Petaling Jaya

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Petaling Jaya [1], 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 (hence 20-06-2006!).

[edit] Understand

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 posh 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). SS is an acronym for Subang-Sungei Way. The northern chunk is also known as Damansara. Each road in a section is numbered, so an address like "No. 38, Jalan SS 21/58" means house 38, road 58, section SS21. 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. Certain secondary roads, even those located at residential or industrial areas were also given names. For example, Jalan 8/8 in Section 8 is also known as Jalan Tengas, Jalan 13/1 is also known as Jalan Bersatu. In addition, 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, the roads are named as Jalan 222, Jalan 225 etc.

The numbered sections are usually but not necessarily located adjacent to each other. For instance, Section 16 is adjacent to section 17 which is adjacent to Section 19. The 'missing' Section 18 is located way across the other side of town. Likewise, without a good map, it can be an onnerous exercise to locate PJ roads. For instance, Jalan 21/20 is adjacent to Jalan 21/18. However Jalan 21/1 is also adjacent to Jalan 21/18. In addition, residents within a local PJ community may sometimes choose to refer to their local roads simply by their numbers, and omitting the prefix such as SS altogether. For instance, in Damansara Jaya, residents often choose to refer to the road 'Jalan SS 22/39' as simply 'Road 39'.

[edit] Major Commercial Locations

[edit] Get in

[edit] By road

PJ is well linked with Kuala Lumpur and the rest of the country by road. The main Kuala Lumpur-PJ link is the Federal Highway which goes through the middle of PJ and continues to 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), the main exits for PJ are Subang, Damansara and Kota Damansara.

[edit] By train

The Kelana Jaya line [2] light rail transit (formerly known as 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 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.

[edit] By bus

  • To/from Kuala Lumpur: Petaling Jaya is linked to Kuala Lumpur by Rapid KL [3] 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 [4] (which can be caught at bus stops along the Federal Highway), and Putrajaya (Rapid KL route T43 fron Bandar Utama).
  • To/from other destinations: The luxury Aeroline [5] 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, there are four services to Singapore daily (departing 8:00, 9:30, 11:00, 18:00) while at One Utama, there are two daily trips (departing 10:00 and 18:30).

[edit] By taxi

All metered taxis operating in Kuala Lumpur also serve PJ.

[edit] Get around

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

[edit] 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.

[edit] By train

The Kelana Jaya Line [6] light rail transit (LRT) is convenient for those moving between PJ New Town and Kelana Jaya.

[edit] By bus

Rapid KL [7] and Metrobus are the main operators. Although the bus service is not exactly up to first world standards, it has improved tremendously in recent years. The network is still complicated but Rapid KL now at least provides information on its routes on its website.

Rapid KL's network works on a hub and spoke concept, where trunk routes (RM2 unlimited rides for whole day) from Kuala Lumpur link hubs in Petaling Jaya where local shuttle buses (RM1 unlimited rides for whole day) 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.

If you are staying in the major hotels (Hilton, Sunway Resort, Eastin, Crystal Crown, Royale Bintang, and Armada), all of them have shuttle bus services that take guests into KL City and various PJ landmarks such as Sunway Lagoon, One Utama, and The Curve Shopping Center.

[edit] By 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 Tel: +60-3-26922525. RM1 surcharge on top of the meter.

[edit][add listing] See

Unlike other towns, there is actually nothing much to notice here, except for the occasional oddities here and there. However, the PJ City Council is compiling a guide on the attractions around the city in conjunction with the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year in 2007.

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, 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 officially 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, 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, 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, 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, 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 approximately 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: Taman Jaya) One of the largest in PJ, with its 7 scenic lakes, this park was formerly a mining area that was rehabilitated in the 80s into what it is today. Other than a popular jogging track around the lakes, 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 country. 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.

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit][add listing] Buy

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. Let it be 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 Cantonese.

