Things to do in Setia Alam, Shah Alam
When we think of Klang Valley, places in Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur are the first to cross our minds. We’ve grown so accustomed to popular restaurants and hangout spots being located in PJ and KL that we rarely explore further beyond or around those areas.
But it’s about time other lesser-known townships get the limelight as they too have their own unique charm and attractions. Setia Alam, an urban town in Shah Alam at the border of Klang, has plenty of things to do and food to eat, so be sure to include it in your weekend plans to discover new experiences.
Table of Contents
– Things to do –
1. Wander through a Japanese-inspired garden at Selangor-Japan Friendship Garden
Image credit: @mhryupassion via Instagram
Setia Alam brands itself as a nature-inspired residential town, evident through their number of recreational parks and open spaces that dots its landscape. One of its must-visit spots is the Selangor-Japan Friendship Garden, a Japanese-inspired garden designed for outdoor activities.
Image adapted from: @izzatipaizal via Instagram
More than just your average neighbourhood playground, the Selangor-Japan Friendship Garden caters to people of all ages and with varying interests.
Those who prefer a leisure walk can utilise the paved pathways that weave past the multiple ponds here. There’s also a plethora of photo spots for shutterbugs, including a torii gate, zen garden, The Great Wave-inspired mural, and reflexology zone featuring a path lined with stones to massage your feet.
Image credit: @punkilinki via Instagram
Entry to the garden is free, and you can expect to spend at least 30 minutes here exploring its various corners.
Address: Persiaran Bandar Raya, Seksyen 14, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10am-6.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
2. Go on a food hunt at Setia Alam Night Market
Image adapted from: Will Travel For Food via Facebook, @chonglekjan via Instagram
With more than 700 stalls serving a huge variety of food and drinks, Setia Alam Night Market along Jalan Setia Prima is the longest pasar malam in Malaysia, stretching up to 2.4km long. It prides itself on being a muhibbah (multi-racial and multicultural setting) pasar malam, as it has stalls operated by Chinese, Malays, and Indians, thus attracting a diverse crowd from all races.
Image credit: Frank Lee via Facebook
This pasar malam is a must-visit for foodies on a street food pilgrimage, opening only on Saturdays between 4.30pm-10pm.
Find usual staples of apam balik, satay, and soya bean, as well as more uncommon offerings such as smelly tofu, Coca-Cola chicken, macaron ice cream, grilled cheese oysters, and more. Another unique dish that you should check out at the pasar malam is maltose rojak, a viral Penang dish that swops out the usual kuah that we know of in Klang Valley with thick, gooey maltose.
Address: Jalan Setia Prima A U13/A, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
Opening hours: Sat 4.30pm-10pm
3. Soak up views of Shah Alam’s popular Mirror Lake
Image credit: @hzwaa via Instagram
Nestled near the housing area of Bandar Nusa Rhu is an unexpected nature gem – a crystal clear lake dubbed Mirror Lake by locals. As its name suggests, the lake boasts pristine emerald-like waters that stunningly reflect the surrounding trees, attracting residents and out-of-towners looking to get a glimpse of it.
Image credit: @jom_adventure via Instagram
The trek to the lake involves steep inclines and takes just over an hour to complete. But the views of the lake and lush greenery that resemble a painting that awaits you at the end of your journey will be well worth it.
Image credit: @mikimeikee via Instagram
Address: Jalan Setia Duta, Setia Eco Park, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
4. Have a breezy stroll at Setia City Park
Image credit: @landscape.first via Instagram
Setia City Park is a vast landscape featuring wide green fields and endless skies. Stand with your back facing Setia City Mall to get unobstructed views of the picturesque spots. You can also pose with modern sculptures, pavilions, and the fountain dotted along the 10.5 acre park when you go for a breezy stroll.
Image credit: @landscape.first via Instagram
The park has several family-friendly recreational activities as well. Kids can fly kites, strap on a rollerblade and skate, or play on their two playgrounds – one designated for older kids, the other suited for toddlers.
Image credit: @landscape.first via Instagram
You can also pack some bites from home, or just get takeaway from the eateries in the attached Setia City Mallto enjoy a picnic here.
