5 Fun & Unexpected Things to Do in Petaling Jaya (That Locals Actually Recommend)

5 Fun & Unexpected Activities in Petaling Jaya

Think you know PJ? Think again. Petaling Jaya might be known for malls and traffic, but scratch the surface and you’ll find weekend gems hidden in plain sight — especially if you ask the locals.

Whether you're planning a quick Petaling Jaya short stay, staying at a designer Airbnb near KL, or you're a local looking to do something different, here are five fun and slightly unexpected things to do in PJ that people actually enjoy (no offense to the usual mall runs).

Pickleball With Friends at One of PJs Many Courts

1. Try Malaysia’s Hottest New Hobby: Pickleball

If you haven’t heard of pickleball yet, you will soon. It’s a fast-growing sport that’s like a hybrid of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong — and it’s wildly addictive. The best part? It’s beginner-friendly, social, and you don’t need to be super sporty to enjoy it.

Petaling Jaya now has several indoor and outdoor courts, often filled with laughter and the satisfying pop-pop of paddle hitting ball. Book a court for the weekend or join an open session to meet fellow players. Courts are popping up around Ara Damansara, TTDI, and even Kelana Jaya.

It’s a great way to work up a sweat, meet new people, and try something outside the usual brunch-coffee-repeat loop.

Thrifting at JBR Bundle

2. Go Thrifting (Yes, Really)

One person’s trash is another person’s very aesthetic treasure. And in PJ, thrifting has become something of an art form.

Here’s where to go treasure hunting:

• JBR Bundle Shah Alam: This massive thrift warehouse opened in early 2025 and has everything from secondhand jackets to vintage homeware. It’s worth the drive.

• Jalan Jalan Japan, One City: A Japanese thrift store with a surprisingly good ceramic section. Bonus: prices are usually lower than expected.

• Taman Paramount Boutique Stores: If you’re into curated thrift and don’t mind paying a bit more, this area has plenty of small shops with personality. You’ll find unique fashion pieces and retro bits that feel more “editorial shoot” than “flea market”.

It’s not just about the finds — the hunt itself is half the fun.

3. Eat Your Way Around PJ

Petaling Jaya is a food city. You’ll find everything from hawker stalls to tasting menus, and some of the best bites are tucked away in unassuming corners.

Here are some food spots close to 58 Mayang, a minimalist Airbnb Malaysia guests love for both design and location:

• Mayang Oasis food court – Try the yong tau foo stall and the Thai kitchen inside. Great for casual, satisfying meals.

• Serunai Nasi Lemak at Taman SEA – Fragrant rice, crispy chicken, sambal done right.

• Bakeries – Check out the old-school neighborhood bakery in Taman SEA or grab traditional butter cake at Warung Kek Bakeri Joy.

• Coffee – The Roast Things and CREAM at Aman Suria serve excellent brews and sell their own roasted beans. Forest Cloud’s flagship store is also worth a visit for coffee lovers.

• Dessert – Head to Dao near Atria Mall for soy-based treats (the soft serve with osmanthus jelly is our favorite). For late-night cravings, grab an appam at Restoran Lotus Curry House, also in Aman Suria.

• High-end dining – Want to dress up a little? Book a table at BREF by Darren Chin (technically not in PJ but ehhh... close enough. It's in TTDI) or Isan Kaya in Seksyen 17 for modern takes on Thai and Japanese flavors.

4. Browse Specialty Shops (Perfect for Rainy Days)

This one’s for the curious browsers — the kind who like poking around niche shops just to see what’s new.

• Sentai Petaling Jaya – A kitchen specialty shop that has everything from Japanese knives to baking molds. If you love cooking or just appreciate good tools, this place is a rabbit hole.

• Gyomu Super – A Japanese supermarket with everything from frozen croquettes to sauces you never knew you needed. Not a full cultural experience, but close.

These spots are just around the corner from 58 Mayang, making it easy to pop in between other plans (or snack runs).

Obedience Training at One Utama Central Park

5. Watch Dogs Train at One Utama Central Park

Yes, you read that right. Every Sunday morning at Central Park Bandar Utama, a group of very good girls (and boys) gather for Canine Good Citizen and obedience training sessions. It’s a wholesome sight — dogs practicing their manners, trainers giving gentle instructions, and the occasional happy chaos of a dachshund barking at everything.

You don’t need a dog to enjoy it. Grab a coffee, find a shady bench, and just watch. Trust us, it's a surprisingly therapeutic way to start your Sunday.

One More Thing…

If you’re looking for a cozy, well-designed place to base yourself while exploring PJ, we’d love to welcome you at 58 Mayang — a boutique Airbnb Selangor travelers love for its personal story, tropical minimalist style, and proximity to all these hidden gems.

Located in Taman Mayang, just minutes from Kelana Jaya LRT and food spots galore, it’s a stylish Airbnb in PJ with full amenities, perfect for a quick recharge or a longer stay.

Follow along on Instagram (or message us on WhatsApp) to see more of the space and get tips from a local.

Planning a weekend in PJ? Save this list, and go beyond the usual. There’s more to explore than you think.