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

  • Sunway Pyramid Megamall, [8]. Is one of The Best Thematic Mall in Malaysia, with lots of mini tenants including a Twelve-Cineplex. Occupies the best location in PJ State as it is just 3 minutes by car from the Subang Jaya KTM Station (Pel. Klang line).
  • Amcorp Mall, 18 Persiaran Barat, Off Jln. Timur [9]. Mall with lots of mini-anchor tenants including a three-screen cinema as well as Malaysia's best weekend flea market on the Lower Ground floor. Occupies the best location in PJ State as it is just 5 minutes walk from the Taman Jaya LRT Station (Kelana Jaya Line).
  • Digital Mall, Section 14, [10]. Located in the building previously occupied by Metrojaya, just across the street from Jaya SC, this colorful building with a mosaic-like facade, unique neon lights, and large TV screen opened its doors on August 9 as the city's first IT-lifestyle mall.
  • Giant Kelana Jaya, Jalan SS6/4, [11]. Overlooking the Kelana Jaya Lake, this complex has a Giant Hypermarket as its anchor (hence the name) and numerous other tenants including a Starbucks and a large food court on the 3rd Floor.
  • Jaya Shopping Center, Jalan Semangat, Sec. 14. The first mall in Petaling Jaya, this popular community shopping complex has stuff from from one's favourite food to fashion, perfumes to hardware, books to amusements. Cold Storage Supermarket takes up a sizable chunk of the Ground floor, other tenants include Popular Books, Oriental Chinese Restaurant, Guardian Pharmacy, and SenHeng. (No longer there anymore."Bungkus" already)
  • Millennium Square, Section 14. Another newly-completed mall in Section 14, this one is 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. Located around 5 minutes drive along the road from Jaya SC.
  • Mutiara Damansara. A new commercial precinct that is home to Asia's largest IKEA store together with the adjoining IKANO Power Center. Other malls here include The Curve lifestyle and F&B mall as well as a large 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 Center).
  • One Utama, 1 Lebuh Bandar Utama (hourly free shuttle bus from LRT Kelana Jaya), [12]. One of the largest and most popular malls in the entire 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 U Parkson, MPH Megastore, Golden Screen Cinemas, Celebrity Fitness, and Giant Supermarket as well as Malaysia's largest rock-climbing gymnasium.
  • The Atria, Jalan SS22/23, Damansara Jaya. Another community shopping mall with Giant as its anchor tenant. Located right in the middle of the often overlooked Damansara Jaya Town Center.
  • The Curve, No. 6 Jalan PJU 7/3, Mutiara Damansara [13]. This very popular lifestyle and fashion mall forms the centerpiece 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), Borders Books' second 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 center in PJ State (the other being Amcorp), the three-storey building also known as "Wisma Thrifty" has a Giant Supermarket, Courts Mammoth furniture store, and Olympia College as anchors. A Coffee Bean outlet and Memory Lane giftshop are also located here.
  • Tropicana City Mall, fronting SPRINT Expressway, SS2. Currently under construction, this suburban mall will have Carrefour as its anchor as well as an adjoining Tropics Designer Suites and a Signature Office Tower. There is also a 6-screen cineplex as an alternative to the ones in 1 Utama and Cineleisure for movie buffs. Located at the fringes of SS2 and adjacent to Damansara Intan Business Park, The Tropicana is slated for opening in 2008.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Eating is almost a national obsession with eateries available around the clock. Petaling Jaya is home to many 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, 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 cheap food.

Segambut Seafood Noodle
Segambut Seafood Noodle

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 pork stew with rice (RM8.90) isn't bad.

Taman Megah

  • Fatty Crab Restaurant, No. 2, Jalan SS 24/13. It's been over 30 years since Uncle Fatty set up his shop, but their famed sweet, sour and spicy crab still continues to draw the crowds. Roll up your sleeves and dig in, and figure on RM30/head with a few side dishes thrown in.
  • Ming Tien Restaurant, SS 24. This is an standard hawker center that serves western, oriental and local range of foods. The drawback are its television sets blaring out the MTV channel and piped-in advertisements. (Food hygiene and the hawker center's utility cleanliness are not satisfactory, and it is not advisable for first-timer foreigner )

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, there is a good variety of rice and noodles as well as "kopitiam" (coffeeshop) and drinks selections.

SS2

  • Yu Ai Segambut Seafood Noodle, 58 Jalan SS2/10, 47300 Petaling Jaya (11am-9pm). Try your noodles with any of three soup options: their famous curry, fiery tomyam or milder qingtang.

[edit][add listing] Drink

  • William Mamak Stall. A fantastic Mamak stall with unique food choice. Located in the Taman Megah housing area. edit
  • SS2 Fatty Duck rice, No.2, Jalan SS2/10, Petaling Jaya (The stall located in a shop called Restaurant OK, it is same row with Kayu Nasi Kandar at Lim Prawn Mee Restaurant which previously known as Cheow Yang Restauran), ☎ 0193867766. Working hours: 1700 till 2300. Delicious braised duck rice with history of 20 years. Braised duck rice is different from roasted duck, and in Petaling Jaya only has two place selling this authentic dish. Besides, duck rice, there are also other side dishes such as braised egg with duck inner organs, braised bean curb, salted vegetables, spicy and sour vegetables, braised pork leg and braised pork intestines. Price starts from RM 4.50 per duck rice for one person..  edit

Just like in Kuala Lumpur, mamak stalls are also found all around Petaling Jaya. These are wonderful places to hang out with locals and it is possible to stay at one far past midnight (many are even open 24-hours!). They are run by Muslim Indians. They serve a variety of drinks and beverages, and the non-alcoholic options are varied and inexpensive.

