiate much from the rest of the lounge (so good luck trying to keep your kids entertained).
Once you are done with food and drinks, the Golden Lounge in KLIA has cosy little nooks for you to chill before your flight out of Kuala Lumpur - they also come with plenty of natural daylight and a view of the tarmac which is perfect for aviation geeks to do a little bit of planespotting.
You will also find USB charging ports which are conveniently located near the armchairs by the window. Coupled with the ability to use the Fast Track lanes (great for those who do not have an ABTC card) and a decent airport lounge, it may be a good idea to pick Malaysia Airlines over Singapore Airlines for short routes like KUL-SIN or vice versa (especially when you are departing Singapore in the evening the Qatar Airways Singapore Premium Lounge is open).
The Malaysia Airlines Satellite Golden Lounge in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is quite possibly the best airport lounge in the airport but I definitely want to check out the Plaza Premium First the next time I visit if possible.
The Travel Club Lounge in the Satellite Terminal of KLIA might be a good spot to work before your flight, but the subpar food and beverage offerings make it a poor choice for those seeking quality refreshments.