Why Cyberjaya is becoming Klang Valley’s next lifestyle destination

Cyberjaya, once known primarily as Malaysia's tech hub, is rapidly transforming into a vibrant lifestyle destination, according to Kamarul Ariffin Abdul Samad, CEO of Cyberview. The city now boasts bustling weekend markets, homegrown cafés, green spaces, and even virtual reality experiences, attracting both locals and visitors alike.

Cyberview CEO Kamarul Ariffin Abdul Samad acknowledges that while offices and technology companies remain integral to Cyberjaya's identity, the city has more to offer than its corporate image suggests. "You can see students now going to cafés, and families spending their weekends in the parks in Cyberjaya," he notes. "The city is more vibrant with more hype and vibes these days."

Joshua Michael, co-founder of Kaapi Kreat, a South Indian lifestyle café, shares Kamarul's sentiment. Inspired by his experiences in Chennai, Joshua has created a café that retains its South Indian identity while offering a more contemporary experience. He believes that Cyberjaya has a unique charm, emphasizing that it's not just about the place but also about the people who live there.

The city's growing lifestyle scene becomes particularly noticeable on weekends. At Another World Cyberjaya, visitors can engage in virtual reality experiences, battling zombies, aliens, or even one another. Branch manager Kai reports that customers range from university students and families to birthday groups and companies seeking team-building activities. One notable case was an 80-year-old grandparent who participated in the virtual reality activity.

For those seeking a more traditional Malaysian experience, Lorong Belakang Cyberjaya offers a weekend pasar malam (night market) that brings together the city's different communities while providing small businesses with a platform to grow. Hanif Marzuki, one of the co-founders of Lorong Belakang, emphasizes that the city is both small enough for locals to start businesses and big enough for them to reach a global audience.

Cyberjaya's appeal extends beyond its urban areas, with its green spaces playing a significant role in its appeal. Nazrin Akashah, event director of the Cyberjaya Forest Half Marathon 2026, explains that the city was chosen for the event due to its combination of greenery, wide roads, and modern buildings. The first physical Cyberjaya Forest Run attracted around 6,500 participants, while this year's event saw 7,500 runners from Malaysia and overseas.

The greenery has also caught the attention of newcomers, with Iqmal Haziq, a recent resident, surprised by the abundance of food options available in the morning, particularly at the farmers' market.