Petaling Jaya

1280px Petaling Jaya Plaza - |Petaling Jaya

Petaling Jaya, universally referred to as PJ, is a satellite city in the state of Selangor to the west of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It attained city status in 2006 on the auspicious day of June 20 (20-06-2006!)

Petaling Jaya Halal Explorer

Founded only in 1954 as Malaysia's first planned town, PJ has become a busy commercial and residential hub in its own right with over 450,000 inhabitants. In the later years, further expansion to the north saw the rise of the Damansara area that gave birth to such housing estates as Bandar Utama, Kota Damansara, Damansara Perdana, Bandar Sri Damansara and Damansara Impian.

Addresses in PJ are remarkably bureaucratic. The town is divided into numbered sections (seksyen), which to further confuse things are denoted with just S (eastern PJ), SS (central and western), PJU (northern), and PJS (southern). The northern chunk is commonly called Damansara. "SS" is an acronym for "Subang-Sungei Way", and just to keep you on your toes, sections SS 12 through 19 & PJS were part of Petaling Jaya and then re-assigned to a new neighbourhood city, Subang Jaya, covering the west area of Kuala Lumpur.

Each road in a section is numbered, so an address like "No. 38, Jalan SS 21/58" means house 38, road 58, section SS 21. There is no definitive form for a PJ address. Therefore the above example could well be written as 38 Road SS 21/58, 38 Jln SS 21/58 or simply as 38 SS 21/58. Most major roads developed during the 1960s are given names,e.g. Jalan Utara, Jalan Selangor, Jalan Kemajuan. Some secondary roads, even those in residential or industrial areas were also given names. For example, Jalan 8/8 in Section 8 is commonly called Jalan Tengas, Jalan 13/1 is commonly called Jalan Bersatu. In addition and the roads of PJ Old Town or Section One are simply named as Road 1, Road 2, etc. As for the predominantly industrial Section 51A and the roads are named as Jalan 222, Jalan 225 etc.

The numbered sections are usually adjacent to each other. For instance, Section 16 is adjacent to section 17 which is adjacent to Section 19. The 'missing' Section 18 (originally to be named Section 1B) is way across the other side of town adjacent to Section 1A. Likewise, without a good map, it can be an onerous exercise to find PJ roads. For instance, Jalan 21/20 is adjacent to Jalan 21/18. However Jalan 21/1 is also adjacent to Jalan 21/18. (Most odd numbered roads are parallel to odd numbered road, even numbered roads are parallel to even numbered roads, and odd numbered road and even numbered roads are perpendicular to each other.) In addition, residents within a local PJ community may sometimes choose to refer to their local roads simply by their numbers, omitting the prefix altogether. For instance, in Damansara Jaya, residents often choose to refer to the road 'Jalan SS 22/39' as 'Road 39'.

Travel to Petaling Jaya

By road

PJ is well linked with Kuala Lumpur and the rest of the nation by road. The main Kuala Lumpur-PJ link is the Federal Highway which goes through the middle of PJ and continues to Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang and Port Klang. The main link to the northern part of PJ is the Sprint Expressway while the southern areas of PJ are served by the New Pantai Expressway.

If using the North-South Expressway (E1) and the main exits for PJ are Subang Jaya, and Kuala Lumpur/Damansara and Hartamas|Damansara.

By Rail

The Kuala Lumpur#Get around|Kelana Jaya line light rail transit (formerly PUTRA-LRT) snakes from central Kuala Lumpur to the center of PJ and is a good way of avoiding the traffic jams between the two, especially at rush hour. The main stations in PJ are Taman Jaya (nearest to PJ New Town), Asia Jaya (walking distance to the KL-Klang bus stop), Taman Paramount, and Kelana Jaya.

The Kuala Lumpur#Get around|KTM Komuter electric trains also stops at several places in PJ, albeit not as convenient as the LRT. The PJ stations, namely Jalan Templer, Kampung Dato Harun, Seri Setia and Setia Jaya, are on the Sentul-Port Klang Line.

