Things To Do
in Petaling Jaya

Malaysia’s fragrant coconut rice served with sambal, anchovies, peanuts and egg; find excellent versions at hawker stalls and mamak shops across PJ, especially in Section 17 and SS2.

Must-Try!

Wok-fried flat rice noodles with soy, egg, prawns and cockles; sought-after at hawker centres such as in SS2 night stalls and Jalan Gasing food spots.

South Indian-style meal served on a banana leaf with rice and dozens of curry and vegetable sides; popular in restaurants around Petaling Jaya and Bandar Utama.

Dark soy-based stir-fried noodles with pork and squid; try family-run stalls in older neighborhoods for the most authentic taste.

A handshake is common among men; among mixed-gender or conservative Malay communities, wait for the woman to extend her hand. Use a slight nod or place your hand over your heart as a polite alternative.

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites—cover shoulders and knees. Muslim women may appreciate being addressed respectfully; long shorts and sleeved shirts are fine for most urban contexts.

Remove shoes when entering many homes and some religious sites. When eating with others, avoid sticking your chopsticks upright in rice (resembles funeral rites).

Public displays of affection are frowned upon in conservative settings. Being polite, patient and smiling goes a long way.

Tipping is not mandatory in Malaysia but appreciated for good service; restaurants sometimes add a 10% service charge—if not included, leaving small change or rounding up is common. For taxis and ride-hailing (Grab), rounding up is fine; for guides or hotel porters, a small tip is customary.

Cash (Malaysian ringgit, MYR) remains widely used for small purchases and hawker stalls. Credit/debit cards are accepted in malls, major restaurants and hotels; contactless payments and e-wallets (GrabPay, Touch 'n Go eWallet) are increasingly common. Always keep some cash for markets and smaller vendors.

Generally hot with occasional afternoon showers; these transitional months can be pleasant for outdoor activities if you start early and carry water.

Often slightly drier with afternoon heat; outdoor hiking and city exploration are comfortable in the mornings, but expect occasional storms.

Increased rainfall and thunderstorms, especially in late afternoons and nights; flooding is more likely in low-lying areas—carry an umbrella and check local advisories.

PJ is equatorial—hot and humid year-round with temperatures typically between 24–33°C (75–91°F); plan activities for early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat.

A popular community green lung with short trails, streams and viewpoints—suitable for quick hikes, morning runs and beginner-level trekking.

Larger trail system and cycling routes offering more challenging runs and mountain-biking sections close to the city; good for weekend outdoor enthusiasts.

Diverse trails, canopy walk and shaded forest environment ideal for deeper nature walks, birdwatching and educational visits; requires entrance booking at times.

Located north of PJ, offers jungle trails and waterfall spots with varied terrain—best for a half-day escape into older rainforest patches.

The largest indigenous group in Malaysia, present throughout PJ with cultural influence in cuisine, mosques and festivals.

Significant community contributing to commerce, Chinese temples, hawker cuisine and businesses—visible in food culture and local festivals.

Active community centred around Hindu temples, Indian restaurants and cultural events; contributes heavily to PJ’s diverse food scene.

A growing expatriate population and students due to nearby universities and international schools, adding to multicultural dining and service options.

The most popular spectator and participatory sport; local futsal and community leagues are active and many fields are used for weekend matches.

A national favourite—badminton courts and clubs are common, and many locals play recreationally and competitively.

Traditional Southeast Asian sport (kick volleyball) still played in schoolyards and community centers—seen during cultural festivals and sports programs.

Urban cycling groups and indoor futsal courts are popular for weekend exercise and social gatherings.

Vegetarian options are widely available—Indian banana leaf restaurants often serve several vegetarian curries, and many Chinese vegetarian eateries offer meat-free mock meats. Always ask for 'tanpa ikan bilis' (without anchovies) or 'tanpa daging' (no meat) if avoiding animal products.

Strict veganism can be trickier due to fish sauces and shrimp paste in regional dishes; look for dedicated vegan cafes or specify 'tiada susu, tiada telur, tiada ikan' (no milk, eggs, fish).

Many eateries in PJ are halal-certified or Muslim-owned (especially Malay and some Indian restaurants). Check halal signs and when in doubt, ask staff or choose eateries clearly identified as halal.

Rice-based dishes are common and generally safe; wheat-based items like Chinese soy-sauce noodles or roti canai contain gluten—inform chefs and choose plain rice, grilled meats or salads where possible.