Are you the type who arrives at the airport just in time for your flight? You might want to consider getting there a little earlier next time.
Besides giving yourself more time to check in, clear security and make your way to the departure gate without rushing, arriving early also gives you a chance to explore what the airport has to offer.
From local food and coffee to Malaysian products, souvenirs and last-minute gifts, there is plenty to discover. Even if you are only at the airport to send someone off or pick someone up, there are places worth checking out before heading home.
Here are five reasons why spending a little extra time at the airport might actually be worth it.
1. Grab a Bite Before You Fly
Travelling is always more comfortable when you are not doing it on an empty stomach. Arriving early means you can sit down, enjoy a proper meal and take your time without constantly checking the clock.
If you are looking for something more filling, you can check out D'Apple Fried Chicken at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) or Nasi Kandar Line Clear at Penang International Airport (PEN).
Prefer something lighter? Nasken Coffee at KBR and Kopi Ping at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) are options for a quick coffee break, while Acai Flow at Kuching International Airport (KCH) serves acai bowls with fruits and a variety of additional toppings.
So instead of rushing straight to the gate, arrive a little earlier, grab something to eat and start your journey on a more relaxed note.
2. Take a Taste of Malaysia Home With You
Sometimes, a particular snack or flavour is enough to remind you of an entire trip.
If you did not have time to shop for local favourites during your holiday, the airport might give you one last opportunity before heading home.
At Little Sabah in Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), you can pick up local snacks such as amplang. Over in Sarawak, Taste of Borneo at Kuching International Airport (KCH) offers local favourites including Sarawak layer cake and Sarawak black pepper.
Meanwhile, Sense of Malaysia at Penang International Airport (PEN) and Langkawi International Airport (LGK) offers a selection of Malaysian products and souvenirs worth browsing before your flight.
It is an easy way to bring home one last taste of the destination you have just visited, especially if souvenir shopping somehow slipped off your itinerary.
3. You Don't Need to Be Flying to Enjoy the Airport
Heading to the airport to send off a family member or pick up a friend? You do not necessarily have to leave as soon as they arrive or head through to departures.
If you have some spare time, there are restaurants, cafés and shops located within the public areas of selected airports that you can visit without a boarding pass.
At Langkawi International Airport (LGK), for example, you can find Burger King, Habib Jewels and Bath & Body Works, with the latter two being the brands' only outlets in Langkawi. You can also stop by Kopi Kita for a cup of coffee. As these outlets are located within the public area, you do not need to be travelling to visit them.
Other airports have options worth checking out too. Kopi Saigon at Sandakan Airport (SDK) is an option for a coffee break, while MySelera Restaurant at Bintulu Airport (BTU) is a convenient spot for a meal together.
If you are after snacks or something to take home, there is Ban Heang at Penang International Airport (PEN) and Widaya at Labuan Airport (LBU).
So, the next time you are dropping someone off or waiting for someone to arrive, there is no need to immediately head home. Grab a meal, have a coffee and spend a little more time together.
4. Forgot the Souvenirs? There's Still Time
We've probably all had that moment. You are already at the airport when you suddenly remember someone you were supposed to buy a gift for.
Fortunately, it might not be too late.
Karyaneka at Langkawi International Airport (LGK) offers Malaysian crafts including batik, songket, woven products and ceramics, making it a good place to look for something distinctly Malaysian.
At Borneo Heritage in Miri Airport (MYY), you can find local handicrafts and souvenirs ranging from woven baskets to clothing and accessories.
Travelling from Kelantan? Aman Batik at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) carries products inspired by Kelantan's batik tradition, while Siti Khadijah offers telekung and Muslimah lifestyle products that can make practical gifts for family and friends.
Whether you forgot to shop earlier or simply want to pick up one last souvenir before leaving, a little extra time at the airport could save the day.
5. Been Shopping? Don't Throw Away Your Receipts
After enjoying a meal, grabbing a coffee or doing some shopping at the airport, there is one thing you might want to keep: your receipts.
Your airport purchases could make you eligible to participate in the Belanja & Menang campaign.
Through the campaign, travellers and airport visitors who spend at participating international and domestic airports across Malaysia, excluding KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, stand a chance to win a range of prizes.
Participating is straightforward. Spend a minimum of RM25 at participating domestic airports or RM50 at participating international airports*, using a maximum of two receipts for each entry. Then, complete the entry form and upload your receipts.
Your airport spending could potentially put you in the running to win prizes including a Proton e.MAS 7 Prime, KTM Duke 390 motorcycle, gold bars and Traveloka holiday packages.
So, whether you are catching a flight, picking someone up or sending someone off, consider arriving a little earlier next time.
You will have more time to eat, discover local products, shop for last-minute souvenirs and enjoy what the airport has to offer without rushing from one place to another.
And perhaps most importantly, you won't have to sprint across the terminal when you suddenly hear your name being called for final boarding.
*Participating airports: Penang International Airport (PEN), Langkawi International Airport (LGK), Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), Kuching International Airport (KCH), Sultan Abdul Halim Airport (AOR), Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (IPH), Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR), Sultan Mahmud Airport (TGG), Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport (KUA), Bintulu Airport (BTU), Miri Airport (MYY), Limbang Airport (LMN), Mukah Airport (MKM), Sibu Airport (SBW), Sandakan Airport (SDK), Tawau Airport (TWU), Lahad Datu Airport (LDU) and Labuan Airport (LBU).
