10 Places to Explore in Putrajaya

Text by HADY ARMEEN

Putrajaya is Malaysia’s seat of administration. The site, which was formerly covered by rubber and palm oil plantation, has now converted into a lovely well-planned ‘green’ metropolis, complete with charming parks, lakes and communal gardens. Putrajaya isn’t just known for its lush greenery; this modern city is also home to a plethora of interesting attractions, stunning structures and unique monuments that make it a fascinating location to explore. Let’s see the interesting places that can be visited in Putrajaya!

Picnics are a great way to get some fresh air and sunshine while meeting up with friends and family, and Taman Saujana in Putrajaya is one of the best places for picnics. This 41-hectare park, filled with shady pine trees, picturesque slopes and a beautifully landscaped park, has three gardens and plenty of open spaces where you may spread your mat while being surrounded by lots of pretty flowers. Besides picnics, you can also jog and cycle here. Don’t forget to bring along a kite or bubble sticks; the little ones are sure to be thrilled!

Putrajaya Botanical Garden, which spans 230 acres and sits across a large lake, is known as the ‘mother of all gardens’ in this federal territory. The gardens have an ethnobotany and conservation sector that plants crops and endangered wild plants for research and conservation purposes, on top of floral attractions with over 750 plants from several continents. Take a leisurely walk or cycle around Putrajaya Botanical Gardens; a leisurely tour might take hours, especially when you stop to photograph the many unique tropical trees and flowers from around the world.

The Putrajaya Wetlands Park is Malaysia’s first and largest man-made freshwater wetland. The wetlands function as the city’s kidneys and the park is now a popular ecotourism destination, besides serving as a wildlife refuge, attracting a wide range of animals, including various species of birds. The vast park is ideal for a rejuvenating and relaxing stroll, especially if you were searching for a quick midday retreat.

Take the cruise around Putrajaya Lake, a man-made wonder spanning 650 hectares of magnificent waters and exotic wetlands. At the same time, you can admire over 20 landmarks that can be seen from the lake while cruising. There are two types of cruise boats to choose from: a sleek and elegant yacht; or a traditional wooden perahu (traditional Malay boat) called Dondang Sayang. You also can bring your loved one for a romantic dinner on a love boat!

This centre, also known as Pusat Rekreasi Air, rents kayaks, canoes, paddle boats and other watercrafts for use on the 76.8-hectare lake. Travellers can expect to traverse the huge lake set against a backdrop of lush foliage, which is gloriously serene for city inhabitants who crave for respite. The centre has been a magnet for outdoorsy families since it first opened to the public in 2003.

Putrajaya Challenge Park – better known as PCP among locals – is a vast extreme sports facility comprising wall-climbing, skate park and mountainbiking park. PCP encompasses 30 hectares and is equipped with extreme sports facilities such as a big indoor rock-climbing facility, an intricate BMX skateboard park and outdoor bike paths, designed for sports lovers and thrill seekers. Here you can compete in skateboard trick competitions with your pals or get a full-body exercise via rock climbing.

Who would have thought that in the middle Putrajaya, there are a number of thriving stingless bee farms? One of them is located at Taman Rimba Desa, Precinct 9, operated by Koperasi Komuniti Penduduk Putrajaya Berhad, while another is a community farm in D’Putra Rimba, Precinct 15, run by the P15H4 Community Association. Both farms are run using proper beekeeping techniques and use hygienic practices to harvest honey. When you come to the farm, you get to taste fresh honey directly from the hives.

Next to the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque is the Putrajaya Precinct 2 Farmers’ Market, also known as the Putrajaya Night Market. Various types of foods, from traditional to cosmopolitan, are available for you to buy and take home, or munch on site. Aside from ready-to-eat items, raw vegetables, fresh fish, and chicken are sold as well.

People say that these stairs remind them of the Spanish Steps in Rome, the Baha Gardens in Haifa, Israel and the Potemkin Stairs in Odesa, Ukraine. Colourful trees like pink tecoma, bougainvillaea and petunias are planted, flanking the garden-themed Putrajaya Steps. Expect a few food vendors to open here soon for passers-by to enjoy. As a comparison, Batu Caves has a flight of 272 steps, whereas Putrajaya Steps have 250.

If you want to find local traditional cuisine for lunch, Ore Kampung is the best choice. Located in Precinct 8, this restaurant serves popular food from Peninsular Malaysia’s East Coast like nasi dagang and nasi kerabu. You no longer have to go far to find East Coast dishes to satisfy your craving. The omelette bread here is equally flavoursome. The restaurant opens daily from 6:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. (3:00 p.m. on Sundays).