Putrajaya

Just a short drive from Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya covers an area of 4,931 ha and is just 20km from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). This city has all the trappings of a modern metropolis but is unique, as it has successfully integrated the best of today’s technologies while preserving its lush greenery and natural environment. Putrajaya hopes to promote harmonious living by providing structured housing schemes, public amenities, parks, gardens and other well-planned infrastructure. It has taken into consideration the needs of its residents by providing a variety of recreational facilities as well as offering an efficient transportation system. The city is fast developing into a tourist destination as it offers serenity, breathtaking architecture and a character all its own.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Perdana Putra

The Perdana Putra building in Putrajaya is awe-inspiring. This magnificent building, which looks as if it leaped out of the pages of a fairy tale book, overlooks the Putrajaya Lake. It is clad in natural stone and features a main green dome with four smaller domes. It is indeed a distinctive building – the complex houses the offices of the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister’s Department.

Lake and Wetlands

Putrajaya Lake and its wetlands are important elements for the city’s aim to be an intelligent Garden City. It is designed to be sustainable and provide a balanced ecosystem. These features also cater for various purposes including recreation, fishing, water sports and transportation. Visitors can enjoy some bird watching and there are also walkways to explore the natural surroundings.

Dataran Putra

Dataran Putra was designed to be the nation’s leading centre for staging national events and formal parades. It comprises an outer 11-pointed star, which represents the 11 states when Malaysia gained Independence, followed by an inner 13-pointed star representing the subsequent 13 states of Malaysia, and an innermost 14-pointed star that represents the states as well as the Federal Territory.

Putra Mosque

The Putra Mosque has a single prominent minaret, which stands at a height of 116 metres. This exquisite building incorporates Persian architecture of the Safavid period and is mainly constructed from pink granite. The tower is divided into five sections to reflect the Five Pillars of Islam. The mosque is large enough to accommodate 15,000 worshippers at any one time. It also has auditoriums, seminar rooms, a manuscript room and a library.

Putra Bridge

This is another structure in Putrajaya that will pleasantly surprise the visitor. With a span of 435 metres, the bridge is inspired by the design of the famous Khaju Bridge in Isfahan, Iran. The upper level of the bridge forms part of the boulevard. This unique three-deck bridge provides vehicles, monorail and pedestrian access while the piers will be transformed into fine restaurants.

Parks & Gardens

Parks and gardens play essential roles in Putrajaya. A large part of the city has been reserved as green areas. Among them are Taman Putra Perdana, Botanical Garden, Perdana Walk, Taman Selatan, Taman Rimba Alam and Taman Wawasan. Each of these parks is unique and has its own attractions to offer.

SHOPPING

One of the newest shopping centres in Malaysia is found in Putrajaya. Touted as “The Shopping Centre that Provides a Total Experience”, Alamanda shopping centre is a 2-storey mall located in Precinct 1 of this Garden City. With a net lettable area of approximately 700,000 sq ft, Alamanda is well-conceptualised as a suburban regional mall that caters to the shopping needs of South Klang Valley’s population. The main mall area, which spans a spacious 206,000 sq ft, will house about 180 specialty shops. The mall area leads to a public park area with fountain, perfect for family outings and picnics. Facing the park will be 10 alfresco restaurants to cater for discerning diners. A 25,000-sq ft local food court connects the mall area to the entertainment plaza. Anchoring the entertainment plaza will be a 6-screen cineplex and a bowling alley. The entertainment plaza will have an open circulation area for external and cultural activities and Spanish steps will lead patrons to a wetland with a public promenade.

WHERE TO STAY

There are some five-star hotels that provide first-class services and facilities of international standards. Most accommodations are safe and convenient. Visitors can obtain more details on the Internet or seek recommendations from travel agencies.