Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car
Local costs

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.

Article

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.

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.

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.

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

Petaling Jaya in May
Estimated hotel price
$113
1 night at 3-star hotel
Petaling Jaya in May
Estimated hotel price
$113
1 night at 3-star hotel

The best time to visit is probably between November and April, when the rains are scarce and humidity is low.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

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.

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.

Airports near Petaling Jaya

KULKuala Lumpur Intl
SZBKuala Lumpur Subang
MKZMalacca Batu Berendum

Airlines serving Petaling Jaya

Lufthansa
Good (7,203 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,372 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,129 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,656 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,953 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,901 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,834 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,856 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,466 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (813 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,284 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,602 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,423 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,717 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (10,394 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,222 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,316 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,917 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,326 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (933 reviews)
Show more

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.

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

See all
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
5 stars
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
$283+
View
One World Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (9, Excellent reviews)
$168+
View
Sunway Resort Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (9, Excellent reviews)
$272+
View
Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
5 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
$201+
View
Hilton Kuala Lumpur
5 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
$207+
View
JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur
5 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
$211+
View

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.

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.

Cheap meal
$3.15
A pair of jeans
$77.78
Single public transport ticket
$1.17
Cappuccino
$4.40

Everything you need to know for your stay in Petaling Jaya

Petaling Jaya Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Petaling Jaya city guide for the best Petaling Jaya travel tips. To help you organise your Petaling Jaya trip ideas, this Petaling Jaya visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.