Things To Do
in Petaling Jaya

Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, is a vibrant city located just outside Kuala Lumpur, known for its modern infrastructure and diverse cultural landscape. It features a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, making it a popular choice for locals and expatriates alike. The city is renowned for its shopping malls, food scenes, and parks, offering a balanced urban experience.

With its close proximity to the capital, Petaling Jaya serves as a convenient hub for both work and leisure.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Petaling Jaya
morning
:

Start your day with breakfast at a local kopitiam, enjoying traditional kaya toast and coffee. Visit the iconic Petaling Jaya Tower for panoramic views of the city.

afternoon
:

Head to The Curve, a popular shopping mall, for lunch and some retail therapy. Explore the nearby IKEA for unique home decor.

evening
:

Dine at a local restaurant specializing in Malaysian cuisine, followed by a leisurely stroll at the Kota Damansara Community Forest.

day 2
Day 2: Culture and Nature
morning
:

Begin with a visit to the Sunway Lagoon theme park for a fun-filled day of rides and attractions.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at the nearby Sunway Pyramid mall and visit the art galleries in the area to appreciate local creativity.

evening
:

Conclude your trip with a sunset dinner at a rooftop restaurant, enjoying views of the skyline.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at Local Restaurant$3-5
Coffee$2-4
🚌Public Transport Fare$0.50-1
🏨Budget Hotel Night$20-50
🛍️Shopping Mall Purchase$10-30

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Diverse food options reflecting various cultures.
  • Modern infrastructure and amenities.
  • Proximity to Kuala Lumpur for additional attractions.
  • Traffic congestion during peak hours.
  • Limited pedestrian-friendly areas.
  • Humidity can be uncomfortable for some visitors.
  • "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
  • "Terima kasih" - Thank you
  • "Di mana tandas?" - Where is the toilet?
  • "Saya ingin makan" - I would like to eat
  • "Apa khabar?" - How are you?

Places to Visit in Petaling Jaya

Visit one of these nice places.

Petaling Jaya Tower

Offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and is perfect for capturing panoramic shots.

Kota Damansara Community Forest

A scenic green space ideal for nature photography, featuring lush trails and diverse flora.

Sunway Lagoon

A vibrant theme park with colorful attractions, perfect for fun, lively photographs.

Culinary Guide

Food in Petaling Jaya

Petaling Jaya offers a rich and diverse culinary scene that reflects Malaysia's multicultural heritage. From tantalizing street food to upscale dining, there's something for every palate.

Petaling Jaya Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Nasi Lemak

A fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk, served with sambal, fried crispy anchovies, peanuts, and hard-boiled egg.

Must-Try!

Char Kway Teow

Stir-fried flat rice noodles with shrimp, Chinese sausage, eggs, and bean sprouts, known for its smoky flavor.

Roti Canai

A flaky Indian-influenced flatbread, often served with dhal or curry.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

SS2 Night Market

A bustling night market offering a variety of local street foods, from grilled satay to fresh fruit juices.

Taman Megah Hawker Centre

A popular spot for a range of local delicacies including chicken rice and laksa.

Climate Guide

Weather

Petaling Jaya experiences a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by high humidity and consistent temperatures year-round. Average temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). The rainy season typically lasts from March to November, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in April and October. Dry months from December to February offer more pleasant weather for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Dress Modestly

When visiting religious sites or rural areas, dressing conservatively is expected.

Respect for Elders

Showing respect to elders is an essential cultural norm in Malaysia.

Dining Etiquette

When dining with locals, it’s polite to wait for elders to start eating before you do.

Safety Guide

Safety

Petaling Jaya is generally safe for tourists, but it's advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping valuables secure. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur, especially in crowded places. Always stay aware of your surroundings and use reputable transportation services.

Tipping in Petaling Jaya

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is generally not mandatory in Malaysia, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry cash for small vendors and markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Dry Season (December - February)

Expect warm weather and low humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Rainy Season (March - November)

Frequent rain showers; carry an umbrella and plan indoor activities.

Festive Season (Eid, Chinese New Year)

Experience vibrant celebrations and local festivals, offering unique cultural insights.

Monsoon (November)

Heavy rains may occur, so it's advisable to check weather forecasts before traveling.

Nightlife Guide

Petaling Jaya at Night

Petaling Jaya boasts a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars, pubs, and clubs. Popular areas like Damansara and the Sunway Pyramid area offer a mix of live music venues, karaoke bars, and dance clubs, catering to various tastes. The ambiance ranges from laid-back lounges to energetic clubs, making it an exciting destination for night owls.

Hiking in Petaling Jaya

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Bukit Gasing

A popular hiking spot with well-marked trails, offering stunning views of the city and lush greenery.

Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)

Features extensive trails and a canopy walkway, perfect for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.

Airports

How to reach Petaling Jaya by plane.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)

Located about 60 km from Petaling Jaya, this major international airport serves as the primary gateway to Malaysia, with extensive domestic and international flight options.

Getting Around

Walkability

While Petaling Jaya has some pedestrian-friendly areas, many parts of the city are designed for vehicular traffic, making walking less convenient. Sidewalks can be narrow or absent in certain areas, and crossing busy roads can be challenging. However, parks and designated walkways offer pleasant strolls for those seeking a nature experience.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Malay

The largest ethnic group in Malaysia, Malays make up a significant portion of Petaling Jaya's population, contributing to its rich cultural fabric.

Chinese

The Chinese community is another major demographic group in Petaling Jaya, influencing the local food scene and cultural events.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

Football (soccer) is immensely popular in Malaysia, with local teams and leagues drawing enthusiastic crowds.

Badminton

Badminton is a favored sport in Petaling Jaya, with many playing casually and competitively.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Petaling Jaya can be quite congested, especially during peak hours. Major roads leading to Kuala Lumpur often experience heavy traffic. Public transportation options include buses and the Light Rail Transit (LRT), which provide convenient access to various parts of the city and neighboring areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Petaling Jaya.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, but it’s recommended to ask for vegetarian-friendly meals when ordering.

Halal Food

Most eateries in Petaling Jaya cater to halal dietary requirements, especially in Malay and Indian restaurants.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Petaling Jaya is generally of a high standard, with several private and public hospitals available. Emergency services are prompt, and many doctors speak English. It's advisable for travelers to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses. Pharmacies are widely available for minor ailments and medications.

Discover Malaysia

Read more in our Malaysia 2025 Travel Guide.

Malaysia Travel Guide