Our administrative capital offers many attractions, writes Laveda Charles
PUTRAJAYA is the federal administrative centre but as formal as this sounds, it surprisingly offers local and foreign tourists many interesting places to visit.
Although I have been here a couple of times, the last being for a bridal shoot around the scenic bridges and lake in November last year, I didn’t think there was much more to explore.
So I am excited when Johari Jenon, property manager of Putra Perdana Development takes me on a tour of Putrajaya.
Though he has been working in Putrajaya for more than a decade, Johari admits that he has yet to discover the various activities this place offers.
Driving through the city centre where the government offices stand tall, we realise the streets are emptier than those in the heart of Kuala Lumpur despite it being a working day.
Located just a 30-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur via the Maju Expressway (MEX highway), Putrajaya seems an ideal place for people who just want a short and relaxing vacation.
There are some good hotels to stay at including Dorsett Putrajaya, The Everly Putrajaya, Hotel Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside, Le Meridien Putrajaya and Putrajaya Shangri-La Hotel.
All these are not far from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. If you have a bigger group, you can also book several homestays in residential areas.
ARCHITECTURE AND SCENIC VIEWS
As the bus takes us along the spacious streets, we catch glimpses of the modern architecture dotting the man-made lake.
Our first stop is the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), the eye-shaped building perched on a hill. The PICC has housed many conventions, weddings and others.
From here, we manage to capture a panoramic view of Putrajaya which overlooks the lush greenery and buildings that surround the lake.
The planned city has eight uniquely designed bridges connecting to the various precincts of Putrajaya. These include Seri Saujana Bridge (located at the main entrance to Putrajaya), Putra Bridge, Bestari Bridge, Seri Perdana Bridge, Seri Setia Bridge, Seri Bakti Bridge, Seri Gembilang Bridge and, lastly, the most iconic Seri Wawasan Bridge.
The Seri Wawasan Bridge somewhat resembles the old Penang Bridge. You can stop by the road side and admire the structure of the bridge with its metal cable-looking rods.
You are also able to get a good view of the Putra Mosque on one side and the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque or Iron Mosque (due to its metal-looking dome) on the other side.
Johari says the best time to take pictures of this bridge is at night when it is lit up with multi-coloured lights.
The 300m circular Putra Square (Dataran Putra) is one area that is popular with foreigners and families.
This place is located in front of the Prime Minister’s office or better known as the Perdana Putra which has a green-glazed onion-shaped roof. The first thing that stands out as you reach this square is the light pink Putra Mosque that is beautifully designed. This mosque can house over 10,000 worshipers.
When you are in the square you can purchase a bus ticket that takes you on a tour around Putrajaya. The best part is it only costs 50 sen and is valid the whole day.
There are also electric cars that can carry two people (RM20 for 10 minutes) and bicycles (RM4 an hour) available for rental.
It is interesting to see that each building in Putrajaya has a different facade with a mix of modern or Islamic designs.
PARKS AND WATER
If you are an outdoor, nature and water sports enthusiast then you are in the right place. You can take a stroll or cycle in the various parks in Putrajaya.
It is literally a “garden in the city” with 38 per cent of its area featuring wetlands and parks. We are only able to visit two of the seven parks located all around Putrajaya.
The first is the Botanical Garden which invites you in with Astaka Morocco (a Moroccan structure) with its solidly carved wooden doors and intricate geometric designs.
As you walk further you will begin your walk through the Botanical Garden which has over 70 species of plants.
The second park is the Agriculture Heritage Park (Taman Warisan Pertanian) which I truly enjoy. This park is located in Precinct 16 and has over 180 trees including fruit trees and herb plants.
As you walk along the steps you will come to an outdoor concept canteen that serves various food from satay, nasi dagang and chicken rice to refreshing coconut shake.
You can then purchase your ticket to enter the park for only RM6.50 for locals and RM15 for foreigners. You can also rent a buggy (for seven people) for RM25 .
It is such a relaxing drive up the hill as you start admiring the multiple fruit trees and plants with mini information boards placed near the tree or plant.
You can find papaya, mangosteen, pineapple, jackfruit, longan, coconut, durian, coffee and many more trees.
There is also a padi field and an area where rubber trees are grown. You can even ask them to teach you to tap a rubber tree. This park is so well maintained and our guide says they also sell the produce.
As for water sports, check out the Marina Sports Centre which has various water sports activities such as kayaking, canoeing, dragon boating, water skiing, sailing, flyboarding and wakeboarding.
There is also an indoor and outdoor pool that is open to the public from morning to evening. Another attraction isa man-made beach with coconut trees on sandy ground close to the sports centre and Pullman Hotel. This place is perfect for jogging, cycling and picnics but you are not allowed to swim.
You can also take cruises from Putra Square for RM40 (adults) and RM26 (children) with MyKad holders at RM20 and RM12 respectively for boats.
For passenger cruise boats you will pay RM50 (adults) and RM35 (children) with MyKad holders at RM30 and RM20 respectively.
TRAVEL FILE
Look out for these yearly festivals
• Putrajaya International Hot-Air Balloon Fiesta
• Royal Floria Putrajaya
• Putrajaya Ramadan Festival
• Light and Motion Putrajaya (Lampu) Festival
• Putrajaya International Islamic Arts and Culture Festival (Piiacuf)