Address: Persiaran Setia Dagang, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
5. Stroll across vibrant bridges around Elmina Central Park
Image credit: @arnabgurun via Insragram
Hiding just a stone’s throw from Elmina Central Park, part of the City of Elmina, is a collection of vibrant bridges that catch the eye even from afar.
The first one that you’ll see here is Elmina Signage Bridge, which hovers over the highway in all its red, curved glory.
There’s another pair of bridges located at Persiaran Dillenia, just a 2-minute drive away, that are collectively dubbed Elmina Valley Rainbow Bridge because of their colourful helices. Needless to say, the eye-catching twin bridges that flank the road have become a magnet for shutterbugs.
Another photo spot you won’t want to miss out on at Elmina Central Park is this pathway sheltered by orange bars – some locals say it’s Malaysia’s own 5,000 torii gates from Kyoto, due to the similarities in colour and neat geometric lines.
Address: Seksyen U16 City of Elmina, 40160, Shah Alam, Selangor
Opening hours: 9.30am-6.30pm, Daily
Also watch our video to find out more about the bridges at the City of Elmina here:
6. Explore a serene garden, container shops & photo spots at Ardence Labs
There’s a lake here with a floating pavilion to discover too.
Image adapted from: @heylee88 via Instagram
Ardence Labs is an al fresco hangout spot filled with colourful container shops housing a gym, pet hotel, convenient marts, optical shop, and plenty of eateries offering brunches, baked goods, local delights, and alcoholic beverages. You’ll find go-to stores here such as Gong Cha, Jaya Grocer, and llaollao that cater to residents of the nearby Eco Ardence neighbourhood.
Other than their retail offerings, Ardence Labs holds vibrant art installations every now and then – some of them are even interactive, such as 3D floor art, that children can play around with.
For those who like to keep active, you can go for a leisure cycle around the park by the lake. You can rent a single bike or a family bike from Cykel & Cyclist (from RM15). There’s also a playground here for the kiddos to explore.
Image adapted from: @heylee88 via Instagram
Address: Persiaran Setia Alam, Eco Ardence, 40170 Setia Alam, Selangor
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Also watch our video to find out more about Ardence Labs:
7. Hang out with farm animals at Bukit Jelutong Eco Community
Image adapted from: @chewpt via Instagram, @sitinuratikah91 via Instagram
If you’re looking for a fun family-friendly activity in the area, look no further than Bukit Jelutong Eco Community. This recreational park in the suburb of Bukit Jelutong is well-maintained by the park owners and volunteers, featuring a serene lake and beginner-friendly hiking trail. There’s also no entry fee required.
Image credit: @baddyboo via Instagram
For the kiddos, there are farm animals such as goats, geese, and ducks roaming around the park for them to interact with. To get up-close with the animals, consider purchasing a pack of feed for a small fee to feed them. A small petting zoo can be found here too, housing ostriches and even porcupines.
Image adapted from: @n.izzx_ via Instagram
Address: Jalan Lelangit U8/45, Bukit Jelutong, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor
Opening hours: 7am-7pm, Daily
Contact: Bukit Jelutong Eco Community’s Instagram
8. Pepper your Insta feed with photos taken at Sunsuria Forum’s BookXcess
Sunsuria Forum’s BookXcess is home to the Insta-worthy cylinder-shaped bookshelves, similar to Seoul’s Starfield Library.
Image credit: @zaidsuria via Instagram
They have more than 500,000 books up for grabs at discounted prices and you can even delve into your book hauls immediately at their many reading nooks.
There is also a designated working space furnished with desks, chairs, and charging points suited for college students looking to complete their assignments in a quiet area. The space is also adjacent to an in-house cafe serving pastries, pies, and drinks so you can power up whenever you’re feeling peckish.
Address: SB-1, Sunsuria Forum, No.1, Jalan Setia Dagang AL U13/AL, Seksyen U13, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
Opening hours: 10am-8pm, Daily
Contact: 03-5031 9458 | BookXcess (Sunsuria Forum)’s Facebook
9. Explore a snow wonderland at iCity
Image credit: @lydiasiew via Instagram
Experiencing snow in Malaysia is not such a far-fetched dream at i-City, a 25-acre theme park with four zones that has been around since 2009. This well-known attraction in Malaysia boasts the popular City of Digital Lights with outdoor amusement park rides – including its famed merry-go-round ride and giant illuminated flowers that are both popular photo spots among locals.
