14 Unique Things To Do In Petaling Jaya

Let me tell you about the journey of a thousand miles that begins with a step.

And that step is a trip to Petaling Jaya, or as the locals call it, PJ.

Originally planned as a chill satellite township for Kuala Lumpur, PJ has evolved into a major city in Malaysia.

And let me tell you, it’s one of the most enticing cities I’ve ever been to.

First off, the weather is maritime and perfect for a visit all year round.

No need to worry about getting caught in the rain or sweating your butt off.

And let’s not forget about the food.

As a multicultural hub, PJ’s cuisine is off the chain.

From aromatic curries to mouthwatering noodles, this place has got it all.

I still dream about the food I had there.

But don’t think PJ is all about the old-school culture.

They’ve got modern adventure sports and fun stuff to do too.

You can immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage one minute, and then go bungee jumping the next.

Now, if you’re planning to explore the city, you’re gonna need some wheels.

Lucky for you, there are plenty of car rental services throughout the city to help you get around.

When I went to PJ, I was blown away by how friendly and welcoming the people were.

I had no idea what to expect, but as soon as I arrived, I felt like I was part of the community.

The locals showed me around and introduced me to their amazing cuisine.

I even went on a crazy bungee jumping adventure with some new friends I made.

It was truly an unforgettable experience that I’ll never forget.

But let’s dive a little deeper into what PJ has to offer.

If you’re a foodie, then you’re in for a treat.

PJ’s food scene is the stuff of legends.

From traditional street food to high-end restaurants, you’ll find something that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.

And let me tell you, trying to pick a favorite dish is like trying to pick a favorite child – it’s impossible!

If you’re more into outdoor adventures, then PJ has got you covered too.

You can go hiking in the nearby hills or hit up the beach for some surfing.

And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even go bungee jumping like I did.

Trust me, the adrenaline rush is worth it!

But if you’re more of a city slicker, then PJ won’t disappoint either.

The city is home to some amazing museums and art galleries, showcasing Malaysia’s rich history and culture.

And if you’re looking for some retail therapy, then head over to one of PJ’s many shopping malls.

They’ve got everything from designer boutiques to local handicrafts.

Now Let’s dive in even deeper!

Best time to visit Petaling Jaya

Throughout the year, you can expect a tropical climate with high humidity and occasional showers.

However, the seasons bring their own peculiarities that can greatly influence your experience.

While rain may seem like a nuisance, it’s an essential part of Petaling Jaya’s climate.

Embrace the occasional showers and consider them a refreshing break from the heat.

Don’t forget to carry an umbrella or raincoat during your explorations.

After all, dancing in the rain can be quite an adventure!

Peak Season Perfection: Embrace the Bustle

If you thrive in vibrant energy and enjoy mingling with fellow adventurers, the peak season from May to August is your golden ticket!

During these months, Petaling Jaya is buzzing with tourists from all around the world, and you can feel the excitement in the air.

Explore the famous attractions like Sunway Lagoon Theme Park and bask in the lively atmosphere of the city.

With temperatures ranging from 80°F to 90°F, it’s the perfect time to soak up the sun.

Shoulder Season Splendor: Finding Balance

If you prefer a balance between crowds and favorable weather conditions, the shoulder seasons of March to April and September to October are your best bet.

The tourist footfall is relatively lower during these months, allowing you to have more space to breathe and enjoy the attractions.

Plus, you can still relish pleasant temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F.

It’s a sweet spot where you can explore comfortably without feeling overwhelmed by the heat.

Off-Peak Oasis: Escape the Crowds

For those seeking a tranquil getaway and great deals, the off-peak season from November to February is your moment to shine!

While the occasional rain showers may pop up, don’t let them dampen your spirits.

Instead, take advantage of discounted rates on accommodations and attractions.

Explore the vibrant neighborhoods, visit museums like the National Science Centre, and savor the local cuisine without battling the crowds.

During this time, temperatures range from 70°F to 80°F, providing a pleasant and mild climate.

Festive Fun: Time It Right!

Petaling Jaya loves to celebrate, and there are several festivals that can add a sprinkle of joy to your visit.

Plan your trip during festivals like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, or Deepavali to witness the city come alive with colorful decorations, cultural performances, and mouthwatering feasts.

