BY CAITLYN NG LI YUIN
liyuin@ocision.com
Putrajaya has undergone massive development since becoming Malaysia’s third Federal Territory, but still retains many green sanctuaries and fascinating attractions that visitors can explore to their hearts’ content.
Many people know that Putrajaya is the federal administrative centre of Malaysia, and that the city took over the status from Kuala Lumpur in 1999, in large part due to the issue of overcrowding and congestion in KL.
However, not many know that Putrajaya was once an expansive marshland and former oil palm estate. It was then proposed that Putrajaya become a masterplan for a green, urban and intelligent city spanning almost 12,000 acres. Did you know that approximately 40% of the area has been reserved for green spaces?
There is definitely something for everyone in Putrajaya, a treasure trove of diverse experiences just waiting to be discovered.
1) World class infrastructure
Within the city of Putrajaya itself, there are not one, not two, but seven iconic bridges that have their own unique aesthetic designs. They have become scenic spots for tourists and photographers alike. Some of the more famous ones include the Seri Wawasan bridge, Putra bridge, Seri Perdana bridge and Seri Gemilang bridge.
There are also a few buildings that deserve special mention, due to the city becoming an epicentre of magnificent architectural buildings that tower majestically. Visitors can marvel at the Putrajaya Convention Centre, Ministry of Finance building, Melawati Palace and the Putra Mosque to name a few.
First off, one would need ease of accessibility to visit Putrajaya, and this city does not fail on that aspect. There are extensive and efficient bus and train routes to facilitate travelling within Putrajaya and the rest of the Klang Valley.
The Putrajaya Sentral Transportation Hub at Precinct 7 houses different types of public transportation for the public. There is the Express Rail Link (ERL); Nadi Putra and Rapid KL bus services and taxis; and a comprehensive highway network including LDP, SKVE and MEX.
There is also the upcoming Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Sungai Buloh – Putrajaya Line 2 to look forward to, which is expected to be operational in five years.
2) Education options
Putrajaya is home to top-notch, world-renowned educational institutes. Here, one will be able to find local and international primary and secondary schools, as well as established institutes of tertiary learning which are already operating here.
To date, there is a total of 25 schools in Putrajaya, 14 of which are primary schools and 11 are secondary schools. Some of them include SMKPP11 (1), SMKPP16 (1), SMKPP9 (2), SMKPP18 (1), SKPP5 (1), SKPP16 (1), SKPP14 (1), SKPP18 (1), and SKPP18(2). More schools will be built in the future.
In addition, there is also the Nexus International School at Precinct 15. In terms of tertiary education establishments, there are two universities, namely the Heriot-Watt University Malaysia at Precinct 5 and University Malaysia at Precinct 1.
3) Recreation
Whether you prefer to bask in the warmth of natural sunlight while taking in the splendour of nature, or enjoy a healthy workout with the myriad of recreational spaces available, people from all age groups and walks of life will be sure to love the many parks and gardens found here.
The Putra Perdana Park is located at the city’s highest point in Precinct 1, and offers visitors a breathtaking bird’s-eye-view of the glittering city of Putrajaya. This quiet hilltop park is spread over 173-acres of land and is pleasantly landscaped with trees and water fountains.
The Putrajaya Wetlands Park is an integral part of Putrajaya which offers sweeping vistas of the man-made Wetlands from several vantage points. Carefully landscaped with lush greenery, it serves as a natural buffer to the Wetlands, a thriving wildlife sanctuary with a vibrant ecosystem.
The Putrajaya Botanical Garden is easily one of the largest botanical gardens in the country, covering an impressive 227-acres. It was designed as a national sanctuary for Malaysian plant taxonomy and is divided into three main sections: flowers, ornamental plants and preservation / research purposes.
4) Tourist spots
To unwind in a different manner, one can always opt for some retail therapy. There are plenty of shopping malls as well as a vibrant alfresco dining and commercial hub; drop by the Alamanda Putrajaya Shopping Mall, Ayer@8 Promenade, or IOI City Mall, the latter being a mega shopping, lifestyle and entertainment destination.
For a spot of pampering, come enjoy a luxurious staycation at one of the many hotels available in the vicinity. Some of these include the Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside Hotel at Precinct 5, Putrajaya Shangri-La Hotel at Precinct 1, The Everly Hotel Putrajaya at Precinct 1, Dorsett Putrajaya Hotel at Precinct 3, and Grand Zenith Putrajaya at Precinct 2.
5) Yearly events
Every year, the beautiful city of Putrajaya lights up in a kaleidoscope of colours from the sheer variety of activities and events that take place. Befitting its status as a world-class city, Putrajaya is well-equipped with sporting facilities and meticulously landscaped with rich nature-inspired terrains.
These become the perfect backdrop to host the multitude of highly anticipated world-class goings-on in the city: FIA Formula E Championship, Putrajaya Flower & Garden Festival (Floria Putrajaya), Red Bull Air Race World Championship, Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, Putrajaya International Fireworks Competition, Putrajaya International Dragon Boat Race, Putrajaya Night Marathon, and the Putrajaya Urban City Ride to name a few.
As can be seen, the steel-and-concrete landscape is well-balanced with plenty of botanical parks and lush greenery, criss-crossed by large bodies of water and the famed Wetlands. With world-class infrastructure in place, visitors can easily access the city via well-maintained roads and rail linkages to national highways and expressways.
If you would like to know more about this green and integrated city, come and join us during the StarProperty.my forum held on September 24 at Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside Hotel. For more information or registration, log on to www.starproperty.my/forum