Image credit: @heartpatrick via Instagram
Venture beyond this zone and discover the theme park’s equally popular Snowalk, where you can experience winter in an expansive area that simulates -8° Celcius temperature and snowfall for its curious visitors.
Image credit: @ainzou007 via Instagram
While bundled up in winter coats and snow shoes, you can check out attractions within this wintery wonderland, including slides and photo zones like a Christmas village and snow sculptures.
Image credit: @thhotelkelanajaya via Instagram
i-City is also home to a water theme park, WaterWorld, and FunWorld which contains several more attractions like a Trick Art Museum and wax museum.
Admission (SnoWalk): RM65/adult and RM55/child for Malaysians | RM75/adult and RM65/child for standard tickets
Address: i-Gallery, Jalan Multimedia, I-City, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor
Opening hours (SnoWalk): Mon-Fri 3.30pm-11pm | Sat & Sun 1pm-11pm
Contact: 03-5521 8800 | iCity’s website
– Where to eat –
10. Dig into buttermilk percik chicken rice at Luna Luna
Image credit: Luna Luna – Home of Buttermilk Percik Chicken Rice via Facebook
Branding themselves as a Malaysian-inspired fast food joint, Luna Luna puts a Malaysian twist in all their menu items by combining classic fast food dishes with a unique local spin.
Their signature burger, the Luna Peanut Satay Burger – RM19.90 for a set with fries and a drink – is made up of grilled beef patty with beef bacon slices, American cheese, peanut sauce, chopped onion, cucumber, and lettuce, sandwiched between brioche buns. Think satay flavours but in a burger form. Other quirky renditions include the crispy fish Spicy Rempah Fried Chicken Burger (RM16.90 for a set).
Image credit: @lunalunamys via Instagram
Other signature dishes here are part of their Buttermilk series – including their Spicy Fried Chicken Rice Meal (RM19.50) and Buttermilk Percik Spaghetti (RM16.50) doused in rich buttermilk gravy that have helped gained them a loyal following.
Address: LG 25-26, Setia City Mall, Persiaran Setia Dagang, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 018-388 6065 | Luna Luna’s website
11. Dine on cakes & sip on coffee at a glasshouse cafe, Pola-Dola
Image credit: @squarepad via Instagram
Among the collection of cafes in Shah Alam is the eye-catching Pola-Dola, a cosy glasshouse cafe perfect for spending a few hours in to catch up on reading or get some work done. Their large windows and glass ceilings, minimalist decor, outdoor yard, and soft, mellow tunes playing throughout the day give the place a very inviting and homely atmosphere.
Image credit: @squarepad via Instagram
Their menu is a little bit of everything – all-day breakfast, pastas, Western and Asian mains, salads, sandwiches, and coffee. A must-try are their Egg Drop Sandwiches, including the Classic Egg Drop (RM15), Ham & Hashbrown (RM19) and Korean-Fried Chicken (RM21).
Image credit: @poladola.my via Instagram
Address: L33-G, Ardence Lab, PT8 Eco Ardence, Persiaran Setia Alam, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-10pm | Sat & Sun 10am-10pm
Contact: 03-5033 2472 | Pola-Dola’s Instagram
12. Dig into affordable Malaysian comfort food at Gerai. The Food Loft
Image credit: Gerai.The Food Loft via Facebook
As a local restaurant serving affordable Malaysian favourites, Gerai’s signature laksa (RM10.50) is a familiar but impressive version of the well-loved dish. It has a rich coconut milk broth served with thick glass noodles, minced chicken, hard-boiled egg, beansprouts, and tofu pok.
Image credit: Gerai.The Food Loft via Facebook
Setia Alam regulars usually head here to satisfy their Malaysian food cravings as the menu is pretty comprehensive, with a wide range of staples – buttermilk chicken rice, dry chilli pan mee, cendol, and many more, all priced below RM15.
