A Half-Day Walking Tour of Petaling Jaya Old Town

Well, travel doesn’t always mean going far from home. Sometimes, rediscovering your own neighborhood can reveal a hidden gem.

A Glimpse into Petaling Jaya’s Past

Back in post-war British Malaya, Petaling Jaya was developed under Francis McWilliams’ plan to address Kuala Lumpur’s overpopulation in the 1950s. Starting with a 1,200-acre rubber estate, construction began in 1952 with 800 houses centered on what is known as “Old Town” today. In its early days, most residents in Petaling Jaya built their homes in Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4. Join us now to uncover Petaling Jaya Old Town, a place with a rich past that still holds its unique charm.

Did you know?
Petaling was named after the ‘petaling’ trees (Ochanostachys amentacea), which once flourished here.

Fun Fact
PJ Old Town once featured Malaysia’s largest roundabout, spanning from Public Bank to Taman Selera Jalan Othman.

If you’re an active hiker, you might consider starting this journey by tackling Bukit Gasing nearby. This tropical forest reserve isn’t very high, but it offers many trails. Today, we’re conserving energy for a walking tour, choosing a route that pairs a leisurely stroll with great food. Let’s start! Let’s go!

Breakfast / 9:00 am

Taman Selera Jalan Othman

As a PJ Old Town landmark, this food court was established in the 1960s. Many culinary choices come from these experienced vendors, such as Kie Kee Chicken Rice and Aunty Peggy’s Ice Kacang – a dessert must-try.

Sightseeing / 10:00 am

Pasar Besar Jalan Othman

As the saying goes, a wet market offers the best insights into a place and its people. Just next door, let’s take a quick walk to the market for a glimpse into daily life in PJ Old Town.

Sightseeing / 10:30 am

Kwan Inn Teng Temple

Visit this temple for its serene atmosphere, traditional architecture, and beautiful statues.

Sightseeing / 11:00 am

Yuan Lin Xiao Zhot Buddhist Temple

Founded in 1956, this temple showcases distinctive architecture and statues, including the 鳌头观音 (Kwan Yin Standing on Fish), a rare sight elsewhere.

Sightseeing / 11:30 am

Kuil Sri Sithi Vinayagar Petaling Jaya

This was among the earliest Vinayagar Temples in Malaysia and is considered the country’s largest temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

Sightseeing / 12:00 pm

Catholic Church of The Assumption (1960)

One of Petaling Jaya’s well-established Catholic parishes, its history dates back to a chapel in the late 1950s, preceding the construction of the full church.

Sightseeing / 12:30 pm

Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah

You’ll pass Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah along the way. It originated in 1956 with a two-story wooden surau (prayer hall) on its current site, initially called ‘Surau Kawasan Melayu’.

Sightseeing / 1:00 pm

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

A cozy and pleasant church.

Lunch / 1:30 pm

Traditional Hakka Lui Char Restaurant

Our last stop, of course, is to satisfy our hunger after this leisurely city walk. We chose Hakka Lui Cha, a traditional Hakka dish, adding a touch of nostalgia to our PJ Old Town excursion.

Our Takeaway

As the Google Map below illustrates, this 9-stop old town walking tour can be completed in as little as 51 minutes without any stops. So, why not choose a pleasant morning and explore the town at a relaxed pace?

Strolling along Jalan Othman, you might find yourself setting aside your phone to re-examine your familiar yet often overlooked neighborhood. For instance, did you know that Pat Seong Wine Merchant was the first establishment in the country to hold a liquor license?

Here’s something interesting…
Jalan Othman was originally “Jalan Dua,” renamed during Dato Othman Mohamed’s term as Selangor’s third Menteri Besar (March 1953 – Sept 1954). Similarly, “Jalan Satu” became Jalan Templer, named after Sir Gerald Templer, former British High Commissioner for Malaya.

Want a free copy of PJ Old Town Walk Tour Guide from Food and Travel Lover = Foodveler? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us on WhatsApp. You can also email us at jack@foodveler.com. Enjoy your walk tour!