Travel on a Bus in Petaling Jaya

• From Kuala Lumpur: Petaling Jaya is linked to Kuala Lumpur by Rapid KL and Metrobus buses. Main bus hubs are Asia Jaya, Damansara Uptown and Bandar Utama. Main Rapid KL routes linking Kuala Lumpur and PJ are T80 (Shah Alam via Federal Highway), T81 (Subang via Federal Highway) and T82 (Bandar Utama). There are also bus connections from PJ to Klang and Port Klang, served by Transnasional (which can be caught at bus stops along the Federal Highway), and Putrajaya (Rapid KL route T43 from Bandar Utama).
• From other destinations: The luxury Aeroline operating between PJ and Singapore with double-deck coaches stops at two locations in PJ - Menara Axis (opposite the Asia Jaya LRT station) and One Utama Shopping Centre. From Menara Axis and there are four services to Singapore daily (departing 08:00, 09:30, 11:00, 18:00) while at One Utama and there are two daily trips (departing 10:00 and 18:30).

Best way to travel in Petaling Jaya by a Taxi

All metered taxis operating in Kuala Lumpur also serve PJ.

How to get around in Petaling Jaya

PJ is quite spread out and you pretty much need your own wheels to get around.

By road

A good web of roads link most parts of PJ. Main highways which cover most of PJ are the Federal Highway (covering central PJ), Sprint Expressway (serving Damansara and the northern part of PJ), New Pantai Expressway (linking the southern sections of PJ) and the Lebuhraya Damansara Puchong or LDP (Damansara Puchong Expressway), which connects the northern and southern parts of PJ.

By Rail

The Kuala Lumpur#Get around|Kelana Jaya Line light rail transit (LRT) is convenient for those moving between PJ New Town and Kelana Jaya.

Travel on a Bus in Petaling Jaya

Rapid KL and Metrobus are the main operators. Although the bus service is not up to first world standards, it has improved tremendously. The network is complicated but Rapid KL now provides information on its routes on its website.

Rapid KL's network works on a hub and spoke concept, where trunk routes (the bus number starts with "U") from Kuala Lumpur link hubs in Petaling Jaya where local shuttle buses (the bus number starts with "T") fan out into the numerous residential areas. Local shuttles also radiate from light rail transit (LRT) stations. Main hubs include the Kelana Jaya, Taman Bahagia, Asia Jaya and Taman Jaya LRT stations, and Bandar Utama (next to One Utama Shopping Centre), Damansara Uptown, EPF and Asia Jaya bus stops.

All Metrobus buses (fares go according to distance) with destinations in PJ originate from Kuala Lumpur. They serve most areas in PJ, especially Section 14, Kota Damansara, and southern PJ.

The major hotels (Hilton, Sunway Resort, Eastin, Crystal Crown, Royale Bintang, and Armada) have shuttle bus services that take guests into KL City and various PJ monuments such as Sunway Lagoon, One Utama, and The Curve Shopping Center.

Best way to travel in Petaling Jaya by a Taxi

All Kuala Lumpur metered taxis operate in Petaling Jaya, but there are far fewer roaming the streets and you'll usually need to find a taxi stand or call them up. Some cab company numbers are:-

• Comfort Taxi ☎ +60 3-26922525. RM1 surcharge on top of the meter.
• Super Cab Taxi ☎ +60 3-78055333. RM1 surcharge on top of the meter.
• Radio Cab Taxi ☎ +60 3-26936211. RM1 surcharge on top of the meter.
• Public Cab Taxi ☎ +60 3-62592020. RM1 surcharge on top of the meter.

What to see in Petaling Jaya

Petaling Jaya Museum - |Petaling Jaya Museum Jaya Park - |Jaya Park

Unlike other towns and there is nothing much to notice here, except for the occasional oddities here and there.

If you must take the public transport, try the Light Rail Transit (LRT) via the Kelana Jaya Line which covers major residential and commercial sections of this town, starting with stations (from KL City); Taman Jaya, Asia Jaya, Taman Paramount, Taman Bahagia and finally Kelana Jaya.

The best way to see this area is to take a leisurely drive during non-peak hours. Some of the major attractions around the Greater PJ area are listed below.

