Putrajaya – Places to Visit in Kuala Lumpur

Putrajaya

Located approx 45 minutes drive south of Kuala Lumpur – Putrajaya is the Federal Government’s new Administrative Centre for Malaysia. As a Federal Territory just like the city of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya houses a number of important Government offices relocated to this single area as part of the governments plans to relieve overcrowding and minimize congestion in Kuala Lumpur. Spread across 11,320 acres (46 sq km) of largely palm oil estates and rubber plantations, the whole area has undergone massive development since its establishment in 1995.

The idea of establishing a new federal government administrative centre was first suggested by the then Malaysian Prime Minister – Dr. Mahathir in the late 1980s. Located within the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) between Kuala Lumpur, Cyberjaya and Kuala Lumpur International Airport – Putrajaya is an information network base for multimedia technologies. As part of Putrajaya’s main transportation infrastructure policy, 70 per cent of all the cities transport requirements will be met by public transport. And once completed, the city monorail will pick up residents at designated park-and-ride stations and take them to their offices, with the remaining 30 per cent left for private vehicles.

Among many of Putrajaya’s interesting sights and attractions – Putrajaya Lake is a 650ha man-made lake situated at the centre of Putrajaya, designed for recreation and creating a natural cooling system for the city. Based around very contemporary Arabic styles, Putrajaya’s architecture and buildings are refreshingly modern, and create a distinct air of grandeur while blending in well with the beautiful surrounding landscape. The main bridge in Putrajaya connecting the Government Precinct to the mixed development precinct and linking Putra Square with the Boulevard is the Jambatan Putra or Putra Bridge. With a total span of 435 metres, this huge three-deck bridge provides road, monorail and pedestrian access – with the main support pillars also accommodating a number of restaurants. In total there are nine bridges in Putrajaya, all with their own distinctive design.

Overlooked by the Prime Ministers Office, there are plenty of rest areas for visitors to enjoy the breathtaking scenery surrounding the lake, including the much admired floating Putra Mosque (Masjid Putra). In this Special Feature, KL – The Guide presents you the beautifully-landscaped city of Putrajaya, a Beyond KL destination – with its grand architecture, modern transportation system, shopping centre, music & arts festival, gardens, parks and recreational activities.

For visitors to this beautiful well planned city, Putrajaya offers many places of interest, including natural parks, gardens, observation points and wetlands – all open daily to the public.

Designed as a national educational and research sanctuary for Malaysian plant taxonomy, the Botanical Gardens are located in the northern section of Precinct 1. Open to public, the park features a Lakeside café, the Explorer’s Trail, Canopy Bridge, Floral Garden and many other interesting floral attractions. Located nearby is the Putrajaya Seafood Restaurant (+603-8889 5008, 11:30 to 14:30 (Lunch), 14:30 to 18:00 (Snacks) and 18:00 to 22:30 (Dinner) daily) which offers you resort-style dining amidst the lush greenery of the Botanical Gardens. Located at the highest point in Precinct 1, Taman Putra Perdana is one of the best places to enjoy panoramic views of Putrajaya.

Kelab Tasik Putrajaya (No. 2, Jalan P8, Precinct 8; 10:00 to 22:00 daily; +603-8889 5008), one of Malaysia’s newest boat clubs is located in the tranquil setting of Lake Putrajaya right in the heart of city. Now widely recognized as one of the premier watersport facilities in the country, Kelab Tasik Putrajaya operates all year round including public holidays. Facilities at the club include sailing, kayaking, canoeing, rowing, a full service restaurant & café and a swimming pool. With the club membership consisting of well over a thousand members from individuals and corporations. Located at the lakeside of Precinct 8, overlooking the Prime Ministers Office and the towering Putrajaya Mosque – the club provides its members with some of the finest facilities around. In addition to the striking views offered from the restaurant, the club also has the finest watersport equipment and boats for recreational use. In addition to its restaurant services, the club also regularly hosts formal and social events.

Included other attractions at Putrajaya, is Alamanda Shopping Centre (Jalan Alamanda, Precinct 1; +603-8888 8882; 10:00 to 22:00 daily; www.alamanda.com.my), a shopping paradise! With its tagline, “Life is so much easier”, Alamanda Shopping Centre has a various mix of over 150 tenants. Created as a shopping oasis in the heart of Putrajaya, Alamanda provides excellent shopping, eating, entertainment and leisure – but there’s a lot more to Alamanda than just its great design and landscaped surroundings. This lifestyle shopping mall also included Carrefour and Parkson as anchor tenants along with a variety of restaurants and shops to fulfil your entertainment and leisure needs. There’s also free WiFi broadband internet access, an ATM centre, POS Malaysia, a bowling alley, fitness centre and a Cineplex movie theatre. Alamanda Shopping Centre also features Malaysia’s first travelator within a shopping centre, connecting retail outlets and providing access directly to Alamanda’s car parks.