Petaling Jaya travel guide
Petaling Jaya Tourism | Petaling Jaya Guide
You're Going to Love Petaling Jaya
One of Kuala Lumpur's most dynamic suburbs, Petaling Jaya is a forest of glitzy shopping malls, interspersed with traditional restaurants and temples - all just half an hour or so from the center of Malaysia's capital.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Petaling Jaya
1. It's a Fantastic Shopping Destination
Petaling Jaya (or PJ as locals call it) is Kuala Lumpur's shopping hotspot thanks to mega malls like the Sunway Pyramid and 1 Utama. Alongside stores, these complexes house everything from cinemas to climbing walls.
2. See Beautiful Historic Buddhist Temples
Petaling Jaya isn't just a modern commercial hub. There are also some tranquil historical sights to enjoy, not least the impressive Wat Chetawan Temple and the Blue Mosque in nearby Shah Alam.
3. There Are Hundreds of Great Places to Eat
Malaysians sometimes seem to be food obsessed, and Petaling Jaya is a great place to discover their passion. Don't miss sweet and sour crab at Fatty Crab as well as wan tan noodle shops like Ho Weng Kee.
4. The Nightlife Is Stellar
Getting to know the locals is easy at the numerous 'mamak' stalls, which serve cocktails and beer until late, while bars like the Great Beer Bar offer brews from around the world.
5. Getting into Kuala Lumpur Is Easy
Central KL is a delight. See the Petronas Towers, ride the Genting Skyway, and bar hop in Brickfields before heading back to Petaling Jaya for an evening meal.
What to do in Petaling Jaya
1. 8 Is The Magic Number
The park's official motto is that, whether you're 8 or 80, a day (or more) at Sunway Lagoon, a multi-themed amusement park in the heart of Petaling Jaya, means you're sure to have a blast. And to make sure, the park offers 80 attractions over its generous 88 acres of land. So, what actually awaits thrill seekers at Sunway Lagoon? A Nickelodeon-themed "Lost Lagoon", a "lost civilization" with water rides, lush rainforest canopies, beautiful trails and even camping grounds. If this doesn't completely occupy your day, launch yourself from a tower 11 storeys high in its water park, buckle your seatbelts on its multiple rollercoasters and spend time with its 150 species at the Wildlife Park. Adventure seekers are encouraged to make their way to the "Extreme Park" where adrenaline-pumping activities like speed go-kart racing, bungee jumping, archery, paint balling and even riding ATVs await.
2. A Quieter Pace
Once you've screamed and laughed to your heart's content at Sunway Lagoon, reconnect to a simpler and more sacred way of life in Petaling Jaya. Come witness how locals worship and commune with their spiritual side at the Buddhist Thai temple of Wat Chewan. Beautiful, Buddhist-style architecture, quiet and serene prayer spaces, a cavernous main hall and even a little Thai cafe will make your afternoon at the temple time well-spent. Burn some incense and fill a prayer card. Bask in the holy chanting of monks. It's a breath of fresh air.
3. The Last Forest Standing
This 100 acres of gorgeous, irINSERT IGNOREable and native Malaysian flora and fauna is the last bastion and a true sanctuary not just for locals but for the forest's little critters as well. Situated on the same road as the Wat Chetawan Temple, this lush and well-preserved forest features clean and well-carved trails, resting and picnic areas, and even a viewing tower. The tower and platform are well worth a stay: this is the highest natural point from which to gain a vast and panoramic view of an up-and-coming Petaling Jaya.
4. Made For The People By The People
Hop off the Kelana Jaya LRT station and find its eponymously-named park, the largest, in fact, in Petaling Jaya. With its seven scenic and tranquil lakes, the two Olympic-sized swimming pools and tennis and badminton courts housed at the Kelana Jaya Sports Complex and the well-loved jogging track around the park's serene verdure, this park will become your new favorite haunt.
5. One Mall To Rule Them All
If the name sounds epic, it's for a reason: this is one epic mall. The front facade alone, featuring a massive and imposing bust of an Egyptian-inspired lion sculpture and pharaoh statues, makes an immediate impression. Its 900 outlets and multiple "themed" shopping "precincts" such as Fashion Central, Oasis Boulevard, Asian Avenue and Marrakesh will keep you captivated for hours.
1. 8 Is The Magic Number
The park's official motto is that, whether you're 8 or 80, a day (or more) at Sunway Lagoon, a multi-themed amusement park in the heart of Petaling Jaya, means you're sure to have a blast. And to make sure, the park offers 80 attractions over its generous 88 acres of land. So, what actually awaits thrill seekers at Sunway Lagoon? A Nickelodeon-themed "Lost Lagoon", a "lost civilization" with water rides, lush rainforest canopies, beautiful trails and even camping grounds. If this doesn't completely occupy your day, launch yourself from a tower 11 storeys high in its water park, buckle your seatbelts on its multiple rollercoasters and spend time with its 150 species at the Wildlife Park. Adventure seekers are encouraged to make their way to the "Extreme Park" where adrenaline-pumping activities like speed go-kart racing, bungee jumping, archery, paint balling and even riding ATVs await.
