Putrajaya City – The Federal Administrative Center of Malaysia
Putrajaya is Malaysia’s third and latest Federal Territory. Built on an expansive marshland and former oil palm estate in Selangor, the city spans an area of almost 5,000 hectares and lies 25 km from Kuala Lumpur. Putrajaya takes over the administrative functions of the capital city Kuala Lumpur and is part of the Multimedia Super Corridor project of the Malaysian government.
Instead of reading the newspaper and have a small glimpse of it, why not take a day trip and visit Putrajaya? Trust me, it would serve as remarkable ones and honestly speaking our country infrastructure has not one tad bit to lose to other foreign countries.
*We started our “Putrajaya Journey” through Seri Gemilang bridge at Presint 4 area and we are immediately being welcomed by these stunning entrance view.
Federal Minister Building
Malaysian Government are running the exact same working schedule like normal citizen during normal days, federal government have their own office and respective buildings to handle different department matters.
As a result, you can see different designs of architecture government building around the area (most of them are very modern with a twist of Classical Islamic style in it).
The Palace of Justice serves as the highest court and the final appellate court in Malaysia, it gives you the grand feeling (very formal yet unique) while standing outside of the building with a very wide complex area to walk around during the weekend.
Believe it or not, saw a lot of people taking the bridal picture around this area, not sure what are they trying to prove with these backgrounds!
The Ministry of Finance Complex is a building complex housing the Malaysian Ministry of Finance. It is located opposite the Boulevard and Dataran Wawasan in Presint 2.
Don’t get the wrong concept as Ministry of Finance is only charged with the responsibility for government expenditure and revenue raising, this complex has nothing to do with actual money production or banking services! 😉
The Malaysia Legal-Affairs-Building, Bahagian Hal Ehwal Undang-Undang (BHEUU) also known as Legal Affairs Division, embraces several authorities under the Prime Ministers Department.
Another important yet must have department with unique architecture design engraved on the building’s wall.
The Perdana Putra (also known as Perdana Square) is a building which houses the office complex of the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Located on the main hill in Putrajaya, it has become synonymous with the executive branch of the Malaysian federal government.
Our Prime Minister Office, not open to the public visit during the weekend (including weekday), so can only take a picture from distance away and have a major peek from outside of the main gate.
The Putra Mosque
Facing the scenic Putrajaya Lake, the Putra Mosque is arguably Putrajaya’s most distinctive landmark and one of the most modern mosques in the world. A showcase of how mosque designs have evolved in Malaysia, Putra Mosque’s Islamic-architecture artistically blends traditional designs, local craftsmanship and the use of indigenous materials.
What makes Putra Mosque so outstanding among all? The mosque is constructed of rose-tinted granite which gives its desert-pink hue which is definitely worth a visit.
There are some major rules that one must follow (non-muslim) before visiting the mosque.
Men: Minimum pants wear must reach and cover leg ankle side. Shoes off upon entering the mosque.
Women: Long pants and long sleeves, must cover hair. Shoes off upon entering the mosque.
For those who do not meet certain criteria mentioned, you may queue up and lend a robe from the entrance counter (for free) for dress up before entering the mosque.
*As a fellow Chinese Malaysian, we should take the lead and show respect to other race religion, avoid performing any inappropriate act during the visit.
Directory information boards right at the entrance to introduce the mosque Islamic leadership history & status along with a row of Islamic free booklet for the visitor to learn more about Islam religion.
Another good way to understand better about Islamic religion apart with The Islamic Art Museum.
The Prayer Hall is simple and elegant and supported by 12 columns that prop up the 36-metre diameter main dome. Putra Mosque The mimbar (pulpit) and mehrab (a niche that denotes the direction of Mecca) are adorned with khat or Islamic calligraphy.
The internal hall comes with very good ventilation system where you can feel natural winds gently blow from every direction.
The Umat Islam daily praying session, visitors must be extremely silent during their praying session to show respect to other people religion.
The “Pre-Haji Seminar Class” for Muslim who are ready to visit Mecca as a pilgrim.
This open courtyard is landscaped with features and can hold an additional 5,000 people during the festive season.
Lastly and foremost, shoes off before trespassing all these sacred territory. 😉
The Baazar & Cruise
While taking the elevator down beside the Putra Mosque, you will stumble upon a great length show of bazaar selling various kinds of local souvenirs and gifts.