For those who are looking for watering holes, several good ones include:

  • Rush. Popular among the young crowd in PJ, this disco and bar is located at the Ballroom (Lower Ground) level of Eastin Hotel.
  • Sanctuary. Since its opening at Mutiara Damansara's The Curve shopping center, both young people and the white-collared folk have been flocking to this four-in-one nightspot that has the unique Ice Bar.
  • Uncle Chilli's. A highly popular bistro-bar (especially the working crowd) located at the Hilton. There is a live band that plays several times weekly.
  • Laundry. Newly-opened pub with live band at The Curve, located opposite the Cine leisure entertainment complex and next to Fitness First. Very popular place with almost a full house every night!
  • Starbucks Coffee Cafe. Found all over PJ, most outlets come with WiFi (provided by Timezone) as a free service to customers. Outlets are located in One Utama, The Curve, IKANO Power Center, Damansara Utama, Jaya Sec. 14, Amcorp Mall, and Sunway Pyramid Megamall.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Despite being just "next-door" to the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, PJ has its fair share of hotels in all categories including:

[edit] Budget

  • FJ Inn-Holiday Homes, Pelangi Astana Condominium, Pelangi Damansara Contact: +60-12-3158714. Services Apartments and Homes located very near to shopping malls (IKEA,Ikano, The Curve, Tesco & One Utama). Suitable for family and group travellers. Units are fully furnished, air-conditioned and complete with amenities. Visit official website of FJ Inn at [14] Rates are from RM 250 per night (for a 3-bedroom condominium). Email: info@malaysia-bnb.com
  • Grade Hotel, 23 Jalan Petaling Utama 11, tel: +60-3-7785 0000. A business hotel located in the Petaling Utama district, the Grade is a short drive from the Jalan Tandang industrial zone as well as the Old and New Towns.
  • Lisa De Inn, 2 Jalan Harapan (17/47), tel: +60-3-79553636. Three-star hotel located smack at the bustling "Rothmans" roundabout and in close proximity to the Section 13 industrial hub.
  • PJ De Inn, 4 & 6 Jalan 8/1E, tel: +60-3-7955 3535. Sister hotel to the Lisa, this property is located in the PJ State business district and in close proximity to banks, colleges, as well as the Thrifty Mall (Giant Supermarket / Courts Mammoth).

[edit] Mid-Range

  • Armada, Lorong Utara C, Off Jalan Utara, tel: +60-3-79546888,[15]. Business hotel adjoining Plaza Armada and with the Kelana Jaya Line's Asia Jaya station opposite. Complements the Hilton PJ's 5-star luxury with its own style of business-class service. Rates from RM350 onwards.
  • Crystal Crown, 12 Lorong Utara A, Off Jalan Utara, tel: +60-3-79584822,[16]. Popular business hotel which opened in 1995. Room rates from RM150++ onwards.
  • Eastin, 13 Jalan 16/11, Pusat Dagang Seksyen 16, tel: +60-3-76287352, [17]. Rush, one of PJ's popular nightspots, is at this business hotel situated in the Phileo Damansara commercial center. The Eastin is a member of the WorldHotels under the Business category and offers internet rates from RM450 onwards.

  • 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.
  • Shah's Village Hotel, 3 & 5 Lorong Sultan, tel: +60-3-7956 9322 [18]. A venerable PJ institution since opening its doors in the 60s, this family-run hotel has a large display of the owners' antiques and crafts in the lobby area. Room rates are from RM138++ (Standard rooms) onwards.

[edit] Splurge

  • Hilton, No 2 Jalan Barat (LRT Asia Jaya), tel: +60-3-79559122, [19]. 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) [20]. Five-star hotel with 438 rooms & suites, opening 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, tel: +603-7492 8000, [21]. 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).

[edit] Vacation apartments

  • Petaling Jaya Vacation Apartments, Pelangi Astana, Damansara Perdana, Casa Tropicana, tel. +60-19-3151111, [22]. Apartments are located around Mutiara Damansara area, all with easy access to public transportation. Fully furnished, air-conditioned, kitchen, shared pool/gym. Rates for each apartment starts from RM190 (studios) to RM320 (2 +1 bedrooms), parking included.

[edit] Get out

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!

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