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Putrajaya is a center of the Malaysian federal government. A city as big as 49 square kilometers, Putrajaya can be reached by a 30-minute ride from the capital of the country, Kuala Lumpur.

The forming of Putrajaya dates back to 1990s, started from an idea by the former Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohammad, as the construction commenced. In 1999, the government central was moved from Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya.

Though tender in age, Putrajaya is a part of Multimedia Super Corridor project area, which is a special economic zone aiming to elevate Malaysia to be a modern country by 2020. In this intelligent city, the government plans to apply a new high-tech system called Electronic Government, which would be equipped with state-of-the-art communication technology.

How to go to Putrajaya

By train

Ride on ERL (Express Rail Link) from KL Sentral train station, following the route of KL Sentral – KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) then alight at Putrajaya Sentral Station.

By bus

Beside train, bus also operates to Putrajaya. Here are buses to and from Putrajaya:

• RapidKL E1: route Putrajaya Sentral - Brickfields
• RapidKL U42: route Putrajaya Sentral - KTM Serdang
• RapidKL U43: route Putrajaya Sentral - Bandar Utama
• RapidKL T429): route Putrajaya Sentral - Cyberjaya
• Metrobus Nationwide 68: route Sinar Kota - KL - Putrajaya
• Klang Banting: route Banting - Dengkil - Putrajaya
• Sri Indah Jaya 573A: route Kuala Lumpur - Putrajaya dan Kajang - Putrajaya
• Bas Putrajaya J01: route Desa Pinggiran Putra - Alamanda - Park and Ride Presint 14
• Mahligai Ekspress: route Putrajaya - Kajang - Hentian Putra - Jerteh - Kota Bahru
• Transnasional: route Puchong Prima - Putrajaya - Kota Bahru
• Agensi Pelancungan & Adik-Beradik: route Kajang - Putrajaya - Kuala Terengganu
• Konsortium Mutiara Ekspress: route Putrajaya - Kota Bahru
• AB Ekspress: route Putrajaya Sentral - Butterworth - Sungai Petani - Kangar - Kuala Perlis

By taxi

There are three types of taxi service in Putrajaya:

Budget taxi         : Waja, Wira, Iswara

Executive taxi    : Nazaria

Limousine taxi   : Perdana V6

Tourist attractions in Putrajaya

There are famous tourist attractions such as:

Putra Mosque

Putra Mosque is located beside Malaysia Prime Minister’s office building and artificial Lake Putrajaya, reachable within 30 minutes ride from Kuala Lumpur.

The mosque was built in 1997 and completed in 1999. It was named after Putrajaya to honour the first Malaysia Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al Haj. Putra Mosque is considered one of the icons of Putrajaya area.

Occupies approximately 1.37 hectares of land, the mosque is capable to accommodate up to 15,000 worshippers. Putra Mosque consists of several areas, which are praying (shalat) area, yard, and several learning facilities. The beautiful mosque’s dome is rose-coloured, with its fusion architecture style of Malayan and Middle-Eastern style.

To reach Putra Mosque, you can hop on a bus, train, or ride on personal vehicle.

Bus to Putra Mosque

• Bus Parkmay (Cityliner No. 868):  Sinar Kota - Cyberjaya
• Sepang Omnibus (No. 536 B):  Sepang - Putrajaya
• Kelang - Banting Bus (No. 131):  Kelang - Putrajaya
• Sum Omnibus (No. 1860):  Kajang Bus Terminal – Cyberjaya

Putrajaya Botanical Garden

Putrajaya Botanical Garden (Taman Botani) is located at the north side of Presint 1 Putrajaya area, requiring a 30-minute-ride from Kuala Lumpur. It is close to Istana Melawati (Malaysian royal palace) and can be reached within a short walking distance from Putrajaya Shangri-La Hotel.

Putrajaya Botanical Garden is the largest botanical garden in Malaysia, covering around 92 hectares of land. This well-tended park consists of three main parts: flower area, decorative plants area, and research area. Around 700 plant species grow inside this beautiful garden, varying from Asia-Pacific plants to the far African species.

Do not miss a long walk to enjoy around Floral Steps, Canna Walk, African Collection, Fern Garden, Bougainvillea Tunnel, Tropical America Collection, Pandanus Walk, Hibiscus Walk, Palm Hill, Heliconia Trail, Vine Garden, and Orchid Path. Its notably sophisticated structure is also completed with huge sundial, gazebos, and lake broadwalk.

Though there is no admission fee to the park, a notably most exquisite addition, Moroccan Pavilion, is a must-see. The additional fee to explore this structure is 3.00 MYR. To enjoy other paid facilities, prepare up to 15.00 MYR for admission. (Prices are subject to change at any time)

The botanical garden is both a Malaysian plant conservation area and a research and education centre. It provides a number of activities and facilities for research and education, including Garden Guided Tour, Botani Walk and Hunt, and Botani Morpho Hunt.

Putrajaya Botanical Garden is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM.

Cruise Tasik Putrajaya

Offering an extensive view of Putrajaya neighbourhood, Cruise Tasik Putrajaya allows both sightseeing and dining experience by boat in Putrajaya Lake, next to Putra Mosque.

Visitors can choose between the catamarans and traditional small boat called perahu. While catamarans accommodate up to 76 people simultaneously, perahu is a traditional crafted wooden boat capable of carrying up to seven passengers. Both types are available for rental and private charter as well. The ticket booth and boat starting point is located under Putra Bridge.

There are three types of tours available:

• Sightseeing Tours

*Depart hourly and takes up to 45 minutes per ride with catamarans

*Fee: Adult (foreigner) 50.00 MYR, Adult (Malaysian) 30.00 MYR. Discount fare for children, seniors, and families are available.

• Dining Cruises

*Ride lasts 1-2 hours with catamarans

*Lunch: starting from 78.00 MYR per adult, serving Malaysian menu buffet

*Dinne: up to 158.00 MYR per adult, serving western/international menu

• Perahu

*Ride lasts for 20-25 minutes

*Fee: Adult (foreigner) 40.00 MYR, Adult (Malaysian) 20.00 MYR. Discount fare for children, senior, and families are available.

The ride is open from 10 AM to 6 PM daily, while on Friday and Saturday the tour is closed at 8 PM and 7 PM on Sunday. A special Night Sightseeing Tours are available on Friday and Saturday after 7 PM.

Travel tips in Putrajaya

• If you visit Putrajaya Botanical Garden, the eco-green souvenirs are great to bring back from the gift shop at the botanical garden.
• Upon visiting Putra Mosque, make some time to visit bazaar area The Souq, located at the base level. There are around 50 shops selling various products, such as clothes, accessories, and food.