Exploring doesn’t always mean traveling far from home. Sometimes, rediscovering a local neighborhood can reveal hidden gems.
- A Glimpse into PJ’s Past
- Taman Selera Jalan Othman
- Pasar Besar Jalan Othman
- Kwan Inn Teng Temple
- Yuan Lin Xiao Zhot Buddhist Temple
- Kuil Sri Sithi Vinayagar Petaling Jaya
- Church of The Assumption
- Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah
- Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
- Traditional Hakka Lui Char Restaurant
- Afterthoughts
A Glimpse into PJ’s Past
Petaling Jaya was founded during post-war British Malaya to alleviate Kuala Lumpur’s overpopulation problem. Construction began in 1952 with 800 houses centered on what is now known as “Petaling Jaya Old Town“. Although the city has expanded many times over the decades, PJ Old Town still holds a unique charm to this day.
Did you know?
Petaling Jaya was named after "Petaling" trees (Ochanostachys amentacea), which once flourished here.
Fun Fact
PJ Old Town once had Malaysia's largest roundabout. It was located at the intersection of Jalan Othman and Jalan Selangor. The roundabout has now been replaced with four-way traffic lights.
If you are an avid hiker, you may start the morning by hiking at Bukit Gasing nearby. This tropical forest reserve offers many scenic trails.
If you prefer to conserve energy for a walking tour instead, the following itinerary may be useful. Let’s start our journey!
Breakfast / 9:00 am
Taman Selera Jalan Othman
Operating since the 1960s, this food courtyard is a popular landmark of PJ Old Town. There are dozens of food stalls serving various street foods. Our recommendations are Kie Kee Chicken Rice and Aunty Peggy’s Ice Kacang.
Sightseeing / 10:00 am
Pasar Besar Jalan Othman
The adjacent wet market offers the best insights into the daily routine of local townsfolk.
Sightseeing / 10:30 am
Kwan Inn Teng Temple
Drop by this Chinese temple that is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.
Sightseeing / 11:00 am
Yuan Lin Xiao Zhot Buddhist Temple
Founded in 1956, this temple contains a hidden statue of the Goddess of Mercy standing on a fish!
Sightseeing / 11:30 am
Kuil Sri Sithi Vinayagar Petaling Jaya
Built in 1964, this is one of the earliest Hindu temples in Malaysia. It is also the largest temple in Malaysia that is dedicated to the deity Ganesha.
Sightseeing / 12:00 pm
Church of The Assumption
Starting as a chapel in the late 1950s, this Catholic church is now one of the most recognizable landmarks in PJ Old town.
Sightseeing / 12:30 pm
Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah
Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah is the most prominent mosque in PJ Old Town. It started as a two-storey wooden surau in 1956, and was then known as “Surau Kawasan Melayu”.
Sightseeing / 1:00 pm
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Despite its simple architecture, the church has a charming beauty and peaceful aura around it.
Lunch / 1:30 pm
Traditional Hakka Lui Char Restaurant
After a leisurely walking tour, this pork-free restaurant is a popular spot to have lunch. Enjoy the traditional Hakka dish while reminiscing the nostalgia of old shophouses in PJ Old Town.
Afterthoughts
Strolling around Petaling Jaya Old Town, you may come across familiar shops still clinging to a bygone era. The nostalgic sight brings back memories of yesteryears.
Did you know?
Pat Seong Wine Merchant was the first shop in Malaysia to hold a liquor license. The family business is still operating today.
As illustrated below, this walking tour can be completed within an hour without any stops. Start in the morning when the weather is cooler, and explore PJ Old Town at your own pace!
Interesting facts
Jalan Templer and Jalan Othman were originally called Jalan Satu (1st Street) and Jalan Dua (2nd Street) respectively. These roads were renamed in honor of Gerald Templer (former High Commissioner for Malaya) and Othman Mohamad (former Menteri Besar of Selangor).
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!
