Malaysia’s Federal Territory of Putrajaya is the country’s administrative capital and one of its most pleasing modern cities, said to have been named to honour their first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. It’s a city that blends futuristic architecture with traditional Islamic styles beautifully. It is so close to Kuala Lumpur (only about 30 km to the south) that it’s worth seeing not only for its many majestic government buildings and mosques but also for its natural beauty and scenic spots. Tourists are treated to a host of different things to do in Putrajaya.
Also, check out this getaway guide to explore more destinations within 200 km of Kuala Lumpur.
Where is Putrajaya, and how can you reach it?
Kuala Lumpur is well connected to international destinations by air, and Putrajaya is just a short drive away. If you don’t have your car to get to the top Putrajaya tourist attractions, you can book a Grab cab, hop on a bus, or take the MRT using the Putrajaya Line from KLCC or Conlay station to Putrajaya Sentral. The KLIA Transit express train will take you from KL Sentral and Putrajaya Sentral in less than 20 minutes.
In case you have a long layover in KL, bookmark this guide to the best things to do at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Best time to visit Putrajaya
Malaysia enjoys a warm tropical climate, with high humidity and temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C throughout the year. The period with the lowest humidity to make the most of Putrajaya would be between March and April. Avoid visiting during the monsoon between May and October. But if you’re willing to risk a little rain to get better rates on hotels and attractions and to have fewer tourists competing for a piece of the pie, October might just work well for you.
For more details, check out this season-by-season guide to the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur.
Things to do in Putrajaya
- Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Pink Mosque: The gorgeous Putra Mosque, with its pink granite dome and tower gleaming beside a lake, is the most important mosque of Putrajaya. It can accommodate 15,000 worshippers at a time, and tourists can visit when the prayers aren’t on. While all visitors must dress conservatively, women are given pink robes with hoods to wear over their clothes when they visit this mosque.
- Ramble through the Putrajaya Botanical Garden: Known as Taman Botani by the locals, this serene green space is great for walks, cycling, and picnics on the grass.
- Enjoy Putrajaya Lake: At this massive 650-hectare manmade lake, you can walk, relax, and even indulge in water sports.
- Click photos of the Seri Wawasan Bridge: This very modern bridge, which resembles a ship, is especially worth seeing after dark, as it is illuminated beautifully.
- Get active at Marina Putrajaya: Older visitors would remember this as the Maritime Centre. Today, it’s a pretty marina with leisure activities and sports on offer.
- Be impressed by Seri Perdana and Perdana Putra: Catch a glimpse of the impressive residence and office complex of the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
- Discover Malaysia’s diverse natural beauty at Putrajaya Wetlands Park: Locals call it the Taman Wetlands. These artificially constructed freshwater wetlands are spread over 138 hectares. You can spot several plant and animal species of the region here.
- Go across the Putra Bridge: Said to be the longest bridge in Putrajaya, click a photo on this 435-metre-long bridge that takes you from the Heritage Square to the city’s Convention Centre.
- Pose at the Millennium Monument: The 68-metre-tall monument is as majestic as it is elegant. Resembling a pencil from afar, if you see it from above, it’s shaped like a hibiscus bloom!
- Explore the Palace of Justice: The grand palace, also known as the Istana Kehakiman, exhibits broad strokes of Islamic architecture with elements of the Palladian and Neoclassic. This five-storey structure has courts, offices, and a library, and it also has an interesting museum showcasing Malaysia’s judicial system.
- Visit the Putrajaya Equestrian Park: A throwback to colonial times, this modern 70-acre park has everything from stands, a polo field, paddocks, and a dressage arena.
Shopping in Putrajaya
Shopping is among the top things to do in Putrajaya, and malls such as the four-storey IOI City Mall (said to be the largest in South Klang Valley with more than 350 lifestyle and entertainment options) or the sprawling Alamanda in Precinct 1 are some of the most popular tourist attractions. There’s not too much chaotic street shopping in this charmingly organised city.
Best cafes in Putrajaya
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While KL’s food scene is beyond sensational, Putrajaya isn’t too shabby either. It has a great line-up of restaurants and cafes that cater to every customer, regardless of mood or moolah-power. Of the many Putrajaya tourist attractions, the lakeside is perhaps the best spot to enjoy some excellent F&B, from Umai Café to Indus Putrajaya near the marina. Putrajaya has everything from posh places such as the elegant INaRA Kafe Putrajaya, trendy ones like Padi House and Restoran Gegey, and out-and-out coffee spots like The Coffee Department at Institut Kanser Negara. Try Malaysian at Q Bistro, Muslim Chinese cuisine at Homst, western fare at Kenny Hills Bakers in IOI City Mall, steak at House of Grill by Chef Razman, seafood at Shell Out, fish-head curry at Nelayan Kitchen, gourmet burgers at Woodfire, Japanese at Midori, Arabic Yemeni at Balqis, and a lavish Nasi Kandar Penang at the Line Clear Restaurant!
Shop the best travel experiences here
Top hotels in Putrajaya
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While you’re planning all the things to do in Putrajaya, pencil in one of these superb five-star properties as your base to explore all it’s tourist attractions… Le Meridien has a beautiful outdoor pool and three restaurants. It is also connected to Malaysia’s largest mall, IOI City, and the IOI Grand Exhibition Centre. The Marriott at the IOI Resort City boasts a mini water park, making it ideal for a family vacation. DoubleTree by Hilton Lakeside is a luxury resort in the city’s centre, with a world-class spa and water activities on the lake.
Alternatively, go for the best hotels in Kuala Lumpur if you want to enjoy maximum luxury in the Malaysian capital.
Tips for visitors
- As the seat of power in Malaysia, remember to conduct yourself with decorum, especially around the official buildings.
- While visiting mosques and other places of worship, dress conservatively and refrain from taking selfies in inappropriate poses.
- Follow the rules, written and implied, wherever you go.
(Feature image credit: ReubenST, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)
This story first appeared here.