Billed as an “Intelligent Garden City”, Putrajaya is landscaped with lush botanical gardens surrounding the centerpiece Putrajaya Lake. This attractive city, named after Malaysia’s first prime minister, features magnificent modern landmarks drawing on long-established traditions.
Things to do in Putrajaya
Putrajaya is noted for the late-20th-century architecture within its central Core District, including the grandiose Putra Mosque. Built from rose-colored granite, this house of worship has the capacity for 15,000 devotees to pray at any one time and its 116-metre-high minaret stands as the tallest in Southeast Asia.
Visit the Prime Minister’s office of Perdana Putra, which fuses Malay, Islamic and European architectural influences. It’s famous for its green dome that dominates the city’s skyline, while the opulent interior halls and meeting rooms are open to the public.
The Government and Mixed Development Precincts of Putrajaya are connected by the Putra Bridge, inspired by the Khaju Bridge in Esfahan, Iran. It features four minaret-style piers overlooking the lake, with three levels providing access for pedestrians, vehicles and a monorail system.
Visit the Botanical Gardens to find an impressive collection of Malaysian native plants. Wander through the pandanus and hibiscus plants along the Lakeside Garden, then admire the heliconias on the Explorer’s Trail.
Getting around Putrajaya
Putrajaya is around 30 minutes’ drive south of Kuala Lumpur and 20 minutes by train from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Public transport is limited, with taxis being the most convenient means of getting around. There is also a network of bicycle lanes if you want to cycle around town.