Have you been to Putrajaya?

About Putrajaya

My wife and I were initially not really interested to travel to Putrajaya. At the first visit , this city does not impress us much.

The city look deserted and chilly . The city looks city something out of “ DAY AFTER TOMMOROW” scene. Quiet and spooky. Perhaps it was our unplanned stopover at this city and we found no activities here.

However, one day we had planned to visit this city again after watching a TV program about Putrajaya . What a surprise ! We did not notice a lot of things on the first visit.

Now , this is something I’m working out to tell the world about this futuristic city. We found out that it is always changing and you would need 3 days 2 nights to explore the place.

How Putrajaya become a city ?

Putrajaya has been in the government planning for almost 20 years. So, I guess it is unfair to think that it was recently a “ pop up” idea by the leader.

Interestingly the government of that time was searching for a new administrative centre in the 1980s to disperse some development away from Kuala Lumpur.

A site called Prang Besar in the district Sepang was chosen for this purpose.

The project is named after the country’s first Prime Minister, YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj. Construction of the new city began in August 1995, and is now targeted for completion by 2015.

It is expected that most of the Federal Government agencies will have moved to Putrajaya by 2010.

Putrajaya Corporation was set up and has been given this mammoth task to develop this city from merely a palm oil plantation and forest .

When the city is fully developed, it will have a population of around 320,000 and 64,000 housing units ( trust me, I love the real estate there).

While Kuala Lumpur will remain as the country’s capital city as well as premiere financial and commercial centre, Putrajaya will play the role of the new Federal Government Administrative Center.

Where is Putrajaya ?

Putrajaya sits on a magnificent 4,931 hectares of land within the Multimedia Super Corridor. It is located 35km south of Kuala Lumpur and 20km north of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

Being served by a network of highways, it is highly accessible from all parts of the country.

As you can see from this Putrajaya location map

You can reach this city from here in about half an hour by car. If drive from south of Malaysia or the city of Johor Bharu. It might take you 3 hour which means about 300km.

This city is in the district of by Sepang; remember f1 and Kuala Lumpur International Airport?

Cyberjaya the city of Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC), the Bukit Jalil Commonwealth Sport Complex are a few prominent names to visit if you are planning to go to Putrajaya.

The Putrajaya itself have a few interesting place to visit.

About 40% of Putrajaya is natural. Lush greenery, botanical gardens are spread across the landscape enhanced by large bodies of water and wetlands.

You would need 1 to 3 days to really enjoy the place and its surrounding.

I recommend to put up a stay for a day or two at Putrajaya Marriot or Shangri la Hotel Putrajaya . You could rent some other hotel in Sepang area too.

Getting to Putrajaya

View Larger Map

Well... there are a few routes to Putrajaya. If you have never been to this city, I will suggest to follow the normal route which used by most of the driver.

~Drive towards south into North-South Expressway (aka PLUS Highway) heading and entering the Sg Besi Toll Plaza.

~approximately 20 minutes, you will find a green signboard read "SERDANG/ UPM”.

~drive toward and exit at Serdang /UPM toll plaza.

~follow the Putrajaya signboard on the left hand side.

You will find a very beautiful research farm of UPM (Universiti Putra Malaysia) on your left side on the way to Putrajaya.

Cruise Tasik Putrajaya.... Venice and Paris of Malaysia with local taste.

Cruise Tasik Putrajaya,

Jetty Putra, Jambatan Putra,

Presint 1, 62000 Putrajaya, Malaysia.

This is a 400 hectare man made lake which act as climate moderator.

Amazing!

Located at opposite the Prime Minister (Perdana Putra) office or beside the Putra Mosque . Just take the staircase down to the lake area.

You will find this cruise centre with roll of restaurant. The restaurants serve international and local food. I noticed some franchise outlet open here too.

If you like spicy chicken, try Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken while enjoying the lake view.

This is the photographer favorite spot. Facing the lake , you could enjoy the view of one of the magnificent suspension bridge here. And on your right is the majestic Putra Mosque.

Getting to the Cruise Tasik Putrajaya , Putra Mosque and Perdana Putra

After a few minutes drive from Putrajaya entrance. You will notice 2 directions.

~One is "Alamanda" signboard on the right.

~drive straight toward "Precinct 1 /Perdana Putra" ~follow the sign show "Perdana Putra" with a few turns and you shall see to massive square of Putrajaya! And the pink mosque.

There were 3 type of water transportation you could choose from.

~The Dondang Sayang Perahu:

this is the open air gondola seat approximately 6 people and operates by 1 boatman. You will hear the traditional "Dondang Sayang" tune while in the gondola.

Not suitable for your naughty little one who under 3 year old. The charge: MYR20 for adult and Myr12 for kid (2-12 years old)

~Daun Dining Cruise Boat:

offers a unique dining experience on board a luxury boat. Seating capacity 36 paxs in a dinner set up.

I think this package perfectly suited for exclusive corporate or social functions.

The cruise boat is available by private charter for lunch, tea, cocktail and dinner gatherings as well as on-board karaoke sessions.

Hmm...Singing in the middle of the lake ...huh? Hope the fish like it!

~Belimbing Passenger Cruise:

the boat built specifically to carry passengers on a sightseeing cruise around Putrajaya Lake.

It is designed with wraparound windows arching from armrest level to ceiling.

So that you will have a clear and unobstructured view of the lake. This leisure cruise takes a scenic route through most Putrajaya’s stunning landmarks.

And there is a tourist guide who will run a comment.

Perdana Putra ... the Prime Minister Office

This is it! The landmark of Putrajaya to the world!

Hmm... This building located on the 50m hill overlooking the square. Perdana Putra is a six storey building comprising the Main Block and flanked by the East and West Wings.

The Prime Minister's Office is located at the Central Main Block and is distinguished by the distinctively topped main dome design that resembles the Zahir Mosque in Alor Setar, Kedah.

I think our former Premier Tun Dr. Mahathir missed his hometown !

It is the main Federal Administrative Building. With the natural stone clad building and its green pitched roof and onion-shaped main dome, surrounded by four smaller domes forms the distinctive land mark of Putrajaya.

Now the fact of this building . According to the info here , it says… yes I’m not the guess of this place yet. Hence I have to rely on the info given.

The West Wing

Consists of offices of the Deputy Prime Minister, Ministers and Deputy Ministers as well as Parliamentary Secretaries in the Prime Minister's Department. The Malaysian Industries-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) and Advisory Board are also located here.

The East Wing

This is where the offices of the Chief Secretary to the Government, Cabinet Divisions and the Implementation and Coordination Unit (ICU).

The Prime Minister welcomes the Head of States and Head of Governments from other countries, here . During the welcoming ceremony, the National Anthem will be played followed by the inspection of the Guard of Honours

Laman Perdana

This is where the guests are introduced to the cabinet ministers, foreign dignitaries, and government and public officials.