Petaling Jaya, known to everyone as PJ, began as a satellite township for Kuala Lumpur and has grown into a city in its own right within Selangor. It sits directly beside the capital, surrounded by Kuala Lumpur to the east, Sungai Buloh to the north, Shah Alam and Subang Jaya to the west, and Bandar Kinrara to the south. Expect warm weather year-round with heavy rainfall and frequent thunderstorms, so plan around the downpours rather than the temperature.
For a visitor, PJ is best understood as a collection of sections and named townships rather than one compact centre. The older settlement areas lie in the south, around Old Town and the New Town (Section 52, locally called "State"), while newer commercial and residential townships spread north and west, including Damansara and Bandar Utama. The city is divided into sections, some grouped under names such as Kelana Jaya, and the "SS" prefix stands for Sungai Way-Subang. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, what each is like, and how the accommodation tiers differ.
Best areas to stay in Petaling Jaya
1. PJ State / New Town (Section 52)
This is the business and commercial heart of the older part of the city, with banks, colleges and shopping within walking distance. It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be central to PJ's own amenities rather than commuting from Kuala Lumpur. You find budget and business-oriented places here, and the area is well connected to both the Old and New Towns.
It is a practical base if your business is in PJ itself, and it puts you close to the older quarters of the city.
2. Bandar Utama
A northern township built around large-scale shopping and commercial complexes, with the One Utama shopping complex at its centre. It suits visitors who want shopping, dining and entertainment on the doorstep, and families who prefer a self-contained environment. Accommodation here runs to the upper end, including large international-style properties.
It is a good choice if you are combining PJ with the wider Greater Kuala Lumpur area, since it sits in the northern part of the city.
3. Damansara (including Damansara Utama and Damansara Uptown)
An affluent township within Petaling Jaya, with commercial centres such as Damansara Uptown offering shops, offices and services. It suits longer stays and business travellers, particularly those who want apartment-style accommodation with kitchen and living space. Note that there are no inns, guest houses, motels or hotels in Damansara Jaya specifically, so look to the surrounding Damansara areas instead.
This area works well if you have your own transport or are basing yourself near the commercial centres rather than the historic core.
4. Section 16 / Phileo Damansara
A commercial district with a business-hotel character and one of PJ's popular nightspots nearby. It suits travellers who want mid-range business accommodation and some evening activity within the same complex. You find business hotels here rather than resort-style properties.
It is convenient if your trip mixes work with evenings out, and it sits within easy reach of the rest of the city by road.
5. Bandar Sunway
Built around a theme park and a large megamall, this is the most leisure-oriented part of PJ. It suits families and visitors who want entertainment, dining and shopping clustered together. Accommodation here is at the upper end, including large resort-style properties with spa and recreational facilities.
It is a self-contained base, so you can spend your days in the area without needing to travel far.
6. Ara Damansara
A commercial and residential area in the western part of the city, close to the Skypark Terminal (Subang Airport). It suits travellers with early flights or those doing business in the western corridor. Accommodation here is mid-range and business-focused.
It is the most convenient base if the airport is your priority, though it is further from the older sections of PJ.
7. Petaling Utama
A district in the city with a business-hotel character, a short drive from the Jalan Tandang industrial zone and from the Old and New Towns. It suits budget-conscious business travellers and anyone who needs to be near the industrial areas. You find simple business hotels here.
It is a functional base rather than a scenic one, and you will rely on road connections to reach the rest of PJ.
8. Section 13 / Rothmans roundabout area
A bustling junction area close to the Section 13 industrial hub, with budget hotels nearby. It suits travellers who need to be near the industrial and commercial zones and want straightforward, inexpensive accommodation. The area is busy and practical rather than residential in feel.
It works best if your trip is centred on business in the surrounding industrial and commercial districts.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Simple business hotels and three-star properties, often in the Petaling Utama, PJ State and Section 13 areas, close to industrial zones, banks and commercial centres.
- Mid-range: Business and boutique hotels, some with apartment-style units including kitchen and living space, found in commercial centres such as Phileo Damansara, Ara Damansara, Damansara Uptown and along the Federal Highway.
- Splurge: Large international and resort-style hotels, including properties next to major shopping complexes and the theme park area in Bandar Utama and Bandar Sunway, with extensive dining, banquet and recreational facilities.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in PJ State / New Town (Section 52). It is the city's business and commercial heart, with banks, colleges and shopping within walking distance, and it sits close to both the Old and New Towns. That makes it the easiest place to understand how PJ is laid out while keeping you connected to the rest of the city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Petaling Jaya a good base for visiting Kuala Lumpur?
Yes. PJ borders Kuala Lumpur to the east and is part of the Greater Kuala Lumpur area, so it works as a base for the capital while giving you a different, more local setting.
Which part of Petaling Jaya is best for families?
Bandar Sunway and Bandar Utama are the most family-oriented, since both are built around large shopping and entertainment complexes, with resort-style accommodation in Bandar Sunway.
Where should I stay if I need to be near Subang Airport?
Ara Damansara is the closest area, as it sits in the vicinity of the Skypark Terminal (Subang Airport) and offers mid-range business accommodation.
Are there hotels in Damansara Jaya?
No. There are no inns, guest houses, motels or hotels in Damansara Jaya, so look to the other Damansara areas or the commercial districts instead.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.