WITH its rimba setting, the forest-concept Malaysia Airlines’ Regional Golden Lounge is a “sanctuary” of relaxation and good food for first/business class passengers departing or on transit to Asean or the Oriental sector.

Here, you can enjoy Malaysian hospitality at its best. KLIA now has three lounges - the satellite, regional and domestic. The regional lounge will take a load off the Golden Lounge Satellite KLIA for international passengers.

According to Malaysia Airlines’ general manager, corporate marketing and loyalty programme, Datuk Raja Nordiana Zainal Shah, the recently-launched lounge is popular with passengers who are impressed by the forest concept, inspired by the airport itself which is surrounded by lush greenery.

“We want this lounge to set the standard for all future lounges that are in the pipeline.”

Enrich platinum and gold members also have access to the lounge irrespective of their class of travel. Enrich silver members also gain access to the lounge when they opt for the Golden Lounge Privilege Programme or redeem their Enrich miles on a per entrance basis.

The lounge, which can accommodate 190 passengers at any one time, is at Level 5, Contact Pier, Main Terminal Building, Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang. It’s open from 5am to 2am.

What does the Regional Golden Lounge offer?

For a start, there are world-class Italian wines, South African grape juice, a selection of liquors and gourmet coffee to mamak noodles.

The food ranges from healthy to sinful, light to heavy and regional dishes are based on recipes handed down through the generations.

The noodle station offers mamak mee, Vietnamese beef noodles and herbal vegetable soup with noodles, among others.

There is also a selection of soups, breads, pastries, salads, hot meals and dessert besides items on the a la carte menu.

Raja Nordiana says there are some passengers who prefer to drink and eat at the lounge while others may want to drink here and take their meals later, on board the plane.

“We have a great variety of food to cater to even the most discerning passengers. Frankly, most passengers prefer this lounge to the Golden Lounge Satellite for international passengers.”

There is also a business centre with fax and photocopying services. There are four personal computers with Internet access, a conference room and a prayer room for Muslims.

There is a cloak and luggage area and a reception area to deal with boarding calls, delay announcements, flight information, bookings and re-bookings and international call facilities.

For a truly relaxing time, check out the Santai Spa’s signature Kilat massage. While everything else is free in the lounge, the spa service is chargeable. At RM78, the 20-min session comprises a non-oil shoulder, neck and foot massage.