A trip to the Federal Territory of Putrajaya, Malaysia

Putrajaya serves as the federal administrative center of Malaysia. Due to the congestion in Kuala Lumpur, the government offices were transferred to Putrajaya in 1999 which is located 25 km south of the Malaysia's capital - Kuala Lumpur.  In 2001, Putrajaya became Malaysia's third Federal Territory after Kuala Lumpur and Labuan.  Putrajaya was named after the first Malaysian Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra,  and a brainchild of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad.

Putrajaya also offers a residential area which is included in the 4,581 hectare land.  The planning of Putrajaya emphasizes the preservation of  the environment while promoting Malaysia's architecture so around 40% of Putrajaya is natural. Botanical gardens are spread out in the area and enhanced by large bodies of  man-made lake and wetlands. If you are into architecture, expect one that is  influenced by Malay, Islamic and European architecture.

 Places of Interest:

1) Putra Mosque - a pink Persian dome built out of rose-tinted granite and can accommodate  around 15,000 worshipers at any one time. According to Tourism Malaysia, the basement wall of the mosque resembles that of the King Hassan Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco and its impressive minaret is influenced by the design of the Sheikh Omar Mosque in Baghdad. At 116m, it is one of the tallest minarets in the region and has five tiers, representing the Five Pillars of Islam.

 

2) Perdana Putra - is the Prime Minister's Department Complex housing several government buildings and agencies. It is located adjacent to Putra Mosque.

3) Putrajaya Convention Centre (PICC) - is the main convention centre in Putrajaya. It is designed in the shape of a silver Malay royal belt buckle and  strategically located on top of a hill, and facing the lake.

4)  Millennium Monument - also knows as Monumen Alaf Baru  is 68 meters tall National Monument of Malaysia and looks like a missile but actually it in the shape of the national flower- the hibiscus. It  has etchings denoting important periods and milestones in the nation’s history.  

5) Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque - is the second principal mosque constructed in Putrajaya after the Putra Mosque. Also known as Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin or the Iron Mosque, the mosque can accommodate 20,000 worshipers.

6) Istana Darul Ehsan - is a Royal Retreat for the Sultan of Selangor (Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah) and it is not open to the public . According to Wikipedia, it consists of 6 stories and lift services; the area included guarded private spaces, personal library and Grand Lobby (the floor covered by Malaysian marble).

7)  Istana Kehakiman or Palace of Justice - houses the judicial department and courts.

8) Perbadanan Putrajaya Complex-   is a conference facility and an auditorium, it a contemporary interpretation of traditional Islamic architecture. The complex is located just opposite Palace of Justice.

9) Seri Wawasan Bridge-  is the longest bridge in Putrajaya and well known for its futuristic sail boat design

10) Seri Saujana Bridge- is a cable-stayed bridge with a span of 300m with a width of 32m. This is a major bridge in Putrajaya.

11) Seri Gemilang Bridge- is categorized as a ceremonial bridge in Putrajaya, Malaysia. It connects Heritage Square with Putrajaya Convention Centre.  The bridge has a main span of 120 metres.

They also have a cruise available to enjoy the place:

  

Putrajaya is located in between the airport (KLIA) and Kuala Lumpur. It is about 45mins to 1 hour drive from KL and 20mins drive from the airport.  Either from KL or the airport, the fastest way to go to Putrajaya is thru KLIA Transit Train and take the stop at Putrajaya Cyberjaya. From the train station you can either take the bus or taxi to Putrajaya.

Next time you visit Kuala Lumpur for a glimpse of Petronas Tower, drop a visit to Putrajaya, it will surely be worth the extra trip. Enjoy Putrajaya!

my recent trip to Putrajaya with relatives

Check also my blog of other interesting places in Malaysia :
- Mount Mat Chinchang, Langkawi Island
- I-City Shah Alam
- Port Dickson
- Batu Caves

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