• Kota Darul Ehsan Arch. This huge marble arch and the gateway into Petaling Jaya, was erected to mark the commemoration of the cession of Kuala Lumpur to the Federal Government to form the Federal Territory. Construction commenced in 1974 and the arch was opened in 1981. The arch is most spectacular at night when the lighting creates a "golden" illumination to highway motorists.
• Wat Chetawan Temple. (Nearest LRT Station: Taman Jaya) One of the main (Thai) Buddhist temples in the Klang Valley and the Chetawan can be seen in full glory either when driving on Jalan Gasing or traveling on the Kelana Jaya Line LRT. With a towering main prayer hall and surrounded by shrines and the temple has been around for more than 40 years, having started as a small temple in Jalan Raja Bot in 1957. The present temple was built in the early 1960s. Today, it is the main attraction for devotees and visitors alike because of its intricate design and statues within the temple grounds. The temple attracts huge numbers of devotees during (Thai) festivals like Songkran and Loy Krathong, as well as Wesak, and hosts (Thai) royal visitors during auspicious festivals.
• MBPJ Tower. (Nearest LRT Station: Taman Jaya) The headquarters of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and a prominent PJ landmark and the 27-storey building which cost RM50m was officiated by the late Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah on March 16, 1987. The building is unique in the sense that it stands in the middle of a pit-like "sunken plaza" and surrounded by shops as well as commercial areas.
• Hilton PJ. This legendary hotel has been a hallmark of good food for the people of Petaling Jaya since its opening in 1984 (the longest-operating Hilton in Malaysia!) Its Paya Serai coffee house has been delighting diners with its daily hi-tea buffet for many years now and also and the ever popular Chili's Bistro was given a facelift. In fact, most people will know the PJ State area by the mere mention of "Hilton" or its famous neighbor, Menara MBPJ.
• Gasing Hill. Along the same road from the Chetawan Temple is the turnoff towards the Gasing Hill. The Hill, which is the only remaining forest reserve in PJ, covers roughly 100 acres where rare fauna and flora could be found. There are also trails, a viewing tower and resting area for nature lovers. From the top of Gasing Hill one gets breath-taking views of PJ and Kuala Lumpur. Over 100 species of birds are to be found in this green lung.
• Taman Jaya. A spot for those in search of outdoor activities like jogging and cycling is Taman Jaya, a favourite recreational hub for residents with its shady trees and lake. It is a short walk away from the similarly-named LRT station as well as the Amcorp Mall and Dataran PJ Field.
• Kelana Jaya Lake Park. (Nearest LRT Station: Kelana Jaya) One of the largest in PJ, with its 7 scenic lakes, this park was formerly a mining area that was rehabilitated in the 1980s into what it is today. Other than a popular jogging track around the lakes and the Kelana Jaya Sports Complex is located nearby and it contains two Olympic-sized swimming pools as well as tennis and badminton courts. The modern MBPJ Stadium is also in the vicinity and it was one of the venues used for the KL 1998 Commonwealth Games.
• LDP Cable-Stayed Bridge. The LDP (Damansara-Puchong Highway) Cable Stayed Bridge at Persekutuan Interchange crossing the Federal Highway is the first Cable Stayed Land Bridge in Malaysia. The bridge stands out as an aesthetically pleasing and unique design in a highway project in the nation. The design and construction methods of the bridge allowed for the necessary traffic management required at the construction site (one of the busiest interchanges); a normal bridge design would have required for the removal of 2 traffic lanes to accommodate the construction of the piers.
• PJ Exchange. This 35-storey office tower, which is under construction, has a great location in PJ as it's at the doorstep of the Taman Jaya LRT Station and next to the Federal Highway and the popular Amcorp Mall. With its 30-m spire and the PJ Exchange (PJX) became the tallest office tower in PJ and a prominent landmark upon completion in 2010.

Best things to do in Petaling Jaya

• Damansara Jaya urban oasis - Offers morning or evening recreational activities.

• DJROA community centre - Offers line dancing and Wai Dan Gung.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Petaling Jaya

Atria Shopping Gallery - Atria Shopping Gallery Jaya Shopping Center - |Jaya Shopping Center Paradigm Mall - |Paradigm Mall

Various pasar malam (night markets) can be found on the main streets in the suburbs around Petaling Jaya. It's the best way to get to know the 'true' Malaysian culture. There you can find fresh foods, quick Snacks and it is also a popular target by the local triads to sell their contraband merchandise of anything under the sun: clothing, electronics, mobile phone accessories, pirated DVDs and Audio CDs etc. You get a very good bargain if you buy them in bulk or if you speak (Malay) or Chinese dialect (most Chinese in PJ understands Hokkien).

But if it's air-con and fast food you want, PJ has a few megamalls:

• Sunway Pyramid Megamall - A thematic mall with lots of mini tenants including a Twelve-Cineplex. It is 3 minutes by vehicle from the Subang Jaya KTM Station (Pel. Klang line).

