Things To Do
in Petaling Jaya
Petaling Jaya, located in the state of Selangor, Malaysia, is a bustling suburb known for its vibrant commercial and residential areas. It is a popular destination for shopping enthusiasts with its numerous malls and markets. The city is also home to a diverse range of dining options, from local street food to international cuisine.
Petaling Jaya is easily accessible via public transportation and offers a blend of modern amenities and traditional charm.
- "Apa khabar?" - How are you?
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Sama-sama" - You're welcome
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Tolong" - Please
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $70
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the vibrant Sunway Pyramid shopping mall. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at one of the many cafes inside the mall.
Head to the Sunway Lagoon theme park for some thrilling rides and relaxation. Grab lunch at the park's food stalls for a variety of local flavors.
Explore the nearby Sunway Lagoon Street for dinner options. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as you indulge in a mix of cuisines.
Visit the serene Taman Jaya Park for a refreshing morning walk. Enjoy the peaceful environment and scenic views of the lake.
After a packed lunch, head to the nearby Botanical Gardens for an afternoon filled with nature. Explore the various plant species and relax in the green landscape.
Wrap up the day with a visit to the local night market. Sample street food and shop for unique local handicrafts.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Well-developed infrastructure and public transportation systems.
- Proximity to Kuala Lumpur, offering additional amenities and job opportunities.
- Diverse cultural and dining options reflecting various cuisines.
- A number of shopping malls and entertainment options.
- Green spaces and parks for outdoor activities.
- Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
- High cost of living compared to other areas in Malaysia.
- Potential for flooding during heavy rains.
- Limited availability of affordable housing.
- Air pollution from urban development and traffic.
Best Activities in Petaling Jaya
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A popular park with a lake, jogging tracks, and recreational facilities for outdoor activities such as picnics, jogging, and cycling.
An outdoor water theme park with various attractions including water slides, wave pools, and water activities suitable for families and thrill-seekers.
A scenic park with a large lake, perfect for outdoor activities such as cycling, jogging, and picnicking.
Tours
Uncover the best of Petaling Jaya with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Petaling Jaya
Visit one of these nice places.
A popular rooftop bar in Petaling Jaya offering stunning panoramic views of the cityscape.
A scenic park with a lake that provides a peaceful setting for nature walks and photography.
A modern shopping mall with a rooftop garden that offers great views for photography enthusiasts.
Food in Petaling Jaya
Petaling Jaya Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk, served with sambal, crispy anchovies, roasted peanuts, and a hard-boiled or fried egg. It's a quintessential Malaysian breakfast often enjoyed at local eateries and food stalls.
Must-Try!
A popular stir-fried rice noodle dish cooked with soy sauce, chili, prawns, cockles, egg, and Chinese lap cheong (sausage). Look for this beloved dish at hawker centers and street food stalls.
A slow-cooked dry curry deeply spiced with lemongrass, galangal, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and chilies. Rendang is commonly made with beef and is a must-try at Malay restaurants.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Petaling Jaya better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling hawker center is a paradise for food lovers, offering an array of Malaysian street food including satay, rojak, ais kacang, and many more. It's a great place to sample a variety of local flavors in one location.
The night markets in Petaling Jaya, locally known as Pasar Malam, are a treasure trove of street food delights. Visitors can explore stalls selling everything from grilled meats to fresh fruits and beverages.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Petaling Jaya, it is important to show respect for elders through polite greetings and deferential behavior.
When visiting religious sites or attending social events, it's important to dress modestly and respectfully, covering shoulders and knees.
Using appropriate titles such as 'Datuk' or 'Datin' when addressing individuals of high social standing is a sign of respect in Malaysian culture.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Petaling Jaya with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Petaling Jaya
Ensure a smooth experience
In Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. A 10% service charge may be included in the bill at some restaurants, so it's advisable to check before tipping additionally. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also appreciated but not mandatory.
Payment in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia is largely cash-based, although credit and debit cards are widely accepted in malls, hotels, and larger restaurants. It's advisable to carry sufficient cash when visiting smaller establishments or markets. ATMs are readily available for cash withdrawals.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Petaling Jaya.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool and dry weather, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city.
Warm and humidity, great for nature walks and visiting gardens.
Hot and humid weather, ideal for beach activities and water sports.
Moderate temperatures and occasional rain, suitable for cultural and sightseeing tours.
Petaling Jaya at Night
Hiking in Petaling Jaya
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking spot located within the city, offering well-marked trails and stunning views of the surrounding area.
Features a variety of trails and a waterfall, this park is a great choice for hikers looking for a peaceful experience in nature.
This forest reserve provides a network of trails through lush greenery, with opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy nature.
A popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers, offering various trails with different levels of difficulty.
Located a bit further from Petaling Jaya, it features challenging trails and is known for its panoramic views.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Petaling Jaya through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Petaling Jaya by plane.
The main international airport serving Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding region, located approximately 55 km from Petaling Jaya.
Also known as Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, it primarily serves regional flights and is located about 17 km from Petaling Jaya.
An international airport serving Langkawi Island, located approximately 80 km from Petaling Jaya.
Located around 350 km from Petaling Jaya, it serves the island of Penang and offers both domestic and international flights.
Situated in Johor, approximately 330 km from Petaling Jaya, it serves as an international gateway to southern Malaysia.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Petaling Jaya, comprising a significant percentage of the population, primarily involved in business and commerce.
The second largest group, contributing to the local culture and community with a variety of traditional practices and professions.
A notable demographic group with a rich cultural heritage, largely engaged in trade, education, and various services.
Includes various minority communities such as the indigenous peoples and expatriates, contributing to the multicultural landscape of Petaling Jaya.
The Soul of Petaling Jaya
Discover the essence of Petaling Jaya through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is extremely popular in Petaling Jaya, with many local clubs and a strong following for both local and international teams.
Badminton is a widely played sport in Petaling Jaya, supported by numerous courts and clubs, making it a favorite pastime for many residents.
Basketball is growing in popularity, especially among the youth, with various courts available for community play.
Cricket has a steady following in Petaling Jaya, with community leagues and matches taking place regularly.
Running events and jogging are popular activities, with many parks and running trails available for enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Petaling Jaya.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Malaysia is a meat-loving nation, many restaurants and food stalls in Petaling Jaya offer vegetarian and vegan options. Look for Indian restaurants for a wide selection of vegetarian dishes, and explore modern cafes for plant-based delights.
Finding gluten-free options can be a bit challenging, but some upscale restaurants and international eateries in Petaling Jaya are becoming more aware of gluten intolerances. It's best to communicate your dietary needs clearly when dining out.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Petaling Jaya with these cultural adventures.