Malaysia: The Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
Formula 1 is back at Sepang. This year’s race is officially the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia: it could not be held at Sakhir, so it moved here with its name intact and runs between Baku and Singapore. The Malaysian Grand Prix itself was a fixture of the calendar from 1999 to 2017, famous for its punishing heat, its sudden tropical storms and a double-sided main grandstand that looks over both the start line and the back straight. Nine years on, the circuit next to Kuala Lumpur International Airport returns with its wide, sweeping corners and some of the best overtaking on the calendar.
The circuit sits about an hour south of Kuala Lumpur, and the city is where most of the weekend happens off track: hawker stalls and night markets, the Petronas Towers lit up after dark, temples, caves and rainforest within easy reach. Here is where to stay, eat and go.
Malaysia has had one Formula 1 driver: Alex Yoong, who raced for Minardi in 2001 and 2002. There is no Malaysian on the 2026 grid, but Sepang has always drawn a huge crowd from across Southeast Asia, and the return of the race is a home event for the whole region.
On the gridNo Malaysian driver has a 2026 race seat
Malaysia in F1Alex Yoong, Minardi, 2001 to 2002
F2 this weekendNo, F2 does not race at Sepang in 2026
F1 AcademyNo, F1 Academy does not race at Sepang in 2026
Stay by the airport and you are minutes from the gates; stay in Kuala Lumpur and you get the city, with an hour’s commute each way. Most fans split the difference by staying at KL Sentral, where the airport train leaves.
Sama-Sama Hotel KLIA
The closest international hotel to the track, linked to the KLIA terminal by a covered walkway. Fly in, drop your bag, and you are a short taxi from the gates.
Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort
Villas on stilts over the Strait of Malacca. A proper resort for a race weekend, and closer to the circuit than anything in the city.
Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral
Directly connected to KL Sentral, where the KLIA Ekspres leaves for the airport. The easiest city base if you are commuting to the circuit.
Hilton Kuala Lumpur
Same station, bigger rooms and a well-regarded pool. A good compromise between the city and the commute.
Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur
Next to the Petronas Towers with the city park on the doorstep. The classic KL address, with the view to match.
Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Rooms and a rooftop bar that look straight across at the Twin Towers. Better value than the names around it.
EQ Kuala Lumpur
Modern, high up and polished, with one of the best infinity pools in the city.
The RuMa Hotel and Residences
Quiet, design-led luxury a short walk from the towers. The one to book if you want calm after a day of heat and noise.
Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur
Boutique and characterful on the edge of Kampung Baru, with a rooftop pool and good food streets nearby.
Picked by LAP 29. Distances are approximate; check opening hours before you go.
Kuala Lumpur is one of the great food cities in Asia, and most of the best of it is cheap. Everything here is in or near the city, which is where you will be in the evenings.
Jalan Alor
The city’s best-known night food street. Satay, grilled stingray, chilli crab and durian, all under plastic stools and neon.
Village Park Restaurant
Queues out of the door for the nasi lemak with fried chicken, and they are worth joining.
Madam Kwan’s
Malaysian classics in a comfortable dining room under the Petronas Towers. An easy first meal to learn the menu.
Hutong Food Court
Heritage hawker stalls gathered in one air-conditioned basement. Hokkien mee, char kway teow and a break from the humidity. Note that it is entirely non-halal.
Restoran Yut Kee
A Hainanese coffee shop running since 1928. Roti babi, kaya toast and strong kopi for breakfast.
Nasi Kandar Pelita
Mamak rice with curries poured over, roti canai and teh tarik at any hour. Where KL goes after midnight.
Bijan Bar & Restaurant
Refined Malay cooking in a converted house. The rendang and masak lemak are the reasons to book.
Dewakan
Modern Malaysian tasting menus built on local produce, and one of the most celebrated tables in the country. Book well ahead.
Heli Lounge Bar
Drinks on a working helipad 34 floors up, open from 6pm. There is usually a cover charge to go up top, with drinks included, and it is worth it for the sunset over the skyline.
Picked by LAP 29. Distances are approximate; check opening hours before you go.
The heat peaks in the afternoon, so plan outdoor sights for the morning and keep museums and malls for later. Most of this is in central Kuala Lumpur.
Petronas Twin Towers
The skybridge and the observation deck on the 86th floor. Book a timed slot online; they sell out on race weekends.
Batu Caves
272 rainbow steps up to a Hindu temple inside a limestone cave. Go early, before the heat, and watch the monkeys.
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
One of the finest collections of its kind in the world, in a cool, beautiful building. The best escape from the afternoon heat.
Merdeka Square
Where the Union flag came down at midnight on 31 August 1957 as Malaya became independent, framed by the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Best at dusk when it lights up.
Petaling Street & Central Market
Chinatown’s market street and the art deco Central Market next door. Crafts, batik and street food in one walk.
Thean Hou Temple
A six-tiered Chinese temple on a hill with lanterns overhead and views over the city.
KL Forest Eco Park
Rainforest in the middle of the city, with a canopy walkway between the trees. Free, and a short walk from the centre.
KL Tower
The observation deck and glass-floored Sky Box give the best view back at the Twin Towers.
Picked by LAP 29. Distances are approximate; check opening hours before you go.
Buy tickets
Sepang sells grandstand seats and hillside general admission. The main grandstand is the one to buy: it faces both the pit straight and the back straight, so you see the start, the pit stops and the braking zone into the final hairpin from one seat. Tickets are listed under the race’s official name, the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, not the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Sepang International CircuitGetting to the circuit
The circuit is next to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. From the city, take the KLIA Ekspres from KL Sentral to the airport, around half an hour, then a taxi or race shuttle for the last stretch. Driving from central KL takes about an hour without traffic, and race-day traffic is heavy.
Grab, Southeast Asia’s ride-hailing app, is the easiest way to get around and much cheaper than street taxis. Leave the circuit early or late; the queue for the roads after the chequered flag is long.
The weather is part of the race
Expect over 30 degrees and heavy humidity every day, and a good chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon, often right around race time. Sepang is famous for races turned upside down by rain.
Bring a hat, sun cream and a light rain jacket, drink more water than you think you need, and pick a covered seat if you can.
Practicalities
Many nationalities can enter Malaysia visa-free for short stays, and visitors fill in the online Malaysia Digital Arrival Card before landing. Check the rules for your passport before you travel.
The currency is the ringgit (RM). Cards are widely accepted in the city, but cash is still useful at hawker stalls and night markets. English is widely spoken.
Know before you go
Kuala Lumpur is one of the best-value cities on the calendar: great hotels and some of the best food of the season for a fraction of European prices. Dress modestly for mosques and temples, where shoulders and knees should be covered.
Visa rules, transport and ticket structures change. Confirm with the circuit and your embassy before booking.
