Putrajaya formerly known as Perang Besar is located 25 km south of Kuala Lumpur and also 20 km from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at Sepang. The federal seat of the government was shifted from Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya in 1999 due to the overcrowding and congestion in the nation’s capital. Putrajaya now serves as the federal administrative centre of Malaysia.
A brainchild of former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohammad, Putrajaya is situated within the multi-media corridor and takes its name after the first Malaysian Prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, combined with “Jaya” which means victory in Sanskrit.
Putrajaya sits on a magnificent spread of 4,931 hectares on an axial tangent from northeast to southeast taking full advantage of the natural surroundings. Its undulating terrain offers commanding views of the landscape to visitors. Double click the map for a closer look!
About 70% of Putrajaya is covered with lush greenery and botanical gardens enhanced by large bodies of water and wetlands.
At the very heart of Putrajaya is the Putrajaya Wetland housing the Putrajaya Lake. The Putrajaya Lake is designed to act as a natural cooling system for the city and a means of water transport. The 650-hectare lake is also used for recreational purposes like fishing and water sports while supporting water transport. The Lake and Wetland are two of the most distinctive features of the city.
Covering a total area of 335 hectares, the wetland environment consists of 24 wetland cells built along the arms of the Chua and Bisa rivers. Marshes and swamps were developed in the cells by transplanting more than 70 species of wetland plants form the Putrajaya Wetland Nursery. This was later enhanced by twenty-four species of indigenous fish to enhance the biological diversity of the area.
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The gateway to the wetlands, Taman Wetland, houses a Nature Interpretation Centre, a souvenir shop, a wetland diorama, handicraft displays, an AV room and Wetland Café. The 25 meter high lookout tower offers a bird's eye view of Putrajaya and its wildlife sanctuary. Taman Wetland is also a wildlife sanctuary, attracting several species of local marshland, water and migratory birds form the Northern Hemisphere.
Putrajaya Wetlands were carved out from rubber and oil palm plantations. Today they’re believed to be the largest man-made fresh water wetlands in the tropics, and the first of its kind in Malaysia. This wetland is a place where geology, hydrology and biology have come together as a result of human ingenuity and technology.
The Putra Bridge that spans over the lake and connects the Government Precinct at its north and the Mixed Development Precinct at its south, while linking Dataran Putra with the Boulevard, is another highlight of the city. The bridge is 435 meters long and was designed with inspiration from the Khalu Bridge in Isfahan, Iran. Described as a unique twin deck bridge with multi pillar supports – the Putra bridge is not only the main source of access for vehicles, light rail and even pedestrians, but is also home to many restaurants offering traditional as well as eclectic cuisine.
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The Dataran Putra is a 300-meter circular symbolic core adorned with light and water features and is surrounded by Perdana Putra (which is the prime minister’s office), Masjid Putra, Putra Bridge and the Promenade. Together they constitute a most impressive showcase of Putrajaya's unique architectural corridor.
The core of the city houses all federal Government buildings on the north. The Perdana Putra is located on Putra Boulevard overlooking the Dataran Putra. The Putrajaya International Convention Center (PICC), a magnificent structure with a unique shaped roof resembling a cowboy hat, adorns the other end of the boulevard.
The Dataran Putra is made of concentric circles and shows the progression of Malaysia and its status through the years since independence in 1957. The outermost circle is divided into 11 segments, and is in the pattern of an 11-pointed star that represents the 11 states as of August 1957. The inner 13-pointed star represents the 13 states that formed Malaysia in 1963 and the 14-pointed star includes the new addition of the Federal Territory. These progressive arrangements culminate in the centre as a circle that symbolizes the ultimate goal of unity.
Situated next to the lake, the Masjid Putra is a harmonious mix of Islamic influences from countries like Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Morocco. One of the most striking features of this mosque is its minaret standing 116 meters tall and designed after the Sheikh Oman Mosque in Baghdad. The main entrance to the mosque is patterned after the gates of Persia.
Its five-tiers represent the five pillars of Islam and its five call to prayers, and it has a large courtyard called the “Sahn” dedicated to commemorate the life of the Prophet.
The landmark of Putrajaya is Mercu Tanda, a structure shaped like a time capsule symbolizing the beginnings of Putrajaya. Though its concept is modern and hi-tech the structure uses many contemporary and traditional motifs. The compound is beautifully landscaped with trees and water fountains.
From its unique wetlands to its urban lung with malls, gazebos, pergolas, fountains and modern buildings - Putrajaya offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
