Originally Posted by kawoh
Shopping in KUL Airport is really bad, everything is overpriced. SIN has a much better selection and better pricing (though I generally try to avoid shopping at airports - they tend to be much more expensive, except when I arrive back in SYD, where alcohol and perfumes (not as much as alcohol, but still ok) are generally quite cheap [and you don't have to lug it around everywhere with you]. There are all of maybe 3-4 shops in KUL - one for cigarettes, one for alcohol, one of all other bits and pieces and maybe a few design shops and a delifrance. Upstairs they have a couple of places - one restaurant and one rainforest cafe. There is also the Plaza Premium lounge which is about US$15-20 for entry. The deli france there charges like a wounded bull.
I can see you've been through KUL a few times
, and I agree about SIN being much better for shopping; alcohol prices, in particular, are among the cheapest on the planet (which is surprising considering that they cost an arm and a leg as soon as you're past Customs!)... but let me just emphasize that the above is for the international satellite section
after immigration!
In terms of things to do at KLIA, as i've said it is REALLY boring. So try and minimise the amount of time you spend there. If you do want chow and don't have lounge access, I'd suggest getting some food BEFORE you go through immigration, they have a KFC there, and some other noodle, sandwich shops and a Burger King.
So yes, if you have time to spare don't go through immigration, but eat & shop after checking in. In addition to the obvious shops and restaurants on the departure level (5), you can take the elevator down to levels 2 or 4, both of which have food courts with much better selection and somewhat lower prices.
If you do want to do shopping, save it all for Malaysia, skip shopping in SIN or SIN, KUL airports, head down to in Kuala Lumpur - KLCC, Mid Valley Megamall (Bangsar LRT Putra station is the closest), and the Sungei Wang / Lot 10 / Star Hill area (near JW Marriott, new Westin, Regent) for your shopping. I've read many folks on here think SIN taxis are cheap, well divide the price you pay in SIN by 4-5 times and that's what you'll pay for a taxi in Malaysia - I almost feel sorry i'm paying them that little - it probably cost them more in fuel! Also, don't miss a visit to Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur.
You forget that fuel in Malaysia also costs 4-5 times less than in SIN! And Petaling St ain't the same after they built that fancy-schmancy roof over it... but the
bak kut teh is still good.