The temperatures during these festive seasons align with the respective seasons mentioned earlier, so you can enjoy the festivities without worrying about extreme weather conditions.

What to Do in Petaling Jaya?

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure in Petaling Jaya?

You’re in for a treat!

Petaling Jaya, also known as PJ, is a vibrant city in Malaysia that offers a plethora of unique experiences.

From mouthwatering street food to thrilling outdoor activities, Petaling Jaya has something for everyone.

So put on your explorer hat and get ready to discover my favorite things to do in this amazing city:

Kota Darul Ehsan Arch

Influenced by the Moorish style of architecture, this building for the arches was commissioned by the Sultan in 1974.

With huge resemblance to the railway station of Kuala Lumpur, this building is a series of small and big arches built together, right at the gate-way while entering into Petaling Jaya that welcomes its guests in a majestic way.

It was erected to mark the commemoration of the cession of Kuala Lumpur to the Federal Government to form the Federal Territory.

This beauty glorifies in its precision and grace, when to mark the onset of the evenings, this is completely lit up and the whole place seems to be basking in a golden glow.

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

A theme park is now the modern day version of the amusement parks that used to be.

Relive your childhood and try this out.

Sunway Lagoon has plenty of surprises up its sleeves for guests that make a visit.

It is not one thing that would keep you occupied here, but a choice of five different themes that you can try out and uncover a huge arena.

Tire yourself out with different packages to suit your needs and enjoy in – the Water Park, Amusement Park, Scream Park, Extreme Park and Wildlife Park.

The Water Park here offers the world’s best man-made Surf Beach.

Spread across a vast area of 13000 square meters this Surf Beach offers the perfect waves for the surfers.

You can either laze at the beach watching the surfers analyzing their skills, or you could try surfing here and flaunt your own skills.

Sunway is the home to the world largest water ride Vuvuzela, the first Waterplex 5D and the Malaysia’s first Flowrider among many others.

While the adults can have fun in the most daunting rides like Congo-Challenge in the Waters of Africa, the kids can be let loose at the Little Zimbabwe, which is an interactive water park.

Completely safe for kids, they can have a bucketful of fun too.

The Wildlife Park here is an exemplary site which homes about 150 species of exotic animals including, wild lizards, various snakes, birds etc.

Some are kept within glass displays while some are displayed at a huge aviary in the middle of the part alongside a man-made lake.

The Scream Park is sure to give to the most deadliest shrills out of your experience.

Get a ticket to this and you would have nightmares after trying this out.

Completely one of the scariest ambiences that you would have been into, the ghost house, the vampire centric theatre and lots of other scare zones will give you the worst chill down your spine.

The Adventure Park is the ultimate adventure destination which has some of the most heart stopping adventure rides.

There are many adventure parks around and we may have been to many as well, but the thrill that you experience on a high ride while gasping at a picture perfect landscape behind it, it just where you want to be in midair.

Another attraction of this part is the wild zoo which gives a chance to touch a real giant tortoise and cuddle the hamsters.

The zoo is definitely a no-miss activity here.

The animals are happy in their natural habitat and this is why a glimpse of an animal in this zoo is worth a million clicks.

Wat Chetawan Temple

This is one of the most popular Buddhist temples located in the Klang Valley of Petaling Jaya.

The main majestic hall is adorned with shrines in all its surrounding areas.

Though it was initiated as a small temple back in 1957, it now stands as a massive structure with eye catching intricate interiors and beautifully carved statues on the temple grounds.

If you are on the Kelenna Jaya Line of the light rail transit, you would be able to see this temple in its full glory.

The Architectural layout of the temple is truly marvelous.

With heavy gold leaf gilding and high precision decorations of multi colored glasses, the roof here is trimmed with CHOR Fahs, and so it becomes the most picturesque Thai temple of Malaysia.

Once you are done admiring his true marvel of architecture, take time out laze around here and inhale the tranquil air.

This is one place to settle your mind of everything.

Maybe a little introspection would happen too.

So now that you’ve introspected a little and are at peace with yourself, let’s move around and reach Shalini Ganendra Fine art Gallery.

Top Activities in Petaling Jaya

Shalini Ganendra Fine Art Gallery

How many times have you had the curator of a gallery give personal time to you and explain the journey of their lives?