Address: 28-1, Jalan Setia Utama U13/AV, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
Opening hours: 10am-9pm, Daily
Contact: 010-260 1643 | Gerai.The Food Loft’s Facebook
13. Try Shah Alam’s viral steam bread from Roti Kapas
There are plenty of street food to enjoy in Shah Alam. Beyond exploring the ones at Setia Alam Night Market, you can find stalls tucked along the roadside offering scrumptious bite-sized meals. Take Roti Kapas for example. This roadside stall have earned themselves a following for their roti kapas kukus, or stuffed steamed bread.
The humble, fluffy bread is stuffed with a sweet or savoury filling of your choice – there are over 10 options of fillings to choose from, ranging from dalgona coffee and onde-onde to chicken rempah and daging hitam. A set of three roti kapas is priced RM8.
Address: Kampung Padang Jawa, 41300 Shah Alam, Selangor
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 12.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 013-777 7764
14. Feast on a variety of grilled lamb dishes at Kambing Bakar Cik Tri Sahara
Image credit: @wandyamir via Instagram
Meat lovers will enjoy devouring Kambing Bakar Cik Tri Sahara’s grilled lamb with white rice and soup set (RM14). The lamb is marinated in Indonesian spices and then grilled upon order.
When grilled, the lamb’s juices mixed with the marinade will produce a spicy, smoked gravy that goes well with white rice.
The restaurant is frequently packed, especially at night, but rest assured that it’s easy to get a table and orders are usually served within 15 minutes.
Address: Persiaran Setia Utama, Alam Nusantara, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
Opening hours: 10.30am-11pm, Daily
Contact: 019-299 6725
15. Check out this Insta-worthy pink cafe with healthy food, Mich’sology
Image credit: @michsology via Instagram
A pretty pink cafe with Insta-worthy food and matching utensils to boot, Mich’sology is a feast for the eyes while being good for your body as they specialise in healthy dishes. Their menu is made up of house juices, granola bowls, and poke bowls.
Image adapted from: @eatwithst3ph via Instagram
They have two signature dishes – a sweet and savoury option. The former is the Mich’sology Yogurt Bowl (RM19.90) – a mash-up of strawberry, blueberry, cornflakes, honey, and fresh fruits. It’ll make a healthy and tummy-filling breakfast to start your day with.
For those who prefer a savoury option, the Mich’sology Fuel Bowl (RM19.90) has generous amounts of salmon sashimi, crab sticks, corns, tomatoes, parmesan cheese, tamago, ebiko, seaweed, and fried shallots, completed with the Mich’sology sauce, a specially formulated recipe of mayo and lime.
Image adapted from: @yumtummy28_ via Instagram, @streaw_ via Instagram
Otherwise, you can build your own bowl to choose your carb base, protein, sauce, sides, and toppings from RM18.90 – a regular-sized bowl that comes with a scoop of base, three sides, and four toppings.
Address: Lab 13-A, Ardence Labs, Persiaran Setia Alam, Eco Ardence, 40170 Setia Alam, Selangor
Opening hours: 11am-7.30pm, Daily
Contact: 016-660 6573 | Mich’sology’s Instagram
How to get to Setia Alam
Setia Alam is a township 30 minutes away by car from KL and PJ. The drive may be further out, but it’s really easy to get to as you’ll just have to drive all the way straight on the NKVE highway following the Johor route.
Once you pass the Setia Alam toll, the places in the list above are all within the vicinity so you’ll be able to cover a few of those in a day.
Setia Alam in Shah Alam guide
Whether you’re looking to spend time outdoors where your kids can have a good run around or new food places to dine at, Setia Alam has plenty to offer – perfect for friends, couples, and family weekends out of the city centre.
Discover other quaint towns in Malaysia by also checking out our guides to Jeram, Kuala Selangor, and Tanjung Sepat, Sepang.
Cover image adapted from: @mhryupassion via Instagram, The Smart Local Malaysia, Selangor Travel, @squarepad via Instagram
This article was first published on 9th November 2021, and updated by Janet Cho on 28th November 2023.