One more floor downwards and you will reach the basement of the mosque which is the food court selling various types of local foods and more sight-seeing attractions.
Most of the food stalls are consists of the finest mamak restaurant, recommend to have their signature curry rice if you didn’t bring any bento lunch box.
As a first time visitor, it is also recommended to experience the lake cruise tour around Putrajaya where you can get a massive stunning view while cruising accoss the lake.
Price for cruise ride: RM15.00 (Malaysian Citizen), RM25.00 (Non-Malaysian Citizen)
Be sure to get there early to avoid human jam and heavy long queue!
Want to have a memorial picture with your families? At the basement bazaar, there are a few professional photographer stalls which offer a picture selfies service with their cute petting pet.
Parrot’s for the innocent ones while Python Snakes for the brave with the heart of steel!
Putrajaya Skyrides Park
The Skypark near Presint 2 is the best place for the family to have some leisure walk and rides. From here onwards, you can see a lot of people gathered around for outdoor activities during the weekend.
The rides renting services at the park entrance (by hourly) are consists of a different pattern of bikes and beca (tricycle), a great option to take if you would like to ride and circle the whole park with your families (hassle free).
If you are not renting any of them, you are still more than welcome to take pictures with those bikes and Beca by using your own cameras of course! 😉
The main attraction in the Putrajaya Skypark is none other than the first and biggest tethered helium balloon ride soaring up to 500ft into the sky.
Price for Skyride Balloon:
Malaysian Price – Adult: RM45.00 Child: RM35.00
Non-Malaysian Price – Adult: RM73.00 Child: RM65.00
Be sure to experience this Skyride Balloon which has been listed in the Malaysia Book of Record, fantastic 360° views over Putrajaya is what you can expect from it.
Putrajaya Millenium Monument
Moving further into the Skypark you will be reaching the Putrajaya Millenium Monument which is shaped like an obelisk with etchings denoting important periods and milestones in the nation’s history.
It definitely seems like a rocket at first glance but surely you will slowly get used (the shape) to it.
As you walk up along the huge walkway of the Monument, you will be able to see the information that is engraved on the plates of the building.
They provide a macro overview of the country’s history starting from the Malacca Sultanate, the stories of local leaders who rose to fight for the independence of the country, the technological advancement of the country in making cars, the transportation system of the country and other mega projects undertaken by the Government of Malaysia.
The success stories of Malaysia embedded here are a reminder to the younger generation of the sacrifices that the leaders of the country have made.
The Monument building is situated near the Putrajaya Lake. You will be able to see the signature bridges and other landmarks of the city from this Monument.
But firstly, there is some climbing work to do (at least 3 stories high) and you will surely being reward with the best scenic view in Putrajaya.
Putrajaya Public Facilities
Small grocer stall scattering all around Putrajaya City selling various types of local snacks and beverages. Not considered a proper meal but at least something to chew on.
The Putrajaya Information Centre for those who are lost or have any inquiries. Best spot to take a small break especially have FREE air-cond inside 😉
Cheap and convenient bike renting using ofo apps, basically can be seen anywhere around Putrajaya city. Just rent one of them when you feel lazy to walk!
Funny Moment Encounters
During the shootings, we happen to bump into these lovely Malay family with 4 kids (all daughters).
A combination of happy mother, innocent happy daughters and a young pathetic labour father!
Pity the dad who has to cover the “pushing job” all the way down the street in order to move the cars (cause all inside want to enjoy aje) 😉
Imagine how grateful we are when we finally see “KFC” from far away while suffering under hot sunny days, staying with the curiosity mind by keep thinking “since when KFC changed their business model into small Lori type?” while running towards it.
The very famous ‘KFC” turns out to present in this way! As a fellow Malaysian what to do, must support also right, but actually tastes quite palatable if you are not picky enough (maybe due to staggering hungry level). 😉
Direction Guide:
By Light Rail Transit System (LRT) :
- Sentral-KLIA route, drop off at Putrajaya
By Bus :
- Rapid KL U42 from Putrajaya – Serdang KTM Komuter
- Rapid KL U43 from Putrajaya – Bandar Utama
- Rapid KL T429 from Putrajaya – Cyberjaya
By Taxi or GrabCar
- Just call and book at your convenient time