A local gallery intermingling local art and fine culture.

The Shalini Ganendra Art Gallery is a blend of modern art on emerging regions and movements.

This gallery raises international issues and looks forward to making connections with each visitor in person.

An endeavor of the owner to create international ties and connections, the legacy has a long line to go in.

Fatty Crab

For the entire sea food lover community, Malaysia is already a lucrative destination.

Fatty Crab in Petaling Jaya offers one of the most authentic and lip smacking seafood dishes.

One wall of the restaurant is lined with aquarium displaying fishes of endless varieties.

‘Shucking crab’ is a must try out of its menu.

Cooked in one of the award winning kitchen of Fatty crab, this dish is surely a work of art and pleasurable a treat to your taste buds.

Apart from this, you can try many items from the menus.

With their universal tastes and international appeal, these dishes are sure to impress anyone being served.

Gasing Hills

Now that you are tired from the activities the best place to breathe some peaceful and healthy air is up the Gasing Hills.

Along the same way from Chetawan Temple road, a little deviation takes you towards the Gasing Hills.

This is the most preferred destination of the bird lovers.

You get a chance to see over hundred species of birds which have made this hill their home.

The hill is the only remaining portion of the reserve forest of Petaling, Jaya, having over hundreds of acres of flora and fauna.

Apart from giving you the perfect serene to breathe in, this destination is just perfect to bathe in true sunlight for a while.

Pull out your cameras and go hitch hiking around the area.

A perfect day to spend in the trees of a natural reserve, this portion of the hills will give you a lot in terms of a natural habitat.

Fun Things to Do in Petaling Jaya

The Curve

A large shopping destination in the very heart of Mutiara Damansara , a huge commercial complex with Asia’s largest IKEA store, is the Curve.

Normally, when you shop you have two choices.

Either you would shop from the local open air shops which give a battering cold and the scorching heat as a shopping bonus, or you may enter a classy mall.

But this is one experience that you may have never experienced before.

This mall is split into two parts; The Street which is the outdoor mall and The Walk which is the indoor mall.

So you would actually be shopping on a street inside the mall.

As if this surprise was not enough, the mall also has many places to eat and drink in.

Sumptuous food and delicious drinks are a characteristic of this mall.

Camp five climbing gym at One Utama

So now that your stomach is full and you almost feel guilty of the overdose of calories for the day, one of the spots you can head for is the exciting activity center at One Utama.

The concept of a real outdoor rock climbing can be little too risky for the amateurs.

But if you have faith on your physical and mental capabilities, Camp five Climbing Gym caters to the climbers who are new to this sport.

Constructed on the fifth floor of the Utama Mall, this climbing spree offers you an air-conditioned environment to climb upon.

By luck and sheer endurance, if you do manage to climb this whole wall, you would be able to catch a 270 degree glimpse of the city as a whole.

Not only is this the adrenaline rush that would have you gasping for breath, but the sheer joy of climbing to the top and then feeling your triumph of the climb is totally exhilarating.

Scuba Diving

Sealantis is located in One Utama Shopping Centre of Petaling Jaya and is the world’s first purpose built diving pool.

It has convenient and easy access facility which makes it a popular destination among the locals and tourists here.

Certified by the Malaysian Government and authorized by the tourism authority of Malaysia, personal safety is a minimal concern for the divers.

The trainers and experts make the experience all the more fun and real.

Along with your gear which is branded and the instructors who are friends you make under water, this scuba diving pool is a real time copy of the various scuba diving locations that you would find.

The experience, the thrill, the shock is the same but the only thing that differs is the risk.

Try this adventure if seeing life beneath the water has been your dream.

Free Things to Do in PJ

Kelana Jaya Lake Park

Near to the LRT Station Kelana Jaya, this park comprises of 7 beautiful lakes.

Apart from offering you the collection of seven different lakes integrated together, there is a jogging track which is misty in the mornings full of dew.

Also, attached to this beautiful joggers’ park is a sports complex.

Just the right choice for early risers, you can be here till your tour bus arrives at the hotel to take you out.

The sports complex offers a swimming pool which was made according to the standards of the Olympics and the badminton court will attract you to play a quick game.

Find a partner and hop into the tennis court.

The MBPJ stadium is also at a close distance from this park and was also one of the stadiums of the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games.

