Children having a splashing time at Gemilang Square in Precinct 4.
Being based in Putrajaya, I often drive along its scenic bridges, past the beautiful architectural landmarks while attending one of the major events held here such as the annual International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.
However, when I tell my friends about visiting Putrajaya, most of them would say things like, “It is too far away”, “What is there to do?” “Isn’t it filled with just government buildings?” and the most common, “It is a dead place after 5pm and during weekends”.
In my opinion, there are lots of things to do in the country’s administrative capital if you know where to look. Here are just some of them.
Family fun at Dataran Gemilang
Dataran Gemilang or Gemilang Square in Precinct 4 comes alive every Sunday evening, from 5pm to 7pm, with families enjoying quality time together.
There are two pools and a fountain at the square for children to play and swim in.
Vendors sell food and drinks and toys there, including soap bubble solutions.
Zarah Rashid, 22, and her family were seen having fun there recently.
“I often bring my friends from out of town to visit Putrajaya. There are many attractions here such as parks and the Morocco Pavilion (Astaka Morocco),’’ she said.
Also spotted were Seri Kembangan resident Abdul Razak Abd Mubin and his wife Norabiqah Talib, who were teaching their son how to roller blade.
Nurse Daili Mohamad from Bangi, was there for a picnic with family members staying in Banting and Puchong.
“We come here almost every Sunday as it’s a nice place to relax in,” she said.
Get close to nature at the parks
Developed as an “intelligent garden city”, there are many parks and green areas.
In fact, Putrajaya Corporation Landscape and Parks Department deputy director Haslinda Khalid said some 40% of Putrajaya is preserved for nature with 60,000 plants.
Among the parks are the Putrajaya Challenge Park, Taman Warisan Pertanian, Equestrian Park, Botanical Park, Putrajaya Wetlands Park and Taman Putra Perdana.
At the Botanical Park located on the Northern section of Precinct 1, there are herbarium and botanical guided tours, canopy walk, picnics by the lake, fish feeding, and master gardener workshops. There is also a restaurant by the lake,
Family day events, weddings, scientific expeditions for research and plant collection, cycling events and tram tours are also conducted here.
The Agriculture Heritage Park (Taman Warisan Pertanian) in Precinct 16 showcases agriculture and agricultural activities as well as 180 species of flora such as herbs and spices, seasonal and non-seasonal crops, and rare edible fruits. There is also a demonstration of rubber-tapping and the processing of rubber, traditional games at its viewing deck, padi plot, and buggy tours.
To know more about the parks in Putrajaya, call 03-8887 7135/7137.
Bird-watching at Putrajaya Wetlands Park
Putrajaya Wetlands Park or Taman Wetland Putrajaya in Precinct 13, is a popular spot for bird-watching and bird-feeding.
It is also a venue for camping, team-building, cycling, fishing, and family day events. There are also technical briefings about wetlands, scientific expeditions for research and plant collection, and tram tours.
Horsing around at Putrajaya Equestrian Park
For horse lovers, the Equestrian Park or Taman Ekuestrian Putrajaya is the place to be. The park recently introduced its Weekend Joy Ride on Feb 22.
For RM5, customers will be able to enjoy a three-minute joy ride at the Equestrian Field and redeem a 20% discount at the park’s Mangiamo! Cafe. The sessions are from 8am to 10am and 4pm to 6pm.
The park’s Shetland Pony, called Sultan is the star attraction.
He was recently broken and is now able to accept saddle/riders on his back.
To date, 400 vouchers have been sold.
Putrajaya Challenge Park
Put your physical strength to the test and try out wall-climbing, skateboarding, mountain bike tracks and dirt jump at the Putrajaya Challenge Park in Precinct 5. There are different challenges to cater to amateurs and enthusiasts so fret not if you are new to wall-climbing. To know more, visit www.facebook.com/putrajayachalenge.park
Special events
Putrajaya is a main venue for annual events such as the International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in March, Floria Putrajaya (Putrajaya Flower and Garden Festival) in June, Putrajaya International Fireworks Competition, and various water sports championships at the Putrajaya Water Sport Complex.
The upcoming Putrajaya International Book Fair (PIBF) promises to transport visitors to “Bookerville” from March 19 to 23 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.
Rujukan;
