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.
When to Visit Petaling Jaya
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Petaling Jaya in {1}
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.
Airports near Petaling Jaya
Airlines serving Petaling Jaya
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.
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.