2. A Quieter Pace
Once you've screamed and laughed to your heart's content at Sunway Lagoon, reconnect to a simpler and more sacred way of life in Petaling Jaya. Come witness how locals worship and commune with their spiritual side at the Buddhist Thai temple of Wat Chewan. Beautiful, Buddhist-style architecture, quiet and serene prayer spaces, a cavernous main hall and even a little Thai cafe will make your afternoon at the temple time well-spent. Burn some incense and fill a prayer card. Bask in the holy chanting of monks. It's a breath of fresh air.
3. The Last Forest Standing
This 100 acres of gorgeous, irINSERT IGNOREable and native Malaysian flora and fauna is the last bastion and a true sanctuary not just for locals but for the forest's little critters as well. Situated on the same road as the Wat Chetawan Temple, this lush and well-preserved forest features clean and well-carved trails, resting and picnic areas, and even a viewing tower. The tower and platform are well worth a stay: this is the highest natural point from which to gain a vast and panoramic view of an up-and-coming Petaling Jaya.
4. Made For The People By The People
Hop off the Kelana Jaya LRT station and find its eponymously-named park, the largest, in fact, in Petaling Jaya. With its seven scenic and tranquil lakes, the two Olympic-sized swimming pools and tennis and badminton courts housed at the Kelana Jaya Sports Complex and the well-loved jogging track around the park's serene verdure, this park will become your new favorite haunt.
5. One Mall To Rule Them All
If the name sounds epic, it's for a reason: this is one epic mall. The front facade alone, featuring a massive and imposing bust of an Egyptian-inspired lion sculpture and pharaoh statues, makes an immediate impression. Its 900 outlets and multiple "themed" shopping "precincts" such as Fashion Central, Oasis Boulevard, Asian Avenue and Marrakesh will keep you captivated for hours.
1. 8 Is The Magic Number
The park's official motto is that, whether you're 8 or 80, a day (or more) at Sunway Lagoon, a multi-themed amusement park in the heart of Petaling Jaya, means you're sure to have a blast. And to make sure, the park offers 80 attractions over its generous 88 acres of land. So, what actually awaits thrill seekers at Sunway Lagoon? A Nickelodeon-themed "Lost Lagoon", a "lost civilization" with water rides, lush rainforest canopies, beautiful trails and even camping grounds. If this doesn't completely occupy your day, launch yourself from a tower 11 storeys high in its water park, buckle your seatbelts on its multiple rollercoasters and spend time with its 150 species at the Wildlife Park. Adventure seekers are encouraged to make their way to the "Extreme Park" where adrenaline-pumping activities like speed go-kart racing, bungee jumping, archery, paint balling and even riding ATVs await.
Where to Eat in Petaling Jaya
Local favorites include Choong Kee Claypot Chicken Rice in Damansara Jaya, Fatty Crab in Taman Megah, and Gerai Nora Sate and Soto in SS14. Expect meals to cost around RM25.
When to visit Petaling Jaya
The best time to visit is probably between November and April, when the rains are scarce and humidity is low.
How to Get to Petaling Jaya
Plane
Kuala Lumpur International (KUL) is the closest airport. From there the Airport Bus takes 1 hour 24 minutes and costs RM17. Taxis should cost around RM100.
Train
Trains run from Kuala Lumpur to Taman Jaya (22 minutes, around RM5).
Car
If you are driving from central Kuala Lumpur, take the E23 directly to Petaling Jaya.
Bus
Metrobus and Rapid KL run buses from the center of town to Petaling Jaya and take around 40 minutes.
Airlines serving Petaling Jaya
Where to stay in Petaling Jaya
Damansara Utama - one of Petaling Jaya's northern suburbs, Damansara Utama has some great eateries (like the Asian Food House) and is slightly quieter than other areas as it lacks a major shopping mall.
Popular Neighborhoods in Petaling Jaya
Taman Megah - right next to Kelana Jaya train station, Taman Megah is 20 minutes from downtown KL and has excellent places to eat and drink like Fatty Crab.
SS7 - SS7 is shopping heaven thanks to the presence of the massive Paradigm and Kelana malls.
Where to stay in popular areas of Petaling Jaya
Most booked hotels in Petaling Jaya
How to Get Around Petaling Jaya
Public Transportation
Rapid KL runs a public bus service in Petaling Jaya and KL. The best ticket option is to pick up a MyRapid Smart7 card to get in and out of the city.
Taxi
Taxis charge a meter drop of RM3, followed by RM2 per mile.
Car
Car rental options in Petaling Jaya include Mayflower and Euro Rent A Car. Packages start at around RM30.
The Cost of Living in Petaling Jaya
Shopping Streets
It's all about malls in Petaling Jaya. Some of the best include the Paradigm, the Sunway Pyramid, and 1 Utama, although there are plenty in the area and they all offer something slightly different.
Groceries and Other
Local supermarkets include Giant and HERO, and 12 eggs should cost around RM6.