Malaysian Grand Prix - Worth a trip?

[Sortie 10]

Thinking about a last minute break and am thinking about going to KL/Sepang.

I would be grateful for any comments about whether it is worth going, and if so where to watch at the track. Tips about what to see/do in KL would be handy.

Recommendations of good tour operators would be useful too.

Thanks

[chrisgr31]

I went to the first race there. It can be bloody hot, sunny and humid watching the race, and if you are in the glare of the sun you'll be burnt to a cinder in minutes unless you are very careful!

So I would strongly recommend a covered grandstand. I was in the Granstand on the main straight on the opposite side of the track to the pits. At the end towards the first corner, was sheltered from the sun until the last 20 minutes or so of the race. Had a good view of the first corner.

I would suggest seeing if you can find a circuit map, with the locations of any big screens on it. At least that way you can see what is happening elsewhere on the circuit. You might want an umbrella to act as a sunshade.

How to get there? I was on my way to Australia flying with Brunei Airlines or whatever they are called, and suddenly realised that the KL race was on. Brunei arilines were selling a package which involved flight from Brunei airport to KL, 4 nights in a hotel, 3 days grandstand ticket and all transfers, at a stunningly cheap price, but this was 5 years ago. Think the whole deal cost me around £300 and my nights were spent in the Mandarin Oriental. As I was already flying via Brunei airport it wasn't a major problem for me having a package starting in Brunei!

What to do in KL? Visit Chinatown Market and buy all the fake gear very cheap, go up the KL Tower to see the view, go up the Petronas Tower to see the view from the skybridge, visit the Batu Caves The steps are a killer in the heat), attending the race you might not have much time!

Page and Moy probably do inclusive packages from the UK, and Malaysian Airlines might do one. I can't remember the name of local tour operator out there who arranges day trips. Might be worth a call or email to the Malayasian Embassy?

[furtive]

I went last year as I was working in Singapore the week before so it seemed rude not to make the short trip to KL for the GP. It was well worth the trip, although it was chuffing hot, and the race was a bit dull.

Security is lax there - blagged my way into the BMW party the day before the race, and almost managed to get into the pits (got as far as the paddock, the medical centre, Bernies parking space and the BBC Radio 5 live commentary box!) by saying my company sponsors one of the teams (which is true) and that I had left my pass in the corporate suite (which wasn't)

Photos here of KL: www.furtive.co.uk/kualalumpur/
And of the GP: www.furtive.co.uk/MalaysianGP/

[motco]

chrisgr31 said:

...and my nights were spent in the Mandarin Oriental...

Nice hotel that one. Good value if part of an airline deal very often.