• Amcorp Mall - Mall with lots of mini-anchor tenants and a great weekend flea market on the Lower Ground floor. It is 5 minutes walk from the Taman Jaya LRT Station (Kelana Jaya Line).

• Digital Mall - Section 14, in the building previously occupied by Metrojaya, just across the street from Jaya SC. This colourful building with a mosaic-like facade, unique neon lights, and large TV screen is the city's first IT-lifestyle mall.

• Giant Kelana Jaya - Overlooking the Kelana Jaya Lake, this complex has a Giant Hypermarket as its anchor (hence the name) and numerous other tenants including a and Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.) and a large food court on the 3rd Floor.

• Millennium Plaza, Section 14. More of a community-based complex as it is surrounded by houses as well as the Menara Jaya condo and below the Millennium Place Residences. It is 5 minutes drive along the road from Jaya SC. Cafe such as Picadilly which serves local and western.
• Mutiara Damansara. A new commercial precinct that is home to Asia's largest IKEA store and the adjoining IKANO Power Centre. Other malls here include The Curve lifestyle and F&B mall, a large and Tesco hypermarket and the Cineleisure Damansara Entertainment Complex. The precinct is served by an hourly free shuttle bus from Kelana Jaya LRT (at the entrance to IKANO Centre).

• One Utama - One of the largest and most popular malls in the Klang Valley, recently expanded with a brand new wing. Existing tenants Jusco, Marks & Spencer, and TGV Cinemas in the old block are now accompanied by those in the new wing such as Parkson, MPH Megastore, Golden Screen Cinemas, Celebrity Fitness, and Marks & Spencer as well as Malaysia's largest rock-climbing gymnasium.

• The Atria - Another community shopping mall with Giant as its anchor tenant in the middle of the often overlooked Damansara Jaya Town Centre.

• The Curve - This very popular lifestyle and fashion mall forms the centrepiece of the Mutiara Damansara commercial precinct (see above). The complex is split into The Street (outdoor mall) and The Walk (indoor). Anchor tenants include the new MJ by Metrojaya, VISTA Vision Specialist (Region Largest LASIK Outlet), MPH Bookstores and HSL Digital Lifestyle as well as Fitness First, Red Box Karaoke, and Marche Movenpick Restaurant at The Street. Other shopping haven nearby include TESCO Hypermarket, IKEA & 10 screen newly opened Cathay Cineplex.

• Thrifty Mall, Jalan Barat, Sec. 8. The "other" shopping centre in PJ State (the other being Amcorp) and the three-storey building commonly called "Wisma Thrifty" has a Giant Supermarket with selected Halal food, Courts Mammoth furniture store, and Olympia College as anchors. A Coffee Bean outlet and Memory Lane giftshop are also located here.

• Tropicana City Mall - 2 levels underground vehicle park and 4-storey shopping centre building. Carrefour hypermarket on the lower ground floor as its anchor tenant. Major tenants include Toys R Us, Esprit, and Nichii Fashion City. The Mall is adjoining the Tropics Designer Suites and a Signature Office Tower. There is also a 6-screen Golden Screen Cinemas as an alternative to the ones in 1 Utama and Cineleisure for movie buffs. Located at the fringes of SS2 and adjacent to Tropicana City Business Park (ex-Damansara Intan.)

• Ikano Power Centre | It is a mega mall in Mutiara Damansara. It has lots of clothes shops and entertainment shops.

• SStwo Mall | This five-storey mall has 1000 vehicle parking bays and some 200 retail units. One of the mall's highlights is @, an open-air courtyard dedicated to F&B, with alfresco-style dining.

Halal Restaurants in Petaling Jaya

Eating is almost a national obsession with eateries available around the clock. Petaling Jaya is home to some Halal restaurants and stalls serving all sorts of Asian and Western cuisine catering to almost all sorts of budgets.

Mamak restaurants are found throughout the city. A veritable PJ institution and these 24-hour restaurants operated mainly by Indian-Muslims are popular amongst the young crowd for the live soccer broadcasts on weekends (and weekdays on occasion) as well as good quality food.

Damansara Utama

• Asian Food House, No. 38, Jalan SS 21/58. The sign unhelpfully proclaims that this restaurant specializes in "Asian food", but in reality it's mostly Taiwanese fare. The Beef stew with Rice (RM8.90) isn't bad.
• Village Park Restaurant. Great fried Chicken. Eaten with nasi lemak.

