Putrajaya, the administrative centre of the federal government, is a fine example of a well-planned city with the finest landscaping and architecture of international standards.
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Text/Photos: Hamizah bt. Amir Hamzah
On 12th October 1994, a remote and virtually unknown place, Prang Besar, came under the spotlight when it was established as the second Federal Territory of Malaysia – Putrajaya. Putrajaya, the administrative centre of the federal government, is a fine example of a well-planned city with the finest landscaping and architecture of international standards. This city was designed based on concepts that took into consideration the elements of nature, God and human. There are now about 80,000 people residing in Putrajaya, the city of 20 precincts. It has all the infrastructure of a comprehensive city with the “Park & Ride” concept where residents are encouraged to use the public bus to commute in this city.
Putrajaya is not only an administrative centre but ithas many places of interest to attract visitors.
Putrajaya Lake Cruise
Enjoy the fascinating views of Putrajaya and the lake from the comfort of a cruise boat. There are two types of cruise – the traditional Dondang Sayang boat and the Sightseeing passenger cruise. You may also hold personal events like wedding cruise, party, seminar, etc on the cruise. Shangri-la Hotel Putrajaya provides catering service on the cruise for the Romance Dinner Cruise on every Friday and Saturday 8.00 – 9.30pm with reservation 7 days in advance. Cruise Tasik Putrajaya operates daily from 10.00am to 6.30pm.
Website: www.cruisetasikputrajaya.com
(Tel: +603-8888 5539)
Putra Perdana Park.
Seri Perdana Putrajaya
Located at Precinct 10, Kompleks Seri Perdana is the official residence of the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Built in 1997, the Seri Perdana is designed with a combination of Malay, Islamic and European architecture. Two of the units – the Protocol Block and the Banquet Block are open to public visits. The Protocol block is the main reception hall for
visiting foreign dignitaries and envoys. Whereas the Banquet Blok is the hall where official banquets are held and can seat between 200 to 300 guests. A collection of the Prime Minister’s gifts, awards and souvenirs received locally and abroad are exhibited at the gallery.
Website: www.seriperdana.gov.my
Putra Perdana Park
Putra Perdana Park.
This 159 acre garden is located at the highest point in Putrajaya and offers a scenic view of Putrajaya. Of particular interest here is the landmark of Putrajaya in the form of a sculpture designed with the elements of human, nature and God in addition to the national flag Jalur Gemilang.
Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden located at Precinct 1 is the largest botanic garden in the world. Paradise Found – Journey Through Nobel Garden of Asia recognised this garden as one of the 40 most beautiful botanical gardens in Asia. There are more than 700 species of plants from different parts of the world. This garden also functions as a sanctuary for plants and also educational and research centre. A tram service is available to take visitors on a tour around the garden. The botanical garden also accepts reservation for private functions like family day or wedding party with reasonable charges. The Visitor’s Interactive Centre is open Monday – Friday from 9.00am – 6.00pm.
Tel: +603-8887 7770.
The Moroccan Pavilion
Located in the Taman Botani is the Moroccan Pavilion, a unique design of Moroccan architecture inspired by plants. The rooms, walls and ceilings are decorated with verses carved in marbles and fragrant wood.
The Moroccan Pavilion.
Putrajaya Wetlands Park
Located at Precinct 13, the Putrajaya Wetland is the biggest artificial wetland in Malaysia planted with a variety of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants. It is fed by two rivers – Sg. Chuau and Sg. Bisa. The Taman Wetland provides recreational facilities like boating, canoeing, fishing and more. It also has a centre for students to understand more about the unique ecosystem in this wetland.
Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque
Also known as Masjid Besi, the Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin has a geometrically designed architecture made of iron. This is the biggest mosque in Putrajaya which can accommodate up to 20,000 people. It is also the favourite backdrop for wedding photographs.
Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque.
Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Gallery
Opened on 17th October 2012, this gallery is located at Unit 3, 9th Floor or Menara Prisma Precinct 3, next to the office of the former Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. On display in the gallery are his biography and also various collections of awards, souvenirs and items received during his tenure as the Deputy Prime Minister and the fifth Prime Ministor of Malaysia. This gallery is open to the public, admission is free.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum was opened to the public on 1st February, 2010. There are two galleries, namely the Mammals Gallery on the ground floor and the Insects Gallery on the first floor. There are a total of 637 specimen collections in this museum. The museum opens daily from 9.00am to 5.00pm. Tel: +603-8890 2884
By Bus – Rapid KL Bus runs between KL Sentral and Putrajaya Sentral.
By Train – KLIA Transit connects KL Sentral to the KLIA but makes a stop at Putrajaya. (Note: KLIA Ekspres does not stop here).
Accommodations
Hotel Shangri-La Putrajaya – has 118 rooms and 5 suites with superb views of Putrajaya. This charming hotel also has 2 main restaurants- the Palm Hill Café and Azur Restaurant. Putrajaya Shangri-La is equipped with facilities like gym, swimming pool, spa and wifi connection.
