A planned city implemented in the early '90s, Putrajaya is sleek in its newness and widely varying in the activities it offers visitors. Its focal point is a central lake, creating sparkling night scenes of the modern city lights and skyline reflected against the placid water. Multiple city parks offer visitors and locals all kinds of activities, from relaxation to physical challenges, and important political, cultural and historical landmarks suggest a much longer history than the few decades Putrajaya has existed. With so many attractions in this ultra-modern city, visitors to Putrajaya won't likely want for more to do.
Tour the Parks
- Putrajaya is situated around the large, man-made Putrajaya Lake and the surrounding area of Wetland Park. The park is luscious green and jungle-like -- complete with a lookout tower, nursery and flamingo pond -- and is one of the largest wetland areas in the tropics. Dry off and head to the Agriculture Heritage Park, in Precinct 16 just northeast of the city center, to sample or purchase some local Malaysian produce. This park provides tours and informational exhibits honoring Malaysia's agricultural system. Taman Wawasan, in Precinct 2 just north of the city center, is a green park perfect for biking or walking past the lotus pond. Active travelers or thrill-seekers won't want to miss the Putrajaya Challenge Park, a 75-acre area that includes a skate park, climbing walls and mountain bike trails, in Precinct 5.
Cruise the Lake
- Orient yourself to the city and some of its main attractions by cruising the central Putrajaya Lake. Many of the city's sights -- including the Putra Mosque and the largest botanical garden in the country, Taman Botani -- are on the lake's shore, easily seen from a cruise ship. Several companies offer cruises, ranging from large boats to small vessels or gondolas, both day and night. Night cruises provide a particularly stunning view of the Islamic architecture-inspired Putra Bridge or the well-lit Seri Perdana and Seri Bakti bridges that traverse the lake at various points.
See the Landmarks
- The Putrajaya Palace of Justice is situated in Precinct 3, near Jalan Tun Hussein Road. Known locally as Istana Kehakiman, this five-story building often hosts national events and festivals, including the Colours of Malaysia festival each year in late spring, complete with traditional costumes, parades and arts and crafts markets. The iconic green dome of the Perdana Putra, which houses several of Putrajaya's government buildings and agencies including the prime minister's office, is often featured on postcards for the city, and for good reason. It sits high on the city's central hill in Precinct 1 and combines Malaysian, European and Islamic architecture.
Visit the Mosque
- A majestic, pink-domed high point on the shore of the lake, the Putra Mosque in Putrajaya is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Adorned with a nearly 400-foot minaret, the mosque can hold approximately 15,000 visitors at a time. Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy the mix of Muslim and Malaysian design influences, including pink granite and massive stone pillars in the primary prayer hall. It's free to visit, but travelers should take note of prayer times during which non-Muslims are not allowed inside. Visitors should dress modestly and maintain low voices inside the facility. You'll find English language brochures and other materials explaining aspects of the mosque, and mosque staff members are usually happy to answer questions.
