Visiting Sepang - What to See and Do

(Kuala Lumpur International Airport KUL, Malaysia)

Sepang is located some 50 km / 31 miles south of Malaysia's capital city, Kuala Lumpur. However, the district didn't come to prominence until the 1990s, when the new Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the Sepang International Racing Circuit were established. Even though there is little of note outside these two landmarks, this part of Malaysia still manages to attract many millions of visitors a year.

Visitors who choose to stay in Sepang are conveniently close to the city's famous attractions. Sightseeing the streets of KL is worth the 45-minute journey from Sepang, as grand landmarks of modern and historical wealth elevate the capital. The Petronas Twin Towers that stand in the aptly named Golden Triangle district are among Asia's premier man-made marvels. Many of the most alluring sights for tourism in Kuala Lumpur are found after the sun goes down too.

Theme parks are the ideal option for families, whereas shopaholics can get their fix within Kuala Lumpur's elegant shopping districts. Tourists can head south from Sepang, where Bagan Lalang offers a peaceful retreat along the waterfront. The region is also rich in traditional Malayan culture, which is on display in purpose-built museums and within the surrounding villages that time forgot.

Ten things you must do in Sepang

• The heart and soul of Sepang's tourism industry is its F1 Circuit, which hosts the Malaysian grand prix every year. V8 and Motor Indy races also operate here throughout the year, meaning that Sepang sees a regular influx of motorheads all year round. By world standards, the circuit is extremely modern, and it won't cost an arm and a leg for tickets either.
• Malaysia is full of tranquil coastal areas, and one of the most adored is around Bagan Lalang. Just a short drive from Sepang, this strip of coast is a great place to visit for a lunchtime picnic or even an overnight stay. Don't let the ongoing eco-tourism developments spoil a wondrous day here. The future is looking bright for Bagan Lalang.
• The district of Putrajaya is where many of Malaysia's government offices and palaces reside. Tourists who travel here should stick around for the after dark illuminations. Many of the grand structures and attractions in Putrajaya are lit up at night, providing a marvellous and rather unique sightseeing experience for tourists.
• The Mines attraction is one of the most outstanding examples of development for the better. Once the deepest open-cut mine in the world, this site has been spectacularly transformed into a world-renowned resort area, complete with a five-star hotel, artificial beach, lagoon, shopping centres and a family-orientated theme park called Mines Wonderland.
• Kuala Lumpur is only a quick bus ride from Sepang, so seeing the marvels of this city is recommended. The first site on the list has to be the Petronas Twin Towers. These beautiful twins boast an astonishing facade, especially at night. There is a popular city park located at the foot of the towers, and the Suria shopping complex rests on the ground floors of the buildings.
• Shopping in Kuala Lumpur is simply out of this world. Bukit Bintang is the leading shopping district in Malaysia, rivaling the likes of Tokyo's Ginza district and New York's Fifth Avenue. Some major shopping complexes to visit here include the Starhill Gallery, Pavilion KL and the massive Berjaya Times Square.
• The National Museum of Kuala Lumpur makes a trip from Sepang seem irrelevant, as there are plenty of fascinating collections to inspect upon arrival. Travel back in time within the halls and pavilions of this site, as a history of Malay culture radiates daily. Volunteer guides offer their services, and with the wealth of information found in the museum, these guides are recommended.
• If family travellers in Kuala Lumpur need a day away from shopping and sightseeing, then the Sunway Lagoon is the perfect answer. Both a water park and theme park are found here, offering tourists the ideal cooling-off site. Every year, more rides are added to the already illustrious list of thrills. This makes it possible for returnees to always stay entertained and 'fresh'.
• Aquaria KLCC is the largest aquarium in Malaysia. More than 250 species of underwater animals have made their home inside the tanks of Aquaria. There are also several interactive areas that provide information about turtles, sea lions and other sea-going wildlife. The exhibits begin in highland areas, then travel through rivers, wetlands and ocean environments.
• Boasting more than 200,000 visitors a year, the KL Bird Park in Kuala Lumpur is a spectacular inner-city attraction. It is less than an hour from Sepang and hosts more than 3,000 bird species from local and overseas destinations. The ground and bridge walks within the site are amazing, and should be embraced by all visitors to Sepang and Kuala Lumpur.