Take time off and visit this park for a perfect health improvising break.

Saujana Golf and Country Club

No!

you do not have to play country level golf here.

But this golf course will certainly take a shot or two.

Spread over a very large area, this golf course is known for its tricky holes and through a hole might seem to be a one shot game, it actually takes a lot of time to putt.

This is attributed to the winds and the incline of the golf course.

Apart from recognizing the who’s who of Petaling, Jaya, you will also see a number of tourists from all countries trying to make a mark and set their own records.

Befriend a couple of people and you would have local friends.

Though we do not have the land mail going through white envelopes any longer, but having an inbox full of emails from your friends that you made on a vacation makes you memorize those moments again.

Canyon Paintball-Bukit Utama

If you are an adrenaline junkie this is the activity for you.

This is a game where players simulate the effect of military battles.

Use of air guns and shots of colour full paint filled capsules are fired at each other.

At a distance of just ten minutes from One Utama, this destination is perfect to feel like a brave warrior at a national front.

Try paintballing like a pro over here.

With playing fields themed around the four jungle battlefield pitches, it does create a truly guerilla war like experience.

So you duck airguns and paint balls at different levels of difficulty and would know how to experience the ducking of a shot after being hit a couple of times.

The themes of the battle field can be chosen as per the choice and generate the patriotic feeling from within somehow.

Jump Street Trampoline Park

Ever thought the kind of fun you could have while you and your little ones are jumping away wildly, together?

This is exactly what you can do here.

Spend hours together just bouncing up and down and against the walls.

Super safe, thick walls that have fat padded edges, so that neither you and nor your loved ones would get hurt!

A very cool spot with some angled trampolines too that make you bounce of far away from the walls.

Though it is a low impact fun jump trampoline, the energy you can sense within you while doing this is commendable.

A trampoline which is sunken and spread over the area of 9000 square feet is perfectly safe for those who want to try some high risk jumps also.

It even houses a basketball court on a trampoline court which can make you achieve that ‘slam dunk’ that you have tried a million times till now.

Get your group together and you would be shrieking the place out.

Petaling offers you delightful experience of your holiday.

Enjoy entertainment, nature, adventure and shopping heavens, this place has everything to it.

This place is just perfect for a family trip where in each member of your family would be able to enjoy something or the other whole heartedly.

Apart from the ease of access and transportation, this coastal area has just the right weather to offer.

Neither too cold and neither too hot, just the bliss of winds you could enjoy.

Both internally and externally well connected, this city is a traveler’s delight.

Not only can you enjoy this city at your leisure, but you may also visit the adjoining cities for loads of fun and frolic too.

FAQs

1. What is the best time to visit Petaling Jaya?

The best time to visit Petaling Jaya is during the dry season, which typically falls between March and October.

The weather is generally pleasant, allowing you to fully enjoy outdoor activities and explore the city without worrying about rain showers.

2. How do I get around Petaling Jaya?

Getting around Petaling Jaya is a breeze.

You can hop on the efficient and affordable public transportation system, including buses and trains, which connect various parts of the city.

Alternatively, you can also use ride-hailing services like Grab to travel conveniently and comfortably.

3. Are there any unique shopping experiences in Petaling Jaya?

Absolutely!

If you’re looking for unique shopping experiences, head over to The Curve, an open-air lifestyle mall with a vibrant atmosphere.

You’ll find a wide range of specialty stores, trendy boutiques, and quirky shops offering one-of-a-kind items.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the weekend bazaars and night markets, where you can discover handmade crafts, vintage treasures, and delicious street food.

4. Can you recommend any offbeat attractions in Petaling Jaya?

Sure!

If you’re up for something off the beaten path, pay a visit to the Upside Down House.

This quirky attraction will make you feel like you’ve entered an alternate reality, where everything is inverted.

Take unique photos as you defy gravity and let your imagination run wild.

5. What are the must-try desserts in Petaling Jaya?

Indulging in desserts is a must when in Petaling Jaya.

Be sure to try the irresistible “ABC” (Ais Batu Campur), a delightful concoction of shaved ice topped with a variety of sweet toppings such as red beans, grass jelly, and corn.

Another must-try dessert is the indulgent durian cendol, a refreshing combination of shaved ice, coconut milk, green jelly, and the infamous durian fruit.