Picture-perfect landscape

Back in 1999, the seat of government was shifted from Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya during the tenure of prime minister Mahathir bin Mohamad. Well planned and aesthetically pleasing, the new city takes its design cues from a variety of foreign influences, from the wide boulevards of Paris’s Avenue des Champs-Elysees to Islamic architecture, manifest in the Persian-style rose-tinted granite of Masjid Putra to the massive gateway of the Perbadanan Putrajaya Complex. The latter also comes equipped with a deck that offers a grandstand view of the symmetrical city. Putrajaya’s eight bridges are another highlight, displaying a variety of architectural styles, such as the Seri Perdana Bridge, with its many shades of yellow Moorish arches crossing over the city’s man-made lake, or the Seri Wawasan Bridge, a modernist cable-stayed bridge that offers an impressive light show after sunset.

Adrenaline rush

Putrajaya might be labeled a government center, but there’s plenty on offer for outdoor enthusiasts. Get your sweat on and push your limits at Putrajaya Challenge Park (www.ppj.gov.my, entry RM6 [B48]), which comprises a skate park, mountain bike trails, and an indoor rock climbing gym that claims to be the largest in Asia. For fans of the Ninja Warrior TV series, SkyRides Festivals Park (www.fb.com/skyridesfestivals, free admission) challenges you with its SkyWarrior, a seven-station obstacle course over water that challenges both your body and mind. In addition, there are also plenty of water activities on offer at Putrajaya Lake Recreation Center (www.cruisetasikputrajaya.com) such as kayaking and canoeing in the lake where the Formula 1 Powerboat World Championship recently took place.

Mother of all gardens

Putrajaya is now home to state-of-the-art technology, but it was originally envisioned to be a garden city. It lives up to this hype, too, thanks to about 38 percent of the total area dedicated to artificial lakes, wetlands and parks. Make sure you visit Taman Botani (www.tbnsa.gov.my, entry RM3 [B24]), considered Malaysia’s biggest botanical garden, where over 700 species of plants from South America, Africa and Asia reside. Nature trails, cycling paths and tram services allow you to enjoy the 92 hectares of lush greenery at your own pace. Nestled within this park you’ll also find the beautiful Moroccan Pavilion, whose intricate craftsmanship showcases Moorish architecture of the sort found in places like Cordoba and Granada, Spain. 

Tip

Although Putrajaya is a largely dry city, nearby Cyberjaya is another relatively new development that aims to be the Silicon Valley of Malaysia. Here, you'll find bars and restaurants that offer booze throughout the night. It’s about 10 minutes away by car—using Grab is probably your best bet. 

Essentials