Lounge Review: Malaysia Airlines Regional Golden Lounge (Main Terminal) - Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

Apart from the Golden Lounge in the Satellite Terminal, Malaysia Airlines also operate a smaller Regional Golden Lounge in the Main Terminal which the carrier’s premium cabin class passengers can also access before their flight. Since I was traveling on Malaysia Airlines in Business Class again a few months back, and the aerotrain was not in operation, I decided to drop by the smaller Regional Golden Lounge instead (this was also before the new Plaza Premium Lounge opened up in the Main Terminal).

Main Dining Area
Malaysia Airlines Regional Golden Lounge - Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

At the time of writing, all of the flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) on Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines are operated out of the Main Terminal. Since I did not wish to shuffle between the different terminals, I decided to drop by the smaller Regional Golden Lounge to see what the main difference is. The first thing that you will probably notice is how much smaller the Regional Golden Lounge is but with that being said, it is actually not really a shortcoming since the layout makes a lot more sense. The Golden Lounge in the Satellite Terminal may be a lot bigger but most of that space is made up of different seating configurations.

Self-Service Buffet
Malaysia Airlines Regional Golden Lounge - Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

As far as I know, the F&B offerings are similar in the Regional Golden Lounge as well as the Golden Lounge in the Satellite Terminal. I love the fact that the Regional Golden Lounge has plenty of natural daylight which is always an advantage in airport lounges (especially for international travellers connecting after a long flight). The layout of the Regional Golden Lounge also makes a lot more sense with the buffet stations located near the middle of the lounge and a separate coffee as well as bar area within a stone’s throw away.

Beverages
Malaysia Airlines Regional Golden Lounge - Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

Travellers can expect to find a selection of non-alcoholic carbonated beverages from the self-serve area. If you are hoping to grab a can of beer, you will have to head to the designated bar area for someone to serve you instead. While individual cans are convenient, they do contribute to a larger waste problem (even though they can be recycled but most times these recycling initiatives do not go as planned). I am personally a huge fan of the freestyle machine which you can find in the new Plaza Premium Lounge but unfortunately, you will not find that here in the Regional Golden Lounge yet.

Hot Food Selection
Malaysia Airlines Regional Golden Lounge - Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

There is a small but reasonable selection of hot food in the Regional Golden Lounge that passengers can help themselves to - there is a mix of international as well as local Asian dishes that should cater to the bulk of travellers coming through KLIA.

Cakes and Light Bites
Malaysia Airlines Regional Golden Lounge - Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

For those with a sweet tooth, or just craving for a lighter bite, there are also cakes and sandwiches available as part of the buffet spread. The items do differ a bit depending on your time of visit but I have found the quality of the food here at the Regional Golden Lounge to be average at best - the new Plaza Premium Lounge has better quality food and that is a good enough reason for me to save my Avios moving forward.

Bar Service (with Alcohol)
Malaysia Airlines Regional Golden Lounge - Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

Unlike the larger Golden Lounge in the Satellite Terminal, the Regional Golden Lounge has a bar that is integral to the entire lounge space. While the bar area has been carved out from the rest of the lounge space in a semi-private enclave, it has not been completely relocated to a different spot. If you have been to the Satellite Golden Lounge in KUL, you might remember that the sports bar is the only spot within the entire airport lounge that serves alcohol - it is also located near the entrance of the lounge which means you will have to make an intentional detour to pick-up drinks while enjoying the buffet spread.

Simple Food
Malaysia Airlines Regional Golden Lounge - Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

Sparkling wine is available at the Regional Golden Lounge upon request from the bar but unfortunately, I did not like the taste profile very much. The food is decent but as I have mentioned earlier, it pales in comparison to the newer Plaza Premium Lounge in the same terminal (which you can access for free using The American Express Platinum Card).

High Table
Malaysia Airlines Regional Golden Lounge - Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

It goes without saying that the Regional Golden Lounge is a lot quieter than the Plaza Premium Lounge or any third-party operated lounges in KLIA for most parts of the day since it is only accessible to premium cabin passengers and economy class passengers who pay a ridiculously-high fee to enter. I do like the privacy and space of this lounge but it is no longer a good enough reason for me to part with 12,500 Avios just to fly on Malaysia Airlines in Business Class (especially since the KUL-SIN route is now served solely by narrowbody planes).

Family Zone
Malaysia Airlines Regional Golden Lounge - Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

For passengers traveling with kids, there is a dedicated area where you can hang out to enjoy a little bit more privacy - there is a small TV showing children program at the back but I am not sure how effective this will be at entertaining your kids since the screen is tiny, and there are obviously more interesting things around. This space was probably carved out to allow other passengers to enjoy a little bit more peace and quiet but obviously, travellers (including those with children) are free to hang out wherever they want in the lounge.

Seating
Malaysia Airlines Regional Golden Lounge - Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

One thing that I did like about the Regional Golden Lounge is the seats on the high table which come with a universal power outlet as well as a USB charging port which is located on the sides of the table. When traveling alone, it is sometimes annoying to take up an entire table for four and this makes it a lot more efficient for corporate and solo travellers.

Coffee Station
Malaysia Airlines Regional Golden Lounge - Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

Espresso-based Coffee
Malaysia Airlines Regional Golden Lounge - Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

Adjacent to the self-service buffet station is where you will find a small beverage counter where you will be able to enjoy barista-made and espresso-based coffee. I always appreciate the existence of a proper coffee station (and an extensive bar!) so this was definitely a highlight for me.

View from the Lounge
Malaysia Airlines Regional Golden Lounge - Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

The Malaysia Airlines Regional Golden Lounge is a decent airport lounge but the opening of the new Plaza Premium Lounge in the Main Terminal has made it a lot less attractive in comparison. While the Regional Golden Lounge does have an edge over the Plaza Premium Lounge with its sweeping views, natural daylight, and abundance of space, it is no longer a good enough reason to consider flying on Business Class for me for this sole purpose.

Seats with a View
Malaysia Airlines Regional Golden Lounge - Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

Singapore Airlines used to provide a Starbucks voucher for premium cabin and elite passengers but they are now directed to the Plaza Premium Lounge (which I prefer) instead. With all that being said, the older Plaza Premium Lounge in the Satellite Terminal is actually quite dreadful and I would personally prefer the Satellite Golden Lounge if I had flights departing from that terminal.