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Petaling Jaya, is a city in Selangor, Malaysia, that has grown from a small planned town in 1952 into a busy urban centre with over 450,000 residents. Originally built to ease overcrowding in Kuala Lumpur, it has developed into a place known for shopping, entertainment, and a wide variety of food. The food here is especially a selling point of the city, reflecting Malaysia’s diverse culinary traditions. This guide provides essential details on transportation, accommodations and dining to help plan your trip efficiently, along with a list of the best places to visit in the city.
Location
Petaling Jaya is located in the state of Selangor, adjacent to Kuala Lumpur. It is well connected to key areas in the Klang Valley, including Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, and Damansara. Its strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring both Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
How To Reach
Photo: Wiki Farazi / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport is Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang Airport), located about 10 km away. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is about 50 km away and offers international connections.
By Train: The city is served by MRT, LRT, and KTM Komuter train services, with stations connecting it to Kuala Lumpur and surrounding areas.
By Car: Major highways such as the Federal Highway, LDP, and NKVE provide easy access to Petaling Jaya.
By Bus: RapidKL buses and feeder services operate within the city, offering convenient public transport options.
Places To Visit Near Petaling Jaya
Here is a list of the noteworthy places to visit around the Camps Bay Beach:
1. Sunway Lagoon
Photo: *angys* / Wikimedia Commons
Sunway Lagoon is a large theme park with six different zones, offering water rides, roller coasters, wildlife encounters, and interactive horror experiences. The Water Park has wave pools and slides, while the Amusement Park features rides for both kids and adults. Extreme Park offers activities like bungee jumping and go-karting, and Wildlife Park has a collection of animals, including tigers and snakes. Families and thrill-seekers alike can spend a full day exploring everything the park has to offer.
Location: Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Varies; packages available
2. ESCAPE Petaling Jaya
Photo: Etienne Girardet / Unsplash / image For Representation Only
ESCAPE Petaling Jaya is an indoor adventure park with activities designed for all ages. The park has climbing walls, zip lines, obstacle courses, and slides encouraging visitors to challenge themselves physically. Unlike traditional amusement parks, ESCAPE focuses on active play and movement. The park’s layout allows visitors to progress through different levels of difficulty, making it suitable for beginners and experienced climbers. It is a popular spot for families, groups, and individuals looking for a fun workout.
Location: Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
3. The Secret Garden Utama
Photo: Calvin Teo / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Secret Garden Utama is a rooftop garden located above the 1 Utama Shopping Centre. Covering 30,000 square feet, it features over 500 species of plants, including orchids, ferns, and herbs. The garden is designed to showcase different plant varieties that can thrive in a tropical climate. Visitors can walk along shaded pathways and learn about the plants through informative signs. It provides a quiet space above the busy shopping mall, making it a relaxing place to take a break.
Location: Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
4. Wat Chetawan Temple
Photo: Kenny / Wikimedia Commons
Wat Chetawan is a Thai Buddhist temple known for its elaborate architecture and gold-adorned structures. The temple complex includes a main prayer hall, a large Buddha statue, and smaller shrines dedicated to various deities. It serves as a religious site for Buddhist ceremonies and meditation. Visitors can admire the craftsmanship of the temple’s carvings and decorations while learning about Thai Buddhist traditions. The temple is open to the public, and respectful attire is recommended when visiting.
Location: Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Must-Have Experiences In Petaling Jaya
Photo: Azreey / Wikimedia Commons
- Explore Sunway Pyramid: A shopping mall with an Egyptian-themed design, ice skating rink, and plenty of dining options.
- Catch A Live Show: Live Arts and DPAC (Damansara Performing Arts Centre) host regular performances, including comedy shows and theatre.
- Hiking At Bukit Gasing: A popular nature trail with scenic views and moderate hiking paths.
- Shopping & Entertainment: Visit malls like 1 Utama, The Curve, and Paradigm Mall for retail therapy, dining, and entertainment.
- Theme Parks & Recreation: Enjoy water rides at Sunway Lagoon, a popular amusement and water park.
- Nightlife & Cafés: The city has a growing nightlife scene with rooftop bars, speakeasies, and late-night cafés.
Where To Stay
Photo: Vecislavas Popa / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Accommodation options ranges from luxury hotels to budget-friendly stays. Hilton Petaling Jaya and One World Hotel provide high-end services and comfortable rooms. Mid-range hotels like Eastin Hotel and Royal Chulan Damansara offer good amenities at reasonable prices. Budget travellers can find affordable guesthouses and boutique hotels in areas like SS2 and Kota Damansara.
Where To Eat
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Petaling Jaya has a mix of local and international food. Traditional Malaysian dishes like nasi lemak and banana leaf rice can be found at Village Park Restaurant and Sri Nirwana Maju. Seafood lovers can visit Fatty Crab or Pu Yuan for well-known seafood dishes. Those looking for cafés and desserts can try Strangers at 47 for crepes or Inside Scoop for ice cream. Fine dining options include DC Restaurant for French cuisine and Beta KL for modern Malaysian flavours.
Best Time To Visit
Petaling Jaya experiences warm temperatures throughout the year. The driest months, from May to September, are ideal for outdoor activities. The rainy season, from November to March, can bring occasional heavy showers but does not disrupt travel plans significantly.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Cmglee / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
A budget of around ₹4,500–₹9,000 per day should comfortably cover accommodation, meals, and local transport. Hotels range from affordable boutique stays to well-known international chains, with mid-range options providing good comfort at reasonable prices. Dining costs vary, with hawker centers and local restaurants serving meals for as little as ₹180, while upscale dining can significantly increase daily expenses. Public transport, including MRT, LRT, and ride-hailing services, is affordable and convenient.
Tips For Travellers
- Grab is a convenient way to get around.
- While most places accept cards, cash is useful for street food and local markets.
- The weather can be humid, so drink plenty of water.
- Be mindful of traffic, roads can get congested during peak hours.
Petaling Jaya offers a dynamic mix of modern convenience and local culture, making it an ideal destination for business and leisure travellers. Its excellent connectivity also makes exploring Kuala Lumpur and nearby attractions effortless. Whether you’re sampling street food or visiting theme parks, this city has plenty to offer. Plan your trip with TripXL for seamless bookings and exclusive deals to make the most of your visit.
Cover Photo: Chris Fowler / Unsplash
