Putrajaya Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food to try and things to do in Putrajaya. Get insider tips on cultural attractions, hiking and biking routes, itineraries, local culture and customs, safety tips, transportation options, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Putrajaya

Putrajaya is a planned city in Malaysia, located in the West Coast region and designed as the administrative capital of the country. It is a modern city that showcases an amalgamation of Islamic architecture and technology in its landmarks and infrastructure. Putrajaya is an essential city in Malaysia’s tourism industry, owing to its grand and aesthetically pleasing buildings, cultural attractions, parks, and natural beauty.

List of Places to Visit in Putrajaya

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Putrajaya Maritime Centre: The Putrajaya Maritime Centre features a rich collection of maritime artefacts, including models of ships, boat accessories, and a real-life ship engine.

  2. Taman Warisan Pertanian: This traditional park is dedicated to preserving agriculture and is also known as the Agricultural Heritage Park. It is a must-visit for those interested in exploring the nation’s agricultural history, with various sections showcasing crops, herbs, spices, and plants.

  3. Putrajaya Landmark: A skyscraper visible from miles away, the Putrajaya Landmark is one of the standout buildings in Putrajaya. It is 125 meters tall and houses various government departments.

Natural Attractions of Putrajaya: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Putrajaya Botanical Garden: Spanning over 92 hectares, this grand garden is home to a diverse range of plant species, both local and exotic. The garden is separated into various sections, including a cactus garden, palm hill, and a tropical rainforest.

  2. Putrajaya Wetlands Park: The Putrajaya Wetlands Park is best explored on foot or by boat and features various trails to observe migratory birds and reptiles. It aims to preserve the surrounding ecosystem as well as educate visitors on the importance of maintaining biodiversity.

  3. Putrajaya Lake: A picturesque lake located in the center of the city, Putrajaya Lake is an ideal spot for a scenic stroll, boating, and photographing the iconic bridges.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Putrajaya

Putrajaya features an extensive network of cycling and hiking trails, making it an ideal destination for fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers. Cycling is a popular activity in Putrajaya, and visitors can rent bicycles at various parks and trails. Some of the famous biking and hiking routes in Putrajaya are;

  • Putrajaya Botanical Garden Foot and Cycling Path
  • Taman Rimba Alam
  • Taman Wetland

Best Things to Do in Putrajaya: Activities and Tours

  1. Hot Air Balloon Ride: Take a hot air balloon ride to experience Putrajaya’s beautiful skyline from above.

  2. Lake Cruise: Enjoy a scenic cruise on Putrajaya Lake while learning about the city’s landmarks and history.

  3. Skyrides: Get a panoramic view of Putrajaya from above on the Skyrides Balloon, which can go up to a maximum height of 150m.

Week-Long Itinerary for Putrajaya

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Putrajaya Landmark and Mosque
Day 2 Explore the Putrajaya Botanical Garden
Day 3 Visit Taman Warisan Pertanian
Day 4 Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Day 5 Have a Lake Cruise
Day 6 Visit Putrajaya Maritime Centre
Day 7 Explore the Putrajaya Wetlands Park

Food and Drink Scene of Putrajaya

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Satay: Barbecued meat skewers served with peanut sauce, onions, and ketupat (rice cakes).

  2. Laksa: A spicy noodle soup made with fish or chicken and coconut milk, served with beansprouts and lime.

  3. Nasi Lemak: Malaysia’s national dish, which consists of fragrant rice cooked with coconut milk, served with sambal (chili paste), anchovies, peanuts, and cucumber.

Local Beverages

  1. Teh Tarik: A spiced tea made with condensed milk and served hot.

  2. Milo Dinosaur: A hot drink made with milo, condensed milk, and topped with milo powder.

  3. Coconut Water: A refreshing drink, perfect for the hot Malaysian weather.

Where to Stay in Putrajaya: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Putrajaya features a range of accommodation options, catering to different preferences and budgets.

Luxury Hotels

  • Shangri-La Hotel, Putrajaya
  • Marriott Putrajaya
  • Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside

Budget-Friendly Accommodation

  • Zenith Putrajaya
  • Putrajaya Marriott Courtyard
  • The Everly Putrajaya

What to Buy in Putrajaya: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Batik: A traditional Malaysian fabric featuring intricate designs and patterns.

  2. Pewter: Putrajaya is famous for its pewter products, including statues, tableware, and jewelry.

  3. Traditional Craft: Pottery, woodcarvings, and other traditional crafts are readily available at the Putrajaya Bazaar and Night Market.

Local Culture and Customs of Putrajaya

Putrajaya is a modern city, but visitors should still show respect for local customs and beliefs. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and remove shoes before entering prayer areas. When eating with locals, it is customary to use your right hand or utensils while dining.

Best Time to Visit Putrajaya

Putrajaya is a year-round destination, and the weather rarely affects tourism activities. However, the best time to visit is between April to October, when the skies are clear, and the temperatures are lower.

Do’s and Don’ts of Putrajaya

Do:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
  • Use your right hand or utensils when eating with locals
  • Hike and bike responsibly, sticking to designated trails

Don’t:

  • Consume alcohol in public
  • Show public displays of affection
  • Be disrespectful towards the monarchy or religion

Safety and Health

Safety in Putrajaya

Putrajaya is generally a safe place, but visitors should take necessary precautions when traveling around. Keep your belongings safe, and do not walk alone at night.

Health in Putrajaya

Ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling to Putrajaya. Mosquito-borne illnesses are a risk in Malaysia, so it is advisable to use insect repellent and wear protective clothing.

Getting to Putrajaya: Transportation Options and Logistics

Putrajaya is well connected by public transport from Kuala Lumpur.

Airports Near Putrajaya

  • Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
  • Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2)

Bus Stations Near Putrajaya

  • Putrajaya Sentral Bus Terminal

Other Options

  • Train: Visitors can take the KLIA Transit Train, which stops at Putrajaya Sentral Station.
  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available, but visitors should negotiate fares before getting into the car.

How to Get Around in Putrajaya

Visitors can explore Putrajaya by bus and taxi, or rent bicycles to cycle around the parks and trails.

Where to Go Next from Putrajaya: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Kuala Lumpur: The capital city of Malaysia is only 25 kilometers from Putrajaya, making it an easy excursion.

  2. Malacca: A historical city, Malacca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its Portuguese-style architecture and the famous chicken rice ball dish.

  3. Port Dickson: A coastal town with beautiful beaches and seafood restaurants.

Conclusion

Putrajaya is a unique city in Malaysia, showcasing a blend of modern infrastructure and traditional Islamic architecture. It is a must-visit destination for those interested in cultural attractions, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore the city’s landmarks, parks, and scenic trails, enjoy various activities and tours, and sample the local cuisine while staying in comfortable accommodation. Putrajaya’s proximity to Kuala Lumpur and other nearby destinations makes it an excellent base for travelers exploring Malaysia’s West Coast region.

Putrajaya Landmark at dusk Putrajaya Landmark at dusk Seri Wawasan Bridge, Putra Mosque, Putra Perdana Seri Wawasan Bridge, Putra Mosque, Putra Perdana In the courtyard of the Putra Mosque In the courtyard of the Putra Mosque Putrajaya Wetlands Park Putrajaya Wetlands Park The pool at the Pulse Grande The pool at the Pulse Grande