20 Best Things to Do in Petaling Jaya

Petaling Jaya — affectionately known as PJ — is Selangor's most cosmopolitan city. It grew from a rubber estate into a bustling urban centre, and today it is known for its shopping malls, food scene, parks and nightlife. These 20 things to do in Petaling Jaya cover the best activities and attractions in the city.

Shopping

1 Utama Shopping Centre

1 Utama is one of the largest shopping malls in Malaysia. It has an indoor jungle (Secret Garden on the rooftop), a climbing gym, a cinema and hundreds of shops and restaurants. It is a destination in itself and one of the best things to do in PJ on a hot afternoon.

Mid Valley Megamall

While technically on the KL-PJ border, Mid Valley Megamall is a major shopping destination for PJ residents. It has a massive range of retail, dining and entertainment options, plus a hotel and convention centre.

The Curve and IPC Shopping Centre

The Curve is a lifestyle mall with an outdoor walk, while the adjacent IPC Shopping Centre has IKEA and home furnishing stores. Together they form one of the most popular shopping areas in PJ.

Sunway Giza and Kota Damansara

Sunway Giza is a lifestyle mall with restaurants, bars and a cinema. Nearby Kota Damansara has a growing cafe scene and the popular Sunway Giza night market.

Food and Dining

SS2 Food Scene

SS2 is one of PJ's most famous food districts. It has hawker stalls, Chinese restaurants and the popular SS2 night market. The area is known for durian stalls during the season and local Chinese food.

Seksyen 52A (PJ New Town)

PJ New Town (also known as PJ Old Town and New Town) has some of the oldest and most established food stalls in the city. It is a great place for local Malaysian food — from nasi lemak to wantan mee. See our food places in Selangor guide for more.

Tropicana Golf and Country Club

While primarily a golf club, Tropicana has dining facilities open to members and their guests. It is one of the most exclusive addresses in PJ.

Cafe Hopping in Damansara Uptown

Damansara Uptown has become a cafe hub, with specialty coffee shops, bakeries and modern restaurants. It is a great area for a leisurely brunch or afternoon coffee.

Parks and Nature

Kota Damansara Community Forest

This urban forest reserve has hiking trails through secondary rainforest. It is a popular spot for morning jogs and nature walks. See our nature places in Selangor guide for more.

Bukit Gasing

Bukit Gasing is a forested hill on the PJ-KL border with hiking trails and a viewing tower. It is one of the most popular hiking spots in the Klang Valley, with trails ranging from easy to moderate.

Taman Jaya Park

Taman Jaya is a lakeside park near the PJ Amcorp Mall station. It has a jogging track, playgrounds and a peaceful lake. It is a great spot for families and morning exercisers.

Entertainment and Nightlife

Jalan 51A and PJ Entertainment District

The area around Jalan 51A has bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. It is one of PJ's most active nightlife districts.

Laundry Bar and TREC KL

Laundry Bar in PJ is a long-standing live music venue. Nearby, the TREC entertainment complex (on the KL-PJ border) has clubs, bars and restaurants.

Catcha Theatre and MBO Cinemas

PJ has several cinemas, including MBO Cinemas at The Starling and TGV at 1 Utama. They are great options for a rainy afternoon.

Family Attractions

KidZania Kuala Lumpur

Located in Curve NX, KidZania is an interactive educational theme park where children can role-play adult jobs. It is one of the best family attractions in PJ. See our family-friendly places in Selangor guide for more.

Enrichment Centres and Play Gyms

PJ has a wide range of indoor play centres, enrichment classes and activity centres for children. The Starling, IPC and 1 Utama all have indoor play areas.

Sports and Recreation

Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam (KGPA)

This public golf club in PJ offers an 18-hole course and dining facilities. It is one of the most accessible golf courses in the Klang Valley.

PJ Sports Complex

The PJ Sports Complex (Kelab Sukan Petaling Jaya) has a swimming pool, tennis courts and a stadium. It is open to the public for a small fee.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: PJ is well-connected by LRT (Kelana Jaya and Sri Petaling lines), KTM Komuter and highways (LDP, Federal Highway, NKVE).
• Parking: Mall parking can be expensive and busy on weekends. Consider public transport for mall visits.
• Weather: Indoor shopping is a great option during afternoon rain. Outdoor activities are best in the morning.
• Food timing: Night markets (pasar malam) typically operate from late afternoon. Check the schedule for different sections of PJ.

FAQ

What are the best things to do in Petaling Jaya for first-time visitors?

1 Utama shopping, Bukit Gasing hike, SS2 food and Taman Jaya Park are popular first-time activities. See our things to do in Selangor guide for more.

Where is the best food in Petaling Jaya?

SS2, PJ New Town and Damansara Uptown are all excellent food areas. PJ is known for its Chinese Malaysian food, cafes and hawker stalls.

How do I get to Petaling Jaya from Kuala Lumpur?

PJ is directly west of KL and is accessible by LRT, KTM Komuter, taxi and car. The drive takes 15-30 minutes depending on traffic.

Conclusion

Petaling Jaya offers a great mix of shopping, food, nature and entertainment. It is a key part of any Selangor itinerary — see our places to visit in Selangor and Selangor travel guide for more.