Taman Megah

• William Mamak Stall | A fantastic Mamak stall with unique food choice. Located in the Taman Megah housing area.

Section 14

• Sate Nora, Medan Ria MBPJ. Has been around for over 30 years. Best sate in Malaysia. Tuesday - Su.

Section 19

• Stranger Restaurant & Cafe, No. 10 & 12, Jalan 19/36. The restaurant is most well known for its Lunch and Dinner Set Steamboat and is priced at RM9.80 and RM12.80 per person respectively. In addition and there is a good variety of Rice and Noodles as well as "kopitiam" (coffee shop) and none-alcoholic drinks selections.

Damansara Jaya Basic fare including (Malay) and Chinese mixed Rice are available from the 2 hawker centres located adjacent to the Jalan SS 22/19 and SS 22/25 vehicle parks.

• Restaurant Al Fariz Maju | It is an Indian restaurant with an exotic taste. Try their own recipe fried Chicken and "teh tarik". Also roti canai and kuah sardin will ignite your taste bud.

• Bangkok House | Bangkok House is a Halal restaurant, was founded by a Malaysian couple, back in early 2000s. Serving the best authentic (Thai) cuisine, Bangkok House is a heavenly place for all food lovers. Menu price ranges from RM3.50 to RM65 per dishes. Walk-ins, reservation, and catering orders are welcomed!For more inquiry, call 03-7954 9872
• Ma Ma's Restaurant on Jalan SS 22/25. Upmarket restaurant serving excellent Penang nyonya style dishes. Reputed to be a favourite of the late Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood, wife of Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi. The nyonya fish head Curries was one dish she had particularly liked.

• Cinta Ria | Cinta Ria is a Halal restaurant that serves breakfast from 08:30.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Petaling Jaya

Petaling Jaya - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Petaling Jaya, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Petaling Jaya. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Petaling Jaya and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Petaling Jaya. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Petaling Jaya. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inPetaling Jaya: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Petaling Jaya.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Petaling Jaya: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Petaling Jaya, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Petaling Jaya.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Petaling Jaya, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Petaling Jaya, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Petaling Jaya and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Petaling Jaya, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Petaling Jaya, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Petaling Jaya without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Petaling Jaya is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Petaling Jaya.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Petaling Jaya is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Petaling Jaya, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Petaling Jaya Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Despite being just "next-door" to the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, PJ has its fair share of hotels in all categories. Note that there are no inns, guest houses, motels or hotels in Damansara Jaya.

• the verve hotel ara damansara - An eclectic chic business boutique hotel located within the vicinity of the Skypark Terminal (aka Subang Airport). The hotel embraces the informality and cool factor of backpacker lodgings but with the little luxuries and techness of modern business hotels].and then some. The hotel features exquisitely hand painted wall tattoos.each unique, all beautiful. Add: D3A-02, Dana 1 Commercial Center, Jalan PJU 1/46A, 47301 Petaling Jaya.

• Royale Bintang Damansara - Room rates start from RM220.An excellent 145-room boutique hotel adjacent to The Curve shopping center and directly opposite the IKEA-IKANO complex.

• Somerset Damansara Uptown Petaling Jaya - This property has 211 units ranging from studio to two bedroom apartments. Each apartment is equipped with a kitchen, living room and working areas.

• Hilton - PJ's premier international hotel, recently given a much-needed refurbishment. Contains a large Clark Hatch gym and the Paya Serai Restaurant, famous for its daily hi-tea. Rates from RM250++ up.

• One World Hotel - Bandar Utama (next to the One Utama shopping complex). Five-star hotel with 438 rooms & suites, opened in 2007. Will have five F&B outlets serving a variety of cuisine from Western to Asian as well as a host of banquet and recreational facilities.

• Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa - Persiaran Lagoon, Bandar Sunway. Located next to the Sunway Lagoon theme park and Sunway Pyramid Megamall, this excellent 5-star gem consists of the main wing, Pyramid Tower Hotel, The Villas, The Duplex, and a Mandara Spa. Rates start from RM348++ (Cuti-Cuti Package).

Travel Next

• Kuala Lumpur and the capital of Malaysia, 35-50 minutes away from here
• Genting Highlands, a famous hill resort in Malaysia, at least 2 hours away

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