Things certainly evolve swiftly over here in Putrajaya. No, I am not talking about the swelling traffic congestion nor the government policies or administrative strategies coming out from the federal administrative centre, but, at how Putrajaya has transformed.
From the 4,930ha of rubber estate and oil palm plantations a mere 20 years ago, it is today a sustainable modern city with much to offer.
Encircling over 20 well-organised precincts that house some 72,000 residents, and catering to more than 35,000 workers daily, Putrajaya is more than just an administrative centre. It is also an important contributor to the country’s tourism coffers.
In the early years when I was first assigned to the New Straits Times’ bureau in Presint 5, it did not require more than two guesses which hotel it would be when we received an invitation to an event.
Four years on, I occasionally find myself googling for the location and driving directions to some of the newer hotels, that seemingly pop up overnight in this Garden City.
From 5-star luxury hotels to scenic lakeside resorts, and even contemporary urban homestays, business travellers and tourists have more than ample choice of accommodation to choose from for their visit. As you read this, construction work on upcoming hotel projects are going on at a frenetic pace at several locations throughout Putrajaya.
The latest to open its doors here is the 218-room Dorsett Putrajaya. Located in Presint 3 and overlooking the picturesque 650-ha Putrajaya Lake, the hotel offers another comfortable option for the 30.5 million tourists the country is expecting to welcome this year and, more importantly, the projected RM103 billion in revenue they are expected to bring with them.
Putrajaya is well-known for its gardens, lakes, bridges and attention-grabbing building architectures. During weekends and public holidays, throngs of tourist buses line up at the side of the roads, starting from the iconic Putra Mosque right up to the distinctive Putrajaya International Convention Centre, seated majestically on top of the hill.
The many bridges, intertwined at the heart of the city, including the Putra Bridge, Seri Perdana Bridge, Seri Bakti Bridge, Seri Gemilang Bridge and Seri Wawasan Bridge, offer picture-perfect backdrops, and, of course, everyone’s favourite pas-time, selfies.
The coming months ahead will have something in store for everyone. Whether you are an adventure seeker, sports enthusiast, or an ardent pursuer of culture and arts, the city offers you numerous international events to look forward to.
For fitness buffs and those who think that the ongoing searing heatwave is not sufficient to burn the calories, the gruelling Ironman 70.3, Powerman Asia Championships, Putrajaya Night Marathon and Waterski World Cup are not-to-be-missed races for the year.
In case you have not truly sweated it all out, then sign up for the upbeat Malaysian International Dragon Boat Festival as well as the fun-filled International Putrajaya Lake and Wetlands Explorace.
The city’s diverse terrains and aquatic facilities combined with its picturesque landscape are among the chief reasons for the increasing number of participants and spectators with each passing edition of these events.
Meanwhile, motorsport junkies from all over the world have already inked down Putrajaya on their travel calendars for their adrenalin rush. Starting off fairly mild with the gravity-defying Red Bull Air Race, fans will have non-stop action throughout the year with the Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix, Motorcycle Grand Prix and the Formula E Championship.
Not everyone — this writer included — is a sports freak or a lover of ear-piercing turbo engines and deafening noise from twin exhaust pipes.
For this segment of the local population and international visitors, there are still plenty of reasons to visit Putrajaya.
The award-winning annual Royal Floria Putrajaya, scheduled for the middle of the year, is a stunning exhibition of exquisite flowers and exceptional garden collections from all over the world.
Not to fret if you are allergic to pollens, you can always hop over to the Malaysian International Film Festival or the Putrajaya International Islamic Arts and Culture, to learn more about the rich culture and intricate arts by an assortment of international exhibitors.
For those looking to view Putrajaya from a different perspective, the annual International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is the place to be.
Grab a seat on one of the imposing multi-coloured hot air balloons, and you can be sure of an unforgettable experience.
Finally, the best way to round up your visit is to pick your favourite spot at the lakeside, sit back and enjoy the dazzling International Fireworks Competition.
Featuring creative firework performances over the lakes and bridges by world-class pyrotechnicians, it is the epitome of all things spectacular in Putrajaya.
With more than 15 years in journalism and a masters in Counselling Psychology, the writer is always drawn to the mastery of the human mind and behaviours