Putrajaya: Vision City
[Photo Gallery]

Putrajaya, the ‘Intelligent Garden City’ and federal administrative capital of Malaysia is a carefully planned township which emphasizes on preservation of the environment. The central 650 ha manmade lake, in addition to acting as a climate moderator also allows visitors a unique opportunity to cruise around the cityin either a small 4/6-seater gondola-like perahu boat or the large 76-seater air-con boat. Alternatively you can of course opt for conventional land tours. Putrajaya with its serenity, breathtaking architectural wonders and wondrous gardens has a unique character all its own.

Geography
Putrajaya covers an area of approximately 4,932 ha. It is strategically located centralised about 25 km south of Kuala Lumpur and 20 kilometers from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at Sepang. While the city has all the trappings of a modern metropolis its architecture and street decorations draw upon local and regional traditions and customs. Domed buildings combine the traditional Moorish style with modern steel and glass features. It is an interesting blend that gives Putrajaya a truly distinctive appearance.

History
The Putrajaya project which began in 1993 still continues to grow gradually. Officially declared the new Federal Administrative capital in 1999, in 2001 Putrajaya became a self-governing federal territory (wilayah persekutuan). Formerly known as Perang Besar the city was renamed after the first Malaysian Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra. "Putra" is a Malay word which means prince while "Jaya" is also the Malay term for ‘excellent’ or ‘success’.

Getting There & About
The fastest mode of transport to get to Putrajaya is using the high speed rail link, the ERL Link which transits at the Western Transportation Terminal in Precinct 7. You can get on the train at the KL Sentral station.

Other modes include bus services and taxis. Bus Services available include the Klang-Banting Bus service, the Cityliner service as well as the Sepang Omnibus. To get around Putrajaya there is a bus service called the ‘Nadi Putra’.

Heritage Discovery
The Millennium Monument
The Millennium Monument, the first national monument to be built in Putrajaya, celebrates the country's history and achievements. The solid metal Millennium monument shaped like a Bunga Raya (Hibiscus) is 68m tall and stands in a 25-hectare park in Precinct 2.

Perdana Putra
The Perdana Putra building, overlooking the Putrajaya Lake, houses the offices of the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and several other ministerial departments. Its design incorporates elements of Islamic-Mogul architecture while its green pitched roof converges at the onion-shaped glazed mosaic main dome surrounded by four smaller domes. Wrought iron bunga raya (hibiscus) motifs and stone carvings decorate the main block.

Sri Perdana
Seri Perdana is the official residence of the Prime Minister of Malaysia. It comprises three blocks and a main reception/protocol block. Its design is predominantly Malay and Islamic with incorporation of several western and contemporary elements. Its location offers a panoramic view of the city and it is also surrounded by attractively landscaped grounds which are divided into seven zones, each with its own characteristics. The main reception/protocol block and the banquet block are the formal guest areas and are open to guided tours.

Arts & Cultural Exploration
Putra Mosque
The pink-domed Putra Mosque constructed of rose-tinted granite is a much visited landmark in Putrajaya. It comprises three main functional areas i.e. the prayer hall, the Sahn or courtyard, and also has auditoriums, seminar rooms, a manuscript room and a library. 12 columns support the simple and elegant prayer hall with its highest point being below the dome at 250 feet. The Sahn, landscaped with its decorative water features and bordered by colonnades creates a welcoming, calm ambience. The Putra Mosque minaret is influenced by the design of the Sheikh Omar Mosque in Baghdad. At 116m, it is the tallest minaret in the region and has five tiers, representing the Rukun Islam or the Five Pillars of Islam. The basement wall of the mosque resembles that of the King Hassan Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. The impressive Mosque can accommodate up to a total of 15,000 worshippers at any one time.

Seri Bakti Bridge
The 270m long bridge design is influenced by Islamic architecture, featuring a minaret-type pavilion structure with an observation deck constructed on each pier.

Seri Perdana Bridge
Inspired by Moorish Islamic architecture, the 370m-long bridge is built across the lake. It has eight rest areas, with minarets of different styles.

Putra Bridge
Spanning 435-m the two-tiered Putra Bridge connects the Government Precinct to the Mixed Development Precinct. With its design inspired by the Islamic architecture of the famous Khaju Bridge in Isfahan, Iran it has four minaret-type piers with observation decks, overlooking the Putrajaya Lake.

Seri Wawasan Bridge
The Seri Wawasan Bridge with its combination of cable backstays and structural steel tie-back is inspired by the look of a futuristic sail boat. It is one of the memorable features in Putrajaya

Putrajaya International Convention Centre
Shaped in the form of the traditional ‘wau bulan’ (moon kites) famous in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and the ornamental pending perak (silver royal belt buckle) the Putrajaya International Convention Centre is a spectacular sight when all lit up at night.

National Space Agency (ANGKASA)
The Malaysian National Space Agency (ANGKASA) which is responsible in leading and observing the development of space science in Malaysia is headquartered in Putrajaya. In addition to national level functions the Agency also contributes to educating and exposing the public to space sciences via various avenues. Among this was the recently held Malaysia International Space Adventure (MISA) Exhibition where visitors were almost literally able to "Experience Space On Earth".

Eco-Adventures
Parks & Gardens
Taman Botani
Taman Botani (Botanical Gardens) covers an area of over 92 hectares and houses some 700 species of local plants as well as those from the African and Asia-Pacific regions. It comprises 3 main sections which include flowers, ornamental plants and preservation/research. It is designed a national sanctuary housing Malaysian plants as well as a centre for education and research.

Taman Warisan Pertanian
Taman Warisan Pertanian showcases the agricultural development of more than 170 traditional Malaysian cash crops such as rubber, cocoa, palm oil, fruits, herbs and spices. Among the many attractions are the Visitors' Complex, an Orchard, a Herbs and Spices Track, Rubber Tree Plot and Viewing Deck. You can also observe agriculture-related activities such as latex collection from rubber trees and its coagulation before being rolled into rubber sheets.

Taman Wetland (Wetland Park)
Taman Wetland, a large manmade freshwater wetland, the first of its kind in Malaysia, comprises Wetland Park (138 hectares) along with several outlying wetland areas (197 hectares). There are 24 wetland 'cells' in Taman Wetland and the main habitats are marshes, swamp forests and open water areas like ponds and lakes. The park is said to have attracted several species of local and exotic marshland birds which include the Little Egret, Little Green Heron and Cinnamon Bittern. You can start your visit at the Wetland Park Visitors' Centre which houses a Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC), an 80m-high look-out tower which offers a bird's eye view of Putrajaya, two nature trails, a wetland plant nursery, a flamingo pond, picnic areas and other public amenities.

Events, Fiestas, Fairs & Festivals
Dataran Putra (Putra Square)
Dataran Putra was designed to be the nation’s leading centre for staging national events and formal parades. It comprises an outer 11-pointed star, which represents the 11 states existing when Malaysia gained Independence, followed by an inner 13-pointed star representing the subsequent growth to 13 states of Malaysia, and an innermost 14-pointed star that represents the states as well as the Federal Territory.

Malaysia Flora Fest 2008
You can get a fascinating glimpse of splendid displays of breathtaking, colourful blossoms. Themed as 'Colours of Harmony', the event will feature the Floral Parade which showcases beautifully decorated floats not only from Malaysia but also from neighbouring countries. Bazaars, competitions, exhibitions and workshops add to the fun.

Tourist Information Centre
Putrajaya Information Centre
Tel